Zhonghang Wenzi of Jin fled into exile and passed a county town. His attendant suggested: “The local magistrate here is your old acquaintance; why not lodge for a rest and wait for the trailing carriages?”
Wenzi said: “When I loved music before, he presented me a zither; when I fancied pendants, he gave jade rings. He indulged my whims to curry favor. Those who ingratiate themselves with me for gain will surely sacrifice me to win favor with others.” They left promptly. Sure enough, the magistrate seized two of Wenzi’s later carriages and presented them to his lord as tribute.
Note
People who curry favor by catering to one’s personal tastes out of self-interest will turn traitor and sacrifice you once you lose power.
Late Warring States Legalist, cites this historical story as a reference for monarchs to identify sycophantic subordinates.
Zhonghang Wenzi
Former senior minister of State of Jin, forced into exile amid domestic political strife.
Local magistrate (sefu)
An old acquaintance who curried favor when Wenzi held power and betrayed him after his downfall.
Spring and Autumn official custom
Local county administrators (sefu) managed regional civil affairs under feudal lords.
Sycophant logic in pre-Qin politics
Flatterers cater to dignitaries’ hobbies for personal advancement instead of sincere friendship.
Legalist personnel philosophy
Han Fei warns rulers to stay alert toward people who blindly please them with costly gifts.
晋中行文子出亡，过于县邑。从者曰：“此啬夫，公之故人。公奚不休舍，且待后车？“文子曰：“吾尝好音，此人遗我鸣琴；吾好佩，此人遗我玉环：是振我过者也。以求容于我者，吾恐其以我求容于人也。”乃去之。果收文子后车二乘而献之其君矣。
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