Classic IV: Listening Individually
If a ruler listens to his ministers individually, the foolish and the wise will not be confused; if he holds his subordinates accountable, the incompetent will not be able to hide among the capable. The proof of this lies in “Demanding Zheng” and “Playing the Yu.” The danger of this method is seen in Shen Buhai using Zhao Shao and Han Ta to test the ruler’s intentions. Therefore, Prince Si was able to advise on ceding Hedong, and Marquis Ying was able to strategize on abandoning Shangdang.
Note
This excerpt is from “Canon Four: Individual Hearing” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei states that rulers must hear ministers individually and hold them accountable. Breaking group‑report cover‑ups distinguishes genuine talent from impostors, eliminating officials’ opportunities to form cliques and mislead the sovereign.
Nanguo Playing the Yu:
The origin of the famous Chinese idiom “滥竽充数” (to make up the numbers / to pass oneself off as having talent). During the reign of King Xuan of Qi, the royal orchestra required 300 yu (a reed instrument) players. Nanguo, who did not know how to play, successfully faked his way into the ensemble because the king only listened to the collective sound. When King Min succeeded him and demanded individual auditions, Nanguo fled. This is the ultimate metaphor for the necessity of individual performance reviews.
Demanding Zheng:
A diplomatic maneuver where the King of Wei tried to annex the State of Han (also known as Zheng) by arguing they were originally one state. The King of Han, after hearing the advice of a prince individually, used the exact same logic to offer to annex Wei instead, successfully deterring the invasion. It illustrates how individual consultations reveal true strategic wisdom.
Shen Buhai’s Test:
Shen Buhai (申不害, 申子), the Chancellor of Han, was asked by the State of Zhao to borrow troops to attack Wei. Afraid of offending either side, he secretly sent two officials, Zhao Shao (赵绍) and Han Ta (韩沓), to gauge the King of Han’s true intentions before making his own recommendation. Han Fei uses this to warn rulers that ministers may use the consultation process to manipulate the ruler or protect their own interests.
Prince Chi and Ceding Hedong:
When a coalition army threatened Qin, King Zhaoxiang considered ceding territory to buy peace. Chancellor Lou Huan (楼缓) gave a vague, evasive answer. The King then consulted Prince Chi (Prince Si, 公子池, 公子汜) individually, who bluntly stated that ceding land would cause regret, but losing the war would cause ruin. The King chose to cede the land. This shows how individual consultation cuts through bureaucratic buck-passing.
Marquis Ying and Abandoning Shangdang:
Fan Ju (Marquis Ying, 范雎), a famous strategist of Qin, successfully advised King Zhaoxiang on complex territorial strategies regarding Shangdang through direct, individual counsel, demonstrating the efficacy of bypassing collective court debates for decisive action.
Listening Individually and Holding Subordinates Accountable:
Han Fei’s antidote to organizational bloat and sycophancy. By forcing ministers to present their ideas and take responsibility individually, a ruler destroys the safety of the crowd, exposes incompetence, and prevents the formation of unified factions that can manipulate the throne.
经四 一听
一听则愚智不纷，责下则人臣不参。其说在”索郑”与”吹竽”。其患在申子之以赵绍、韩沓为尝试。故公子汜议割河东，而应侯谋弛上党。
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