Han Feizi – Chapter 33.6

Classic VI

When the ducal house is weak, frank speech is feared; when private conduct prevails, public merit becomes rare. This is illustrated by Wenzi’s frankness and Wuzi’s use of the staff; by Zichan’s loyal remonstrance and Ziguo’s angry rebuke; by Liang Che’s enforcement of the law and Marquis Cheng’s seizure of his seal; and by Guan Zhong’s impartiality, which brought him slander and resentment.

Note

This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 33.6 uses historical cases. It states that a weak ruling house discourages frank speech; private interests prevail and public merit fades, harming impartial official governance.

Han Feizi / Han Fei (c. 280–233 BCE):

A Legalist philosopher who argues that political order depends on strong public authority, clear laws, and proper rewards and punishments.

Ducal house (公室):

The ruling house of a state. When its power declines, ministers and noble families pursue private interests, and honest speech becomes dangerous.

Fan Wenzi / Fan Wuzi:

Father and son ministers of Jin. Wenzi liked to speak frankly at court; his father Wuzi struck him with a staff, warning that outspokenness could endanger both son and father.

Zichan and Ziguo:

Zichan was a famous statesman of Zheng. Ziguo, his father, rebuked him for being unusually loyal to the ruler, because such loyalty could isolate him from other ministers and bring danger.

Liang Che:

A newly appointed magistrate of Ye. When his own sister arrived after the city gate had closed and climbed over the wall, he punished her according to the law. Marquis Cheng of Zhao considered this unkind and removed him from office.

Marquis Cheng of Zhao / Zhao Chenghou:

A ruler of Zhao. His decision to punish Liang Che shows how personal notions of “kindness” can undermine the rule of law.

Seal:

An official seal or stamp symbolizing authority. To “seize the seal” meant to dismiss an official.

Guan Zhong and the border official:

On his way from Lu to Qi, Guan Zhong was hungry and asked a border official for food. The official later asked what reward he would receive if Guan Zhong gained power. Guan Zhong replied that he would appoint the worthy and reward merit, not give favors for private help, so the official resented him.

Private conduct vs. public merit:

Han Fei warns that when officials care more about personal relationships, favors, and reputation than about law and state service, the state loses capable and honest administrators.

经六

　　公室卑则忌直言，私行胜则少公功。说在文子之直言，武子之用杖；子产忠谏，子国谯怒；梁车用法而成侯收玺；管仲以公而国人谤怨。