Canon II
The ruler is like the hub of a light carriage, the point where benefit and harm converge. Many archers aim at it, so the ruler is constantly targeted. Thus, if the ruler’s likes and dislikes become visible, subordinates find occasions to exploit them, and the ruler becomes confused. If the ruler’s words are too explicit and unreserved, ministers find it difficult to speak, and the ruler loses his aura of inscrutability.
This is illustrated by Shen Buhai’s words on the “Six Cautions” and by Tang Yi’s remarks on shooting birds. Trouble appears in Guo Yang’s request to change policy and in King Xuan’s sigh, which others could exploit. The point is clarified by Lord Jingguo’s presentation of ten pairs of earrings, and by Xi Shou and Gan Mao listening secretly at a gate passage. Tangxi Gong understood statecraft, so he asked about a jade cup without a bottom. King Zhao of Han understood statecraft, so he slept alone after hearing private reports. The way of an enlightened ruler lies in Shen Buhai’s advice to decide independently.
Note
This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.2 states the ruler is the focal point of interests. Rulers must conceal personal preferences and keep secrets, making independent decisions to avoid manipulation by crafty ministers.
Han Feizi / Han Fei (c. 280–233 BCE):
A Legalist philosopher who focuses on how rulers can maintain authority amid court intrigue, competing interests, and ministers’ manipulation.
Hub of benefit and harm:
A metaphor meaning the ruler sits at the center of political pressure. Everyone tries to influence him for personal advantage.
Likes and dislikes:
In Legalist thought, a ruler must hide personal preferences. Once ministers know what the ruler loves or hates, they can flatter, deceive, or trap him.
A Legalist statesman known for “Shu,” or administrative method. His “Six Cautions” advise rulers to guard speech, emotion, and decision-making.
Tang Yi on shooting birds:
Shooting birds requires patience, concealment, and careful timing. The analogy suggests that rulers must act with similar caution.
Guo Yang’s request to change policy:
An example of how ministers may push for policy changes that serve private interests rather than the state.
King Xuan of Qi’s sigh:
A ruler’s emotional expression can be read by ministers as a signal, giving them leverage.
Lord Jingguo’s ten pairs of earrings:
An anecdote about testing loyalty or preference. By presenting earrings, one can observe who tries to match the ruler’s taste or gain favor.
Xi Shou and Gan Mao:
Xi Shou was a military figure; Gan Mao was a Qin statesman. Their appearance here illustrates how ministers may listen secretly and exploit information.
Tangxi Gong and the jade cup:
A cup without a bottom cannot hold liquid. The question implies that a ruler who cannot keep secrets cannot hold power.
King Zhao of Han / Han Zhao Hou:
A ruler associated with Shen Buhai’s methods. Sleeping alone after private consultations shows careful control of confidential information.
Independent decision / 独断:
Not arbitrary tyranny, but the ruler’s need to make final judgments without being captured by ministers’ factions.
经二
人主者，利害之轺毂也，射者众，故人主共矣。是以好恶见则下有因，而人主惑矣；辞言通则臣难言，而主不神矣。说在申子之言“六慎“，与唐易之言弋也。患在国羊之请变，与宣王之太息也。明之以靖郭氏之献十珥也，与犀首、甘茂之道穴闻也。堂谷公知术，故问玉卮；昭候能术，故以听独寝。明主之道，在申子之劝独断也。
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