Han Feizi – Chapter 35.5

Section 5

When state affairs are handled according to proper principles, success is achieved without toil. This is shown by Zi Zheng, who sat on the carriage pole and sang, thereby urging the horses to climb the high ridge.

The danger lies in cases such as when Zhao Jianzhu allowed tax officials to set levies at their own discretion, creating disorder. Bo Yi remarked that “the state is full,” meaning that wealth appeared abundant but was actually intercepted by middle-ranking officials. Zhao Jianzhu was pleased by this, yet the treasury became empty, the people starved, and corrupt officials grew rich.

If governance is not conducted properly, the result is like the man of Yanling whose carriage could not move forward; Zaofu passed by and wept at the sight.

Note

This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 35.5 states sound statecraft brings effortless success. Through carriage‑related parables, it warns of corruption when tax officials act arbitrarily, causing empty treasuries and public hardship.

Han Feizi / Legalism:

Han Fei was a major Legalist thinker of the Warring States period. He emphasized that rulers should rely on clear laws, proper methods, and accountability rather than personal effort or vague benevolence.

Zi Zheng:

A figure cited by Han Fei to illustrate that proper technique allows one to achieve results with minimal effort. By singing while seated on the carriage pole, he motivated the horses to climb a steep slope without exhausting himself.

Zhao Jianzhu:

Also known as Zhao Yang, a powerful minister of the Jin state during the late Spring and Autumn period. He is cited here for allowing tax officials to set levies arbitrarily, which led to corruption and an empty treasury.

Bo Yi:

A figure who remarked that “the state is full,” pointing out that wealth was being intercepted by corrupt officials rather than reaching the ruler or the people.

“The state is full”:

A phrase meaning that the state appears prosperous on the surface, but in reality the wealth is held by middle-ranking officials, leaving the treasury empty and the people poor.

Man of Yanling:

A person whose carriage could not move forward, illustrating that even with good horses, improper handling leads to failure.

Zaofu weeping:

Zaofu, the legendary master charioteer, wept upon seeing the man of Yanling’s stalled carriage. This illustrates that even an expert recognizes the futility of poor governance or poor technique.

经五

　　国事之理，则不劳而成。故兹郑之踞辕而歌以上高梁也。其患在赵简主税吏清轻重；薄疑之言“国中饱”，简主喜而府库虚，百姓饿而奸吏富也。故桓公巡民而管仲省腐财怨女。不然，则在延陵乘马不得进，造父过之而为之泣也。