SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.8

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from Canon Seven: Reversed Speech in Han Feizi. Han Fei advises rulers to feign appearances and speak ironically to probe suspects. By laying bait deliberately, the ruler lures suspicious figures into traps, forcing their treacherous true intentions to surface.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.7

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    Juan

    Classic VI: Asking While Knowing the Answer (Testing with Known Facts) If a ruler asks questions while already possessing the knowledge of the truth, those who are dishonest will be exposed; if a ruler thoroughly understands one specific matter, all hidden treacheries will be transformed. The proof of this lies in Marquis Zhao clutching…

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.6

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from Canon Five: Deceptive Commands in Han Feizi. Han Fei contends rulers should employ covert stratagems to create information asymmetry and psychological suspense. Keeping ministers guessing about his true intentions compels them to expose themselves and suspect one another, deterring reckless conduct.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.5

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    Juan

    This excerpt is from “Canon Four: Individual Hearing” in Han Feizi. 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.

  • 滥竽充数 (làn yú chōng shù)

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    Juan

    Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 滥竽充数Pinyin: làn yú chōng shùLiteral Meaning: Play the yu poorly merely to make up the number. Figurative definition Cultural & historical background This idiom comes from Han Feizi · Inner Congruences, Part I. The yu was an ancient wind instrument similar to the sheng. King Xuan of Qi enjoyed large‑scale…

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 30.4

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    Juan

    This excerpt comes from “Canon Three: Rewards and Praise” in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei argues rulers shall establish generous, trustworthy reward systems. Only when subjects are certain of returns for their efforts will they willingly brave deadly dangers, rising above instinctive fear and greed.