Han Fei cites history: brute force fails without wisdom. Qin has unmatched strength; he risks death to offer strategies to break alliances and unify China.
Han Fei blames Qin’s ministers for three blunders: sparing collapsing Zhao, failing to take Handan, wasting strength. Now Qin is weak, rivals unite.
Han Fei praises Qin’s strict laws, rewards and fearless soldiers. Yet worn arms, empty reserves and disloyal ministers stop it from achieving hegemony.
Han Fei mocks the anti-Qin alliance. Poor governance, empty treasuries, and unenforced rewards/punishments make them weak, destined to fail against Qin.
Han Fei declares his duty: speaking without understanding is unwise, silence while knowing truth is disloyal. He risks death to speak honestly for the state.
In ancient times, the human population was small while birds and beasts were numerous. People could not withstand the harm inflicted by wild animals, insects, and snakes.
by Han Fei Long ago, Duke Wu of Zheng wanted to attack the State of Hu.
by Han Fei Long ago, the Yellow Emperor assembled spirits and demons on Mount Tai.