Li Si slanders Han Fei’s rhetoric as deceptive. He proposes detaining Han’s king, military intimidation, and gradual annexation to weaken rivals and unify China.
Han Fei is accused of cunningly serving Han while advising Qin. He uses rhetoric to hide motives, prioritize Han’s interests, and advance his own status.
Li Si refutes Han Fei, arguing Han is a hidden threat to Qin. Its submission is fake; attack it first, or it may ally with rivals and endanger Qin.
Han Fei advises Qin: use diplomacy to win Chu/Wei, ally with Han, strike Zhao. War is risky; reckless moves isolate Qin and court disaster.
Han Fei warns Qin: attacking loyal, weak Han is a mistake. Ignore Zhao’s threat, drain strength, empower rivals, and risk unification failure.
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.