Han Feizi argues reformers face five disadvantages against corrupt elites. Isolated, they risk execution or assassination.
Han Feizi states law-abiding statesmen and corrupt powerful ministers are irreconcilable foes. Rulers must back reformers to curb elites.
Han Feizi tells of the lord of Cao: rude to exiled Chong Er, ignored advice, later fell to Jin.
Han Feizi tells Han’s story: overconfident, it trusted Chu’s false aid, ignored warnings, and lost Yiyang.
Han Feizi tells Duke Huan’s downfall: ignored Guan Zhong’s warning, trusted treacherous ministers, died miserably.
Han Feizi tells of the Rong king: indulged in female entertainers, ignored advice, lost his realm to Qin.
Han Feizi tells Lord Zhi’s story: greedy and stubborn, he ignored warnings, lost allies, and perished.
Han Feizi tells Duke Ping’s tale: obsessed with decadent music, he ignored warnings, bringing drought and ruin.