The Duke of Yu coveted fine horses from Quchan and jade discs from Chuiji, ignoring the advice of Gong Zhiqi. Thus his state perished and he died. Hence the saying: “No regret is more bitter than craving for gain.”
Note
This passage presents a timeless political warning: uncontrolled craving for wealth and treasure blinds rulers to danger, bringing the most bitter regret of state collapse and personal death.
Late Warring‑States Legalist philosopher. This passage is from Illustrating Laozi (Yu Lao), his commentary on the Dao De Jing. He uses the fall of Yu to prove the danger of greedy desire.
Duke of Yu
Ruler of the small State of Yu in the Spring‑and‑Autumn period. His greed for treasures allowed the State of Jin to invade and destroy both Yu and Guo.
Gong Zhiqi
Loyal minister of Yu, who warned his lord against accepting bribes from Jin and predicted the state’s doom.
The Tale of Borrowing a Passage to Attack Guo
A famous pre‑Qin historical story: Jin bribed Yu with horses and jade to march through its territory to conquer Guo, then conquered Yu itself.
Craving for Gain as Fatal Regret
Han Fei connects personal greed to national ruin, showing how desire blinds rulers to political risk.
Legalist Warning against Covetousness
Rulers must reject material temptation and listen to loyal ministers to survive.
虞君欲屈產之乘，與垂棘之璧，不聽宮之奇，故邦亡身死，故曰：「咎莫憯於欲得。」
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