Ji Sun of Lu had just murdered his lord, and Wu Qi took office under him. Someone said to Wu Qi: “When a person dies, blood flows first; then the flesh shrivels, next the body turns to ashes, and finally blends into earth. Once it becomes earth, nothing can be altered. Now Ji Sun’s crime is still at the very start, like fresh blood after death the outcome is far from certain.” Thereupon Wu Qi left Lu and went to Jin.
Note
A newly erupted political crisis is full of uncertainties. Wise people can foresee hidden dangers and leave risky places in time to protect themselves.
Late Warring States Legalist philosopher, using this story to explain political judgment. This text is excerpted from Han Feizi, Chapter: The Forest of Persuasions (Part I).
Ji Sun
Powerful noble of Lu, who committed regicide and stirred up unrest.
Wu Qi
Renowned general and statesman. He was perceptive of political risks and made a timely retreat.
Lord of Lu
The ruler killed by Ji Sun.
Regicide
Killing one’s sovereign was the gravest treason in ancient society, which would trigger fierce turmoil and retaliation.
Figurative description
The process of a corpse decaying into earth is used to analogize the evolution of a political crisis. The early stage of trouble means great uncertainty.
Official migration
Scholars and generals of that era often traveled between states to seek positions and evade political disasters.
Assess the situation
A key survival skill for ancient politicians: judge the development of events and stay away from potential disasters.
魯季孫新弒其君，吳起仕焉。或謂起曰：「夫死者，始死而血，已血而衄，已衄而灰，已灰而土，及其土也，無可為者矣。今季孫乃始血，其毋乃未可知也。」吳起因去之晉。
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