Qing Feng stirred up chaos in the State of Qi and planned to flee to Yue. A clansman said to him: “Jin is much nearer. Why not go there?” Qing Feng replied: “Yue is far away, which helps me escape misfortune.” The clansman commented: “If you reform your wicked ways, you can live safely even in Jin. If you keep your evil heart, even the distant Yue will never bring you peace.”
Note
This text is excerpted from Han Feizi, Chapter: The Forest of Persuasions (Part I). It tells that misfortune arises from one’s own evil intentions and deeds. Running away to a far place cannot solve problems. Only self-reform can bring lasting peace.
Late Warring States Legalist philosopher. He uses this story to illustrate the root of trouble lies within oneself.
Qing Feng
Qing Feng was an ambitious minister in the State of Qi. In 548 BCE, he conspired with Cui Zhu to assassinate Duke Zhuang of Qi. Later, he eliminated Cui Zhu’s family and seized sole power. However, his tyrannical rule caused resentment. Three other powerful families in Qi joined forces to attack him, forcing Qing Feng to flee. He sought refuge in the State of Wu, where he amassed great wealth. In 538 BCE, Chu led a coalition of feudal lords to attack Wu. Qing Feng and his entire clan were completely exterminated by the Chu forces.
His story shows a ruthless ambition leading to a tragic downfall.
Clansman
A relative of Qing Feng, who offered rational advice on self-correction.
Exile in the Spring and Autumn Period
Nobles who committed crimes or staged rebellions often fled to other vassal states to avoid punishment.
Inner Root of Calamity
Ancient Chinese philosophy holds that external troubles stem from inner flaws. Changing one’s conduct is more essential than changing one’s surroundings.
Self-cultivation Idea
True safety and stability cannot be gained by running away; they come from rectifying one’s own mind and behavior.
慶封為亂於齊而欲走越，其族人曰：「晉近，奚不之晉？」慶封曰：「越遠，利以避難。」族人曰：「變是心也，居晉而可。不變是心也，雖遠越，其可以安乎！」
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