Bureaucratic Corruption

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 9.4

    An enlightened ruler establishes official posts, ranks and salaries to promote talented men and reward meritorious subjects.

  • The Lament of the Jade Tree [Jin & Southern-Northern Dynasties]

    Brief: This article recounts the fall of the Chen Dynasty. Emperor Wen of Sui rose after Northern Zhou’s decline, while Chen Houzhu indulged in wine, women, and decadent songs like Jade Tree Behind the Palace Garden. Ignoring warnings, he was captured in a well. In 589, Sui conquered Chen, reunifying China after centuries of division.

  • The cricket and son

    “Cricket” is a short story from the collection Strange Tales from Liaozhai by the Qing Dynasty writer Pu Songling. Through a story about a cricket, it profoundly reflects the hardships of life and social injustice endured by the lower classes in feudal society.