Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This Han Feizi‑Chapter 35.8 Legalist collection of anecdotes warns rulers against lending real authority. It cautions against revealing simulated likes‑dislikes, showing how misplaced trust enables ministers to seize political power.
This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 35.1 warns against shared rewards‑punishments. With chariot‑driving and zither metaphors, it cites Zihan and Tian Heng’s usurpations to show divided sovereign power leads to the ruler’s downfall.
Han Feizi advocates hidden central power, ruler’s non-action, merit-based roles, and avoiding personal display to prevent manipulation.