This is Explanation Five from Han Feizi: Inner Congested Sayings, Part II. It assembles cases on how royal favour distorts succession and brings usurpation and regicide. Unlike prior sections focusing on ministers’ frauds, it highlights a root structural issue: uncertain inheritance fuels all palace intrigues.
This article tells the tragic family drama of Emperor Wen of Sui. His frugal rule clashed with his sons’ excesses: Prince Yang Jun died in disgrace, Crown Prince Yang Yong was deposed, and Prince Yang Xiu was framed. The cunning Yang Guang deceived his way to the throne, setting the stage for the Sui…