Han Fei warns against dual top ministers. Jiu Liu cites historical disasters: cliques form, allies foreign, endangering the state.
Han Feizi warns ministers flatter rulers to gain power. Without strict checks, cliques form, loyalty fades, and rulers fall.
Han Feizi’s core rule: rulers must monopolize punishment and reward. Losing either lets ministers usurp power, endangering the throne.
Chen Chengzi (also known as Chen Heng) assassinated Duke Jian of Qi. Upon hearing this, Confucius bathed, dressed in formal court attire, and went to court to report to Duke Ai of Lu: “Chen Heng has murdered his ruler. I request that you launch a punitive expedition against him.”Duke Ai replied, “Report this to…