Han Feizi tells King Ling’s story: arrogant, rude to lords, ignored advice, and starved to death.
Han Fei cites history: over-powerful ministers and lords cause state collapse. Rulers must enforce strict laws, limit their wealth, troops and arms to keep power.
Li Si slanders Han Fei’s rhetoric as deceptive. He proposes detaining Han’s king, military intimidation, and gradual annexation to weaken rivals and unify China.
Li Si refutes Han Fei, arguing Han is a hidden threat to Qin. Its submission is fake; attack it first, or it may ally with rivals and endanger Qin.
Han Fei advises Qin: use diplomacy to win Chu/Wei, ally with Han, strike Zhao. War is risky; reckless moves isolate Qin and court disaster.
Han Fei warns Qin: attacking loyal, weak Han is a mistake. Ignore Zhao’s threat, drain strength, empower rivals, and risk unification failure.
Han Fei cites history: brute force fails without wisdom. Qin has unmatched strength; he risks death to offer strategies to break alliances and unify China.