This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 38.6 criticizes King Zhao and musician Zhongqi. It holds royal security hinges on one’s own positional‑power rather than assessing foes, and officials must not speak on matters outside their official duties.
This commentary covers the sharp satire from Zhuangzi ‑ Lie Yukou. Boasting Cao Shang flaunts royal‑granted carriages. Zhuangzi mocks him, suggesting his rewards stem from degrading flattery, valuing inner integrity over worldly status.
Han Feizi describes the dangers of persuasion. Any speaking style gets misjudged; honest advice risks blame, reflecting the perils of autocratic court politics.
This article recounts the story of Zou Ji, a master of persuasive statecraft during the Warring States period. It details how he used the metaphor of a silent lute to rouse the indolent King Wei of Qi from nine years of neglect. As Chancellor, Zou Ji instituted radical reforms and transparency, famously using a…
5.25 The Master said, “Clever talk, a pretentious manner and a reverence that is only of the feet — Zuo Qiuming was incapable of stooping to them, and I too could never stoop to them. Having to conceal one’s indignation and keep on friendly terms with the people against whom one feels it —…
It is better to incur hatred by one’s upright conduct than to please others by perverting your morals.
The local gentry are holding a grand banquet for a newly appointed prefect, and many musicians are here to entertain the party.