This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.5 draws on Shen Buhai’s ideas. Through various anecdotes and metaphors, it stresses rulers must keep secrets, hide personal desires and make independent decisions to evade ministerial manipulation.
This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.2 states the ruler is the focal point of interests. Rulers must conceal personal preferences and keep secrets, making independent decisions to avoid manipulation by crafty ministers.
This is Explanation Six from Han Feizi: Inner Congested Sayings, Part II. Han Fei reveals a political law: a foe’s deadliest attack is not military invasion, but espionage and stratagems to manipulate a ruler’s official appointments. Enemies seek to muddle the ruler’s judgment and steer his decisions astray.
This excerpt is from “Canon Six: Dismissal and Appointment” in Han Feizi. It shifts focus from domestic governance to international relations, exposing a cross‑border power tactic: hostile states undermine a realm by meddling in its official appointments instead of waging war.
Gan Mao chose a minor royal attendant post. A seemingly humble position that brings him more opportunities and power than a formal high post.
This article narrates the tragic downfall of King Huai of Chu during the Warring States period. It details how his trust in Qin’s diplomacy led to his undoing: he was deceived by Zhang Yi over false land promises, manipulated by royal intermarriage, and finally lured into a trap at the Wuguan Summit in 299…