Han Feizi shares a classic Zheng tale: both the homeowner’s son and a neighbor warned of theft from a crumbling wall. After being robbed, the man admired his son’s wisdom yet wrongly accused the helpful neighbor out of prejudice.
Han Feizi tells how a Chu guard bribed Jin’s Shu Xiang to rescue the king’s brother held in Qin. By threatening to build Huqiu’s ramparts, Jin pressured Qin into releasing the prince, winning generous gold from grateful Chu.
Han Feizi tells Eastern Zhou hesitated sending Han Jiu’s brother home amid unsettled royal succession. Advisor Qiwu Hui suggested dispatching one hundred chariots with dual excuses for either outcome, a shrewd diplomatic hedge against all risks.
Han Feizi tells Qi demanded Lu’s sacred tripod, so Lu submitted a fake. When Qi called Yuezheng Zichun for verification, the official refused to lie, stressing his personal integrity mattered more than the ruler’s beloved treasure.
Han Feizi tells Marquis Wen of Wei turned down troop requests from warring Han and Zhao, claiming kinship ties to both. Initially annoyed, the two states later realized his peacemaking intent and paid homage to Wei for his wise neutral diplomacy.
Han Feizi depicts Chu’s victory over Wu. After ten days of rain, Yi Xiang foresaw an incoming Wu raid, prompting Chu to form defenses. When Wu retreated, the advisor urged an immediate strike and helped General Ziqi (Zi Qi) crush the resting foe.
Han Feizi recounts Yue sought Chu’s troops to attack Jin post-Wu’s fall. Chu’s minister spotted Yue’s hidden military depletion; Chu followed Yue’s troops. Forced by worn-out forces, Yue yielded vast land to Chu to avoid combat.