Han Feizi tells Shao Jimei linked losing his coat to overdrinking. Habitual indulgence ruins both individuals and rulers.
Han Fei warns against dual top ministers. Jiu Liu cites historical disasters: cliques form, allies foreign, endangering the state.
Han Feizi tells a man from Wen quoted the Book of Songs to argue he was the king’s subject, not a stranger, winning release.
Han Feizi tells Chiyi Zipi’s snake fable. He had Tian Chengzi disguise as a servant, gaining safe, respectful passage.
Han Feizi tells Zhao Ke advised Zhao to let Wei attack Zhongshan. Wei would fight, while Zhao gains land and hides true intent.
Han Feizi tells Zangsunzi saw Chu’s false aid promise. Chu aimed to wear down Qi and Song, keeping troops back.
Han Feizi tells Qin’s long terrace work weakened the state. Ren Wang saw Chu’s feint, so Qin defended and deterred invasion.
In the long river of history, it is not an isolated incident for wise and talented individuals to fall victim to jealousy. The stories of Ziyu and Confucius, and Li Si and Han Fei, serve as two poignant examples of this tragic dynamic.
Han Feizi tells Wei yielded land to greedy Zhi Bo. Fueling his arrogance rallied allies, leading to Zhi’s downfall.