Han Feizi warns rulers not to let unworthy attendants judge officials. It corrupts governance and blocks upright talent.
Han Feizi warns weak rulers let cliques seize power. Unchecked, states fall like Qi and Jin, despite wealth and land.
Han Feizi argues reformers face five disadvantages against corrupt elites. Isolated, they risk execution or assassination.
Han Feizi states law-abiding statesmen and corrupt powerful ministers are irreconcilable foes. Rulers must back reformers to curb elites.
Han Feizi tells of the lord of Cao: rude to exiled Chong Er, ignored advice, later fell to Jin.
Han Feizi tells Han’s story: overconfident, it trusted Chu’s false aid, ignored warnings, and lost Yiyang.
Han Feizi tells Duke Huan’s downfall: ignored Guan Zhong’s warning, trusted treacherous ministers, died miserably.
Han Feizi tells of the Rong king: indulged in female entertainers, ignored advice, lost his realm to Qin.