Han Feizi tells Lord Zhi’s story: greedy and stubborn, he ignored warnings, lost allies, and perished.
Han Feizi tells Duke Ping’s tale: obsessed with decadent music, he ignored warnings, bringing drought and ruin.
Han Feizi tells King Ling’s story: arrogant, rude to lords, ignored advice, and starved to death.
Han Feizi tells Duke Yu’s story: greedy for jade and horses, he ignored warnings and lost his state.
Han Feizi tells the Yanling battle story: petty loyalty harms state loyalty. A servant’s favor led a minister to ruin.
Han Feizi advocates merit-based appointments. Favoritism and selling offices breed corruption, demoralize talent, and ruin states.
Han Feizi argues rulers must reject foreign control. Submission weakens sovereignty, lets ministers collude abroad to usurp power.
Han Feizi outlines ruler’s defenses: control court/kin, monopolize favors, verify speech, regulate warriors, rule by law.