This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi ‑ Chapter32.2 urges rulers to adopt practical utility as their judging standard. It condemns empty sophistry and hollow doctrines, stressing real results over mere verbal victories.
This article chronicles the epic journey of Duke Wen of Jin (Ji Chong’er), one of China’s Five Hegemons. It details his nineteen years of exile, marked by humiliation – such as begging for food at Wulu – and the fierce loyalty of his retainers. The narrative highlights his diplomatic promise to “retreat three she”…