Han Feizi cites brutal regicides. Rulers without law and statecraft face worse fates than lepers at ministers’ hands.
This article explains the 314 BC Qi invasion of Yan during China’s Warring States Period. Qi seized Yan in 50 days as locals welcomed them as liberators from civil war. But Qi’s looting and cruelty turned public anger. Facing diplomatic pressure and rebellion, Qi withdrew. The disaster led to Yan’s revival under King Zhao,…
When the state of Qi invaded and defeated Yan, King Xuan asked Mencius: “Some advise me not to annex Yan; others urge me to take it. We, a great state of ten thousand chariots, conquered another great state in just fifty days – surely this is Heaven’s will! If I refuse to take it,…
This article details the radical military reforms of King Wuling of Zhao during the Warring States period. Facing constant threats from nomadic tribes, the king realized that traditional Chinese chariots and robes were obsolete. In a bold move, he decreed the adoption of “Hufu Qishe” (“Hu attire and mounted archery”), forcing the court to…