This is Explanation Six from Han Feizi: Inner Congested Sayings, Part II. Han Fei reveals a political law: a foe’s deadliest attack is not military invasion, but espionage and stratagems to manipulate a ruler’s official appointments. Enemies seek to muddle the ruler’s judgment and steer his decisions astray.
This excerpt is from “Canon Six: Dismissal and Appointment” in Han Feizi. It shifts focus from domestic governance to international relations, exposing a cross‑border power tactic: hostile states undermine a realm by meddling in its official appointments instead of waging war.
Han Feizi contrasts two official types: sycophants Chong Hou and E Lai pleased King Zhou but ignored Shang’s fall; loyal Bi Gan and Wu Zixu foresaw ruin yet died unjustly. Full wisdom needs both human insight and foresight of state trends.
Han Feizi tells King Zhou’s wild drinking made everyone lose track of days. Ji Zi feigned ignorance to avoid danger.
Han Feizi tells Ji Zi feared King Zhou’s ivory chopsticks would spark endless luxury, foreseeing the dynasty’s fall.
Han Fei tells how Jizi (Ji Zi) foresaw King Zhou’s ruin from ivory chopsticks – small luxuries lead to tyranny and fall.