This Han Feizi‑Chapter 38.8 challenges Guanzi’s call for full‑open royal speech. It distinguishes public, proclaimed fa (law) from secret inner shu (ruler’s technique), arguing law should be widely known while state‑controlling method stays concealed.
This Han Feizi‑Chapter 38.7 critiques Guanzi’s view on rewards‑punishments. It warns ministers fake proper conduct to match the ruler’s revealed preferences; judging merely by visible appearances misleads and blinds the sovereign to hidden treachery.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 38.6 criticizes King Zhao and musician Zhongqi. It holds royal security hinges on one’s own positional‑power rather than assessing foes, and officials must not speak on matters outside their official duties.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 38.5 criticizes Zichan’s detecting murder from a woman’s weeping. It argues rulers should rely on institutional systems, not personal cleverness, to uncover wrongdoing, citing the “great net” metaphor of governance.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 38.4 rejects Confucius’ varied governance advice for three rulers. It argues “knowing subordinates” via objective assessment and strict reward‑punishment, not subjective virtues, is the core of sound rulership.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 38.2 critiques Duke Wen’s acceptance of eunuch Pi. It warns later rulers against blindly imitating ancient tolerance, for disloyal ministers may misuse such precedents to usurp state power.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 38.1 criticizes Duke Mu of Lu’s preference for Zisi. It argues rulers should reward ministers who report wrongdoing; concealing misdeeds blinds the sovereign and enables powerful clans to seize control.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 37.7 challenges Zhu Guo’s military advice to Zhao Jianzi. It rejects relying on rare loyal devotion, holding commanders should depend on reliable systems of generous rewards and strict punishments to motivate troops.