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.
Generals are vital to a state. Rulers may ruin the army by wrongly ordering advances or retreats, interfering in military affairs and commands. Confused troops will invite enemy attacks and lead to defeat.