Han Feizi uses Mi Zixia’s story: rulers’ favor shifts arbitrarily. Avoid their “forbidden scale” to survive persuasion.
Han Feizi warns persuaders to match rulers’ true motives: honor, profit, or both. Misjudging hidden desires leads to rejection.
Han Feizi states persuasion’s true difficulty is understanding the ruler’s mind, not one’s own wisdom or eloquence.
Han Feizi describes the dangers of persuasion. Any speaking style gets misjudged; honest advice risks blame, reflecting the perils of autocratic court politics.