This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 39.2 presents two successive rebuttals over imprisoning fugitive rebel Yang Hu. It debates whether punishing known rebels deters hidden treachery, examining ministerial loyalty, human greed and royal deterrent statecraft.
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 38.1 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.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 36.4 disputes Confucius’ praise for Zhao Xiangzi’s reward of Gao He. It holds rewards must tie to concrete merit; merely observing basic ruler‑minister etiquette should not win top‑ranked recompense.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 36.1 recounts the Chengpu‑battle story. It rebuts the traditional praise for Duke Wen’s reward practice, arguing rewards should match actual military achievements instead of hollow long‑term moral speeches.
This Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.4 Legalist section collects multiple anecdotes. It stresses rulers must eliminate ungovernable threats early and control ministers via power and rewards‑punishments, rather than merely competing through private benevolence.
Heaven and Earth (Tian Di) is Chapter 12 of the Outer Chapters of Zhuangzi. This wide‑ranging text discusses cosmic order, ideal governance, human nature, tools, desire and the danger of over‑civilization.
This excerpt is the general outline of Han Feizi · Inner Congeries Part II. It summarizes the Six Subtleties, six insidious perils posed by ministers. Interlinked, these hazards form a complete causal chain from power erosion to state ruin.