This excerpt is from “Temple‑Scheme Offensive” in Han Feizi. Marking a shift from defense to offense, it advises rulers to turn domestic‑forbidden stratagems into weapons against foes. Scheming within the court, one subdues enemy troops without fighting.
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.
This excerpt is from “Canon Four: Counter‑Evidence” in Han Feizi. It marks the shift from diagnosing problems to offering solutions. It proposes sophisticated reverse reasoning: distrust superficial appearances and trace back hidden schemers by identifying who stands to benefit.
This excerpt is from “Canon Three: Plausible Resemblances” in Han Feizi. The most practical of the Six Subtleties, it unveils a sophisticated frame‑up trick: instead of direct slander, fabricate scenes to prompt the ruler to draw false conclusions on his own.
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.
This excerpt is from Explanation Seven in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei argues rulers should feign false appearances and use contrary words to probe suspects. Setting lures entraps them and lays bare their treacherous intentions.
This excerpt comes from Explanation Six in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei holds rulers should confront ministers with confirmed facts. Exposing one lie creates widespread fear of the ruler’s omniscience, restraining all hidden treacherous acts.