Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 48.7 warns unchecked official power breeds chaos. It demands merit‑based appointments, aligning praise‑reward and blame‑punishment, ensuring rank‑salary are sole legitimate benefits and eliminating mixed public‑private signals.
This Han Feizi ‑ Chapter 48.8 condemns private‑righteousness and benevolence overriding statutes. It argues honor and merit must stem solely from state law. Titles, rewards‑punishments and decrees form three pillars for building a well‑ordered “state possessing the Way”.