Mencius rejects blind fatalism. All events belong to destiny, yet gentlemen only accept righteous fate. Wise people evade unnecessary risks; dying for the Way is proper fate, while death from crime is not.
Confucius names Weizi, Jizi and Bigan the three benevolent men of the Shang. Though they took vastly different paths—fleeing, feigning madness, dying in remonstrance—all acted out of loyal care for their state, showing benevolence allows flexible expedient choices.
Mencius refutes the rumor that Baili Xi sold himself for sheepskins to herd cattle and seek office. He praises Baili Xi’s wisdom in abandoning a doomed lord and serving Duke Mu honorably, arguing virtuous men would never degrade themselves for power.
Han Feizi tells Lu Dan bribed attendants to gain favor, then fled, knowing trust from hearsay is fragile.
Han Feizi tells Xi Simi avoided cutting trees, fearing he’d expose Tian Chengzi’s plot and risk his life.
Han Feizi tells Hui Zi warned Chen Zhen: building trust is hard, but rivals can easily ruin you.