This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 34.3 uses metaphors of fierce dogs and altar rats. It argues rulers must endure painful measures, enforce laws above personal feelings and test officials with objective standards.
by Han Fei There was a man in the state of Song who sold wine. He measured his wine very fairly, treated customers politely, made excellent wine, and hung his shop sign high. Yet his wine remained unsold and turned sour.