Han Feizi tells how a Chu guard bribed Jin’s Shu Xiang to rescue the king’s brother held in Qin. By threatening to build Huqiu’s ramparts, Jin pressured Qin into releasing the prince, winning generous gold from grateful Chu.
Han Feizi tells exiled Jin minister Zhonghang Wenzi avoided an old acquaintance, a county magistrate who once gifted him zithers and jade to curry favor. The official later seized Wenzi’s carriages to ingratiate his ruler, exposing sycophants’ self-serving betrayal.
Han Feizi tells an elder chides a conceited Chu prince bent on attacking Chen. Citing Goujian’s decade-long grueling preparation to revive Yue, the elder mocks his blind overconfidence; great conquests demand persistent hard work instead of rash optimism.
Han Feizi tells Wu Qi fled Lu after Ji Sun’s regicide, sensing early political danger.
Han Feizi tells Qing Feng planned to fee trouble to Yue. True safety comes from self-reform, not escaping far away.
Han Feizi tells how Duke Huan delayed saving Xing. Waiting to restore a fallen state brings more fame and gain.
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 唇亡齿寒Pinyin: chún wáng chǐ hánLiteral Meaning: When the lips are gone, the teeth will feel cold.Figurative Meaning: Two things or parties are closely connected; if one suffers harm, the other will be affected too. It describes an interdependent relationship with shared interests and risks. Extended Background & Usage Notes This…
Baili Xi (c. 725–621 BCE) was a virtuous minister of Duke Mu of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period. His courtesy name was Ziming, and he was from Wan in the state of Chu (present-day Nanyang, Henan).
This article narrates the historical tragedy of the State of Yu during the Spring and Autumn period. It details the famous strategy of “Borrowing a Path to Conquer Guo”, where the State of Jin bribed the greedy Duke of Yu with jade and a horse to pass through his territory to attack Guo. Despite…