When Qi suffers famine, people expect Mencius to urge the king to open granaries again. He uses Feng Fu’s story: the ex-tiger fighter reverted to old deeds to please villagers, yet other scholars mocked him, showing Mencius sticks to his official retreat principles.
Mencius opposes Shenzi’s military expansion plan. Deploying untrained folk for war harms people. Ancient fiefdoms followed hundred-li rituals; seizing land through bloodshed violates benevolence. Ministers ought to guide rulers toward virtue, not conquest.
Han Feizi tells Qi demanded Lu’s sacred tripod, so Lu submitted a fake. When Qi called Yuezheng Zichun for verification, the official refused to lie, stressing his personal integrity mattered more than the ruler’s beloved treasure.
Han Feizi records a diplomatic tip from Gong Ta to Zhou Zao. Instead of begging Qi’s funding openly and exposing his weak Wei influence, Zhou should pledge to deliver Wei’s obedience, winning royal backing and dual power in both states.
Han Feizi tells Zangsunzi saw Chu’s false aid promise. Chu aimed to wear down Qi and Song, keeping troops back.
Han Feizi tells Qing Feng planned to fee trouble to Yue. True safety comes from self-reform, not escaping far away.