Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This Han Feizi‑Chapter 35.8 Legalist collection of anecdotes warns rulers against lending real authority. It cautions against revealing simulated likes‑dislikes, showing how misplaced trust enables ministers to seize political power.
This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 35.3 advises rulers to draw lessons from external and historical cases. It warns against power‑lending even to close kin and stresses upholding strict ranks to avoid political obstruction.
This article reveals Wang Mang’s calculated rise to power. Playing the humble Confucian scholar, he gained public favor, eliminated rivals, and seized control of the Western Han court. Through purges, deception, and fake omens, he usurped the throne and founded the Xin Dynasty, ending 214 years of Han rule.