This excerpt comes from Explanation Six in Han Feizi · Inner Congeries of Sayings I. Han Fei holds rulers should confront ministers with confirmed facts. Exposing one lie creates widespread fear of the ruler’s omniscience, restraining all hidden treacherous acts.
Classic VI: Asking While Knowing the Answer (Testing with Known Facts) If a ruler asks questions while already possessing the knowledge of the truth, those who are dishonest will be exposed; if a ruler thoroughly understands one specific matter, all hidden treacheries will be transformed. The proof of this lies in Marquis Zhao clutching…
This excerpt from Han Feizi uses the mirror metaphor and two historical anecdotes: Ximen Bao wearing soft leather and Dong Anyu a bowstring. It advocates objective external standards for self‑correction, defining a wise ruler.
He Bo (Lord He, River Lord or the River God, 河伯) is the god of the Yellow River in Chinese mythology, originally named Feng Yi. Legend has it that Feng Yi tragically drowned while crossing the river, after which the Lord of Heaven appointed him as He Bo (Lord of the River) to oversee…
This article recounts the legendary campaign of General Yue Yang to conquer the State of Zhongshan for Marquis Wen of Wei during the Warring States period. It highlights the ultimate test of leadership: Yue Yang’s ruthless sacrifice of his own son, who served the enemy state, to prove his loyalty. The narrative focuses on…