This Han Feizi‑Chapter 35.6 Legalist exposition uses chariot‑driving and zither metaphors. Through Zihan and Tian Chengheng’s cases, it illustrates that shared sovereign power over rewards‑punishments will trigger usurpation and political ruin.
This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 35.4 advocates “governing officials instead of common people”. With vivid metaphors, it urges rulers to grasp core power, warning of catastrophic usurpation if statecraft is neglected.
This Legalist excerpt from Han Feizi‑Chapter 35.1 warns against shared rewards‑punishments. With chariot‑driving and zither metaphors, it cites Zihan and Tian Heng’s usurpations to show divided sovereign power leads to the ruler’s downfall.
Because his horse refused to advance, a traveller in the state of Song drove it into a stream, then mounted to set off again. Still the horse refused to go, and he punished it once more in the same way. This happened three times in all.