The Spring and Autumn period and the Warring States period were a golden age for Chinese fables. These allegorical stories were often used in politics to convey satire, warnings, and moral lessons. Unlike fables from ancient Greece or India, Chinese fables were deeply intertwined with political philosophy, making them a unique literary tradition.
The works of Han Feizi, a key figure in Legalist thought, contain numerous fables that illustrate the dangers of unchecked power. Two such stories, The Fierce Dog and the Sour Wine and The Temple Rats, serve as powerful metaphors for political corruption and the difficulties rulers face in governing wisely.
The fierce dog and the sour wine
In the state of Song, a wine merchant prided himself on selling high-quality wine. His measurements were precise, his manners courteous, and he prominently displayed a wine flag to attract customers. Yet, despite his efforts, he struggled to sell his wine, and it eventually soured.
Confused, he sought advice from an elder named Yang Qian. Yang Qian asked: “Is your dog fierce?”
The merchant was puzzled but replied: “Yes, my dog is quite aggressive.” But what does that have to do with my business?”
Yang Qian explained: “People are afraid of your dog. When they send their children to buy wine, your dog barks fiercely and even tries to bite them. Who would dare approach your shop? Naturally, your wine goes unsold and turns sour.”
Han Feizi used this story as an analogy for political affairs. He compared the fierce dog to powerful officials who act as gatekeepers, blocking talented individuals from reaching the ruler. Just as customers avoid the merchant’s shop because of the dog, wise and capable people avoid serving a ruler when corrupt ministers threaten them. As a result, the ruler remains blind to wise counsel, and the nation suffers.
The temple rats and their untouchable power
Duke Huan of Qi once asked his chief minister, Guan Zhong: “What is the greatest concern in governing a nation?”
Guan Zhong replied: “Temple rats.”
Perplexed, the duke asked: “Why temple rats?”
Guan Zhong explained: “Have you ever seen a temple altar? It is built with wooden pillars and coated with clay. Rats burrow into the structure and make their nests within. If you try to burn them out, you risk setting the temple on fire. If you flood them out, you destroy the clay coating. This is why temple rats are so difficult to eliminate.”
He then warned the duke: “In your court, there are those who rely on their positions to exploit the people while secretly forming factions for personal gain. They manipulate your decisions, conceal the truth, and pass sensitive information to outsiders. If left unchecked, they will undermine the laws. Yet, removing them is just as dangerous — since they are deeply embedded in the structure of power, eliminating them could destabilize your rule. These individuals are the temple rats of the state.”
The downfall of a nation
Han Feizi’s fables illustrate how corrupt officials can lead to the downfall of a nation. The fierce dog represents powerful ministers who wield authority to suppress and intimidate, ensuring that only those who serve their interests thrive while silencing or punishing those who oppose them. The temple rats symbolize those who exploit their privileged positions, becoming so entrenched in power that removing them poses a risk to the stability of the government.
When fierce dogs and temple rats surround a ruler, how can he govern with wisdom? And if a nation’s leader is blinded by deceit and manipulation, how can the country escape ruin? These ancient lessons remain just as relevant today, reminding us of the perils of unchecked power and corruption.
Translated by Cecilia
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