◎ Han Feizi
In order to maintain good relations with the State Jin and Chu, King Mu of the State Lu wanted to send the sons of some vassals to the two states. A minister called Chu suggested, “Let’s say, for example, a child in the State Lu fell into water, you would send a person to the State Yue for help . Although people in the State Yue are good at swimming, the child will have already drowned when the Yue people arrive. Another example is that a fire breaks out and someone would go to the remote seaside to fetch water. No matter how much water is fetched, he cannot save the fire. Water that is located in remote locations cannot save fires. Now, although the States Jin and Chu are very powerful, they are too far away from us. The State Qi is closest to us. However, you have not allied with it, but rather you have partnered with the States Jin and Chu. Then, if a disaster happens to the State Lu, who will save us in time?”
