杜口裹足 — “To be silenced and immobilized by apprehension or fear”

During the Warring States period, the practice of strategists and persuaders was very prevalent. They relied on their eloquence and cunning arguments to win the trust of rulers and gain political power. Fan Sui was one such figure.

Fan Sui, originally from the State of Wei, initially served as an aide under Xu Jia, a “Zhong Da Fu” (middle-ranked official) of Wei. He didn't achieve much and instead suffered a grave injustice, nearly losing his life. Later, he changed his name and surname, and eventually made his way to the State of Qin. By then, King Zhaoxiang of Qin had been on the throne for 36 years. The four most influential political figures in Qin were: Marquis Rang and Lord Huayang, both brothers of Queen Dowager Xuan, King Zhaoxiang's mother; and Lord Jingyang and Lord Gaoling, both favored sons of Queen Dowager Xuan, meaning King Zhaoxiang's maternal half-brothers. Marquis Rang served as prime minister, monopolizing state affairs, while the other three also took turns leading military matters. Relying on their connection to Queen Dowager Xuan, they wielded immense power and possessed vast fiefdoms, their wealth surpassing that of the king.

Fan Sui, seeing the situation in Qin, first wrote a letter to King Zhaoxiang, requesting a private audience. King Zhaoxiang then sent a carriage to bring Fan Sui to meet him. Upon entering the palace, Fan Sui deliberately wandered about. The inner attendants shouted, “The King is coming!” Fan Sui replied, “Qin only has Marquis Rang and the Queen Dowager, where is there a king?” King Zhaoxiang happened to be coming out and vaguely heard this, which stirred his mind. He immediately expressed welcome and received Fan Sui with exceptional solemnity. Those watching were all greatly astonished.

King Zhaoxiang ordered his attendants to withdraw, then respectfully asked Fan Sui, “Do you have any advice for me?” Fan Sui simply uttered, “Hmm! Hmm!” King Zhaoxiang asked three times, and Fan Sui responded with “Hmm! Hmm!” each time. King Zhaoxiang then knelt and pleaded, “Will you ultimately not bestow your wisdom upon me?” Only then did Fan Sui begin to speak a lengthy discourse.

He said, “Currently, I reside in Qin as a guest, and my relationship with Your Majesty is still very new. Yet, what I intend to speak of concerns matters between a sovereign and his ministers, and between blood relatives. If I speak today, I might face execution tomorrow. Death itself is not terrifying; all people must eventually die. If my words benefit Qin, then what is there to fear even if I am killed for it? My true concern is this: if talented people across the land see that I, for my loyalty to Qin, am instead put to death, then I fear they will all 'seal their lips and bind their feet' (杜口裹足) from then on, unwilling to come to Qin!” Fan Sui's conversation deeply moved King Zhaoxiang, thus earning his trust.

Later, King Zhaoxiang appointed Fan Sui as prime minister; he revoked Marquis Rang's seal of office and sent him back to his hometown of Tao; he also ordered Queen Dowager Xuan to retire and no longer meddle in state affairs; Lord Huayang, Lord Gaoling, and Lord Jingyang were all ordered to reside outside the passes. Fan Sui served as prime minister for many years, until old age.