Formation of Cliques
346. Those who count on powerful connections have their sons and nephews mustered in the imperial court. Forming factions on the left and right, they will have more than a few henchmen secretly assisting them under their wings. They like to use defamation and compliments in achieving their ambition but will eventually end up in disaster, as the righteous way is being compromised.
Scroll 15: Han Shu, Vol. 3
347. If we do not focus on cultivating noble conducts but instead abandon virtues in return for fame and glory, it will make us arrogant and vain, and form factions to meet selfish ends. Vanity will blind us with hypocrisy and make it difficult for us to have peace of mind, while factionalism will directly involve everyone even if only one member is caught committing offenses.
Scroll 26: Wei Zhi, Vol. 2