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In ancient times, Mi Zixia was favored by Duke Ling of Wei. According to Wei’s law, anyone who secretly drove the ruler’s chariot would have his feet cut off.When Mi Zixia’s mother fell ill, someone secretly informed him at night. He falsely ordered the ruler’s chariot and drove out. Hearing this, Duke Ling praised…
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In ancient times, Duke Wu of Zheng planned to attack Hu. He first married his daughter to the Lord of Hu to win his favor.He then asked his ministers: “I wish to launch a military campaign. Which state shall I attack?”Minister Guan Qisi replied: “Hu may be attacked.”Enraged, Duke Wu executed him, saying: “Hu…
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A matter succeeds through secrecy yet fails through leakage of words. It may not be the persuader himself who leaks secrets, but if his speech touches on what the ruler conceals, he will be endangered.
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If the person to be persuaded seeks noble reputation, yet you persuade him with great profit, you will be regarded as vulgar and low‑minded, and will surely be rejected and distanced.
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The difficulty of persuasion lies not in whether I possess wisdom to persuade others, nor in whether my eloquence can clarify my intentions, nor in whether I dare to speak freely and express all my thoughts.