Use when a powerful minister faces suspicion from a ruler or when navigating dangerous court politics. Deploys four survival strategies — hostage-sending, deliberate self-pollution (自汙), graceful punishment acceptance, and honor-declining — to reduce perceived threat level.
Methods for surviving and maintaining position when facing suspicion from a ruler in a dangerous political environment.
When a ruler becomes suspicious of a powerful minister, survival requires careful management of perception and deliberate self-diminishment.
When the ruler repeatedly sends messengers to "comfort" you while you're managing rear areas:
When your popularity with the people makes the ruler suspicious:
When accused of wrongdoing:
When offered additional titles, land, or guards after another's execution: