In The Prince, it is said:

The moment a ruler is seen as an easy target, his subordinates will stick a knife in his back.

On the other hand, if a ruler remains a figure of fear, he will remain safe.@@novelbin@@

This lesson has been applied to every ruler, and will undoubtedly continue to be applied.

While it may be a bit different in nature, the same principle applies in international diplomacy.

Once you are seen as an easy mark, others will start to pick away at you.

Just like the Qing dynasty, which, after spouting nonsense about stopping cannons with urine, ended up being a source of easy pickings following a crushing defeat.

“We will supply woolen and cotton fabrics to the Holy Empire at very low prices.”

“And what does that have to do with getting revenge on the Holy Empire?”

Saying we would get revenge on the Holy Empire and then suggesting we sell fabric at low prices is a completely out-of-the-blue statement.

It’s like saying, "Let’s go for lunch" but then responding, "I have plans with my mom for dinner."

Still, despite giving such a ridiculous response, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs did not protest.

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