Feign Madness, But Keep Your Balance
故事全文
During the Three States Period, before Emperor Wei Ming died, he appointed Cao Shuan as the regent to assist his eight-year old crown prince govern the country. But Cao Shuan had more ambitious plans. After Wei Ming died, Cao Shuan tried to seize power for himself, by suggesting that the child emperor be dethroned and that Sih Ma Yi be appointed prime minister. Cao Shuan hoped that by promoting Sih Ma Yi from a general to a prime minister, Sih Ma Yi would have to cede military command of the army. This way, Cao Shuan could then appoint his own man as general and seize control of the military. Sih Ma Yi knew that he was too weak to confront Cao Shuan at the moment, so he pretended to be ill and took a sick leave in order to thwart Cao Shuan's scheme.
When Cao Shuan heard the news that Sih Ma Yi was sick, he was not convinced that Sih Ma Yi was really sick. So he sent Li Sheng to visit Sih Ma Yi in order to verify the story. When Li Sheng visited Sih Ma Yi, he saw that Sih Ma Yi was a haggard man who needed a maid to steady him as he walked out to receive Li Sheng in the living room. Li Sheng told Sih Ma Yi, "I was appointed an official in Jing province. I am on my way there to serve my term. Today I came to pay my respects by saying farewell to you." Sih Ma Yi said with a faint voice, "Bing province is very close to the border with barbarians. You must be very careful." To this Li Sheng replied, "I said Jing province, not Bing province." Sih Ma Yi then said, "Oh, so you have been to Bing province too…" Li Sheng thought that Sih Ma Yi was seriously ill. At this time the maid took the medicine tray into the living room to feed Sih Ma Yi his medicine. Sih Ma Yi slobbered medicine all over his mouth and his clothes while taking the medicine. There was none his past glory and grace.
Upon returning, Li Sheng reported to Cao Shuan what he saw during the visit. He said, "I think Sih Ma Yi is finished. I believe his days are numbered. There is no need to worry." Cao Shuan laughed out loud and paid no attention to Sih Ma Yi from that day on.
The next spring, while Cao Shuan left the capital for ancestor worship, Sih Ma Yi launched a coup d'etat and disclosed the crimes by Cao Shuan and his gangs. He also accused them of treason and executed all of them. This was how Sih Ma Yi won back the political power of Wei.
Strategy 27 : Feign Madness, But Keep Your Balance
Hide behind the cover of madness and do nothing threatening. This disarms your enemy and makes yourself less of a target. Then just wait for the right moment to strike back.
