During the early reign of Emperor Yingzong of the Song Dynasty, Empress Dowager Cishou secretly sent a letter to Chancellor Han Qi, complaining that the emperor and his birth mother had disrespected her. She hinted at seeking revenge. Han Qi simply replied, “I understand.”
The next morning, Han Qi delayed the court session and later met the emperor alone. He quietly showed the letter and said, “Your Majesty owes your throne to the Empress Dowager. Though she is not your birth mother, respect and kindness will bring peace.”
When the emperor asked what to do, Han Qi advised, “Burn this letter in secret. If it is exposed, those who sow discord will take advantage.” The emperor followed his counsel. From then on, harmony was restored between the two palaces.
Han Qi’s wisdom lay not in confrontation, but in quiet resolution. True strength is not about exposing every flaw, but about dissolving conflict with sincerity and calm. In doing so, he protected peace without a word of blame.