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## The Art of Not Exposing Others' Shortcomings
When Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty was a poor cowherd boy, he had several close friends. After becoming emperor, two of them came to seek his favor.
The first man entered the palace and began recounting embarrassing childhood stories—how they stole beans, broke pots, and how the emperor once choked on grass. The emperor, humiliated before his court, roared: "Madman! Throw him out!"
The second man approached differently. He bowed deeply and said: "Your Majesty, I recall when you led us on green oxen to conquer Luzhou, breached the city of Pots, routed General Soup, captured General Bean, and defeated the Red Child who blocked your path—all with the help of General Vegetable." The emperor knew exactly what he meant, but the elegant retelling preserved his dignity. He immediately appointed this friend as his imperial guard commander.
The same story, told two ways, yielded two fates.
Everyone has a past. A tree needs its bark; a person needs their dignity. Exposing others' weaknesses not only hurts them but diminishes yourself. True wisdom lies in speaking with kindness and leaving others their pride.
Remember: words once spoken cannot be taken back. To refrain from exposing others' faults is the highest form of respect.