## English Version
**Ten Lessons in the Art of Living**
True wisdom lies not in force, but in flowing with circumstances.
A general demanded promotion. Instead of confrontation, the court praised his ancestors, shaming him into retreat. *Suppress first, then elevate.*
A spy lurked within the city. The magistrate feigned ignorance, opening the gates at night to confuse him—and caught him when he walked into the trap. *Strike where least expected.*
An emperor wished to honor an ancient general. His minister warned: "Rewarding the dead while slighting the living will demoralize your troops." *Trust not in spirits.*
Blame fell on imperial overseers for a lost battle. Instead of dismissing them all, the chancellor made them recommend replacements—and they begged to be removed themselves. *Let them dig their own grave.*
A victorious commander surrendered credit to avoid envy—and thus preserved himself. *Retreat to advance.*
When rebels demanded an iron covenant, the minister simply said, "There is no precedent"—and they left empty-handed. *Refuse by not refusing.*
Foreign envoys had lingered for decades at state expense. The chancellor cut their support, offering them posts or passage home. All chose to stay—as soldiers and officials, saving the treasury. *Feed not idle guests.*
A governor, warned of the emperor's visit, neither taxed his people nor prepared excessively. He swiftly sped the imperial boat through his territory, leaving no time for extortion. *Speed is a shield.*
Officials hesitated to build a royal barge, unsure of the emperor's route. They gathered materials but waited for confirmation—and saved a fortune when the emperor went by land. *Prepare both ways.*
A queen mother sent a secret letter of complaint. The chancellor urged the emperor to burn it without reading aloud, preserving harmony between palaces. *Sincerity dissolves suspicion.*
Life is a game of chess. He who does not fight every battle wins the war.