Firing and Hiring
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Li Ji was a distinguished general under Emperor Taizong, the founder of the Tang dynasty, and was utterly loyal to him. But Taizong, who was in declining health, was not sure Li Ji would be as loyal to his son after his death. He asked Defense Minister Li Jing for advice.
“You told me Li Ji is a very capable commander. But can he be trusted? I wonder if he should still be on the job when I am no longer around. Frankly, I don’t know whether the crown prince can control him.”
His question put Li Jing in a delicate position. If he told the emperor not to doubt Li Ji’s loyalty, the emperor might think he was partial to his subordinate. Neither could he say that Li Ji was not to be trusted.
Li Jing came up with an idea. “Your Majesty will please dismiss Li Ji and let the crown prince hire him back later. This way he will always be grateful to the prince. I can’t see any harm in doing so.”
“Excellent!” exclaimed Taizong.
Shortly afterwards he demoted General Li Ji to the position of a provincial prefect. Li Ji seemed able to read Taizong’s mind. He went straight to his new post from work without even going home.
Four months later, Taizong died. His heir, Zhi, called Li Ji back and appointed him chief minister.
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Wise Proverbs
- Tall trees catch much wind.
- 树大招风。
- A still tongue makes a wise head.
- 寡言者智。
- He knows most who speaks least.
- 大智若愚。
Editor Says:
Loyalty is an honorable trait and must be earned in honorable ways. There is nothing to recommend trying to earn a man’s loyalty with duplicitous means.