Political Self-Protection Through Demonstrated Greed

Based on Wang Jian's strategy when given command of all Qin's armies.

Overview

When entrusted with great power by a suspicious ruler, repeatedly request personal rewards to demonstrate you are motivated by self-interest, not ambition.

Steps

1. Assess Ruler's Character

   • Determine if ruler is suspicious by nature
   • Note if ruler has harmed those with power before

2. Request Rewards Before Departure

   • Ask for land, houses, gardens for descendants
   • Make requests publicly or in official channels

3. Continue Requests During Campaign

   • Send multiple follow-up requests
   • Each request reinforces image of self-interest

4. Accept Criticism

   • Let others call you greedy
   • This criticism serves your purpose

5. Explain If Necessary

   • "The ruler is suspicious. By showing greed, I prove I want only wealth, not power."

Key Principle

A ruler fears those who want power. A ruler does not fear those who want wealth.

Expected Outcomes

• Ruler's suspicion reduced
• Safe return from campaign
• Family protected from purge

Validation

1. Assess the ruler's character accurately — this strategy works only with rulers who fear ambitious generals, not with rulers who punish perceived corruption
2. Verify requests are publicly visible enough to reach the ruler's ears through multiple channels, reinforcing the perception of self-interest
3. Confirm that the "greedy" persona has not alienated subordinates whose loyalty you need for the campaign itself