Chapter 6 · Desperate Stratagems
美人計
Měi rén jì
The Beauty Trap
美人計
beautiful · person · scheme
Against a strong opponent, don't attack the army — attack the appetites and attachments of the person leading it.
今 Today
Can't beat a rival's hard-nosed lead negotiator? You appeal to their ego instead — the flattering press profile, the advisory-board seat, the attention that makes them soften terms to protect a relationship they now enjoy.
反 When it backfires
Appeals to appetite can flip. Flatter a target who catches on and they'll happily accept every indulgence while giving you nothing — you've funded their ego and gained no leverage.