Deceive the Heavens and Cross the Sea

Excessive precautions can breed complacency; familiar things are seldom suspected. A concealed intention lies within open action, not in opposition to it. The most public appearance often conceals the most private purpose. Allusion:Legend has it that Emperor Taizong of Tang, during his expedition to Liaodong, reached the coast and hesitated at the sight of treacherous winds and waves. Xue Rengui sent men disguised as wealthy coastal residents to invite the emperor to a banquet at a mansion. Inside, brocade hangings screened everything from view, and the feast proceeded in great merriment. Before long, the emperor felt the surroundings sway; lifting the curtain, he saw that the army had already put out to sea. Using the “mansion of wealthy coastal residents” as cover for the crossing, Xue Rengui carried the Son of Heaven across the sea without his knowledge. This is the origin of “Deceive the Heavens and Cross the Sea.” Modern Application:In business negotiations, market competition, project advancement, and personal communication, one may conceal true intentions......