You assist your husband in his career by serving as his hostess, by promoting his interests with the wives of other civil servants, by gathering intelligence, and by giving him cogent advice. At first you have difficulty accepting some of the things that he does in order to secure his position. You suppress your qualms, however, reflecting to do good one must gain the power to do good. With time and practice you gain skill in quieting your conscience. In the end you no longer need to quiet it - all has become acceptable to you, even the vile of ploys, provided only that it advances the cause of ambition.

In time your husband becomes grand vizier. The Emperor is decadent, indecisive, and weak willed. He spends his time in the pleasure palaces, paying little attention to affairs of state. Every sycophant who has his ear controls the state until his attention is captured by another flatterer. You husband proposes that he overthrow the Emperor and claim the throne. It would be a bold and dangerous step. He asks your advice whether he should proceed, trusting you to make the right decision. Do you advise him to try for the throne, or to tread with caution?