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36 Stratagems · #26

Stratagem 26: Point at the Mulberry, Curse the Locust

This stratagem uses indirection. You address one person, object, or case outwardly while the real audience understands the rebuke, threat, or instruction is meant for them.

By Lee · · 5 min read

📖 Definition

Stratagem 26 works by splitting the visible target from the real audience. The message is spoken in one direction so that it lands more forcefully somewhere else.

Source Text

Read the original alongside the English rendering

Chinese · English

Original Chinese

指桑罵槐

The Logic of Indirection

This stratagem separates the visible object of criticism from the actual recipient of the message.

Why It Works

Indirect warning often penetrates where direct accusation triggers defense. The real audience hears the message while the speaker retains strategic deniability.

Strategic Logic

  1. Choose a visible example connected to the real target
  2. Make the lesson or warning intelligible through that example
  3. Let the real audience receive the message without being openly confronted

Key Takeaways

  • Indirection can deliver pressure without direct collision
  • The visible example is a carrier for the real message
  • Face, deniability, and audience psychology all matter here
  • The strategy fails if the connection is too weak or too obscure

Next: Stratagem 27 — Pretend Foolishness, Not Madness →

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indirection warning signaling criticism audience
Lee, founder of Tales with Lee

Written by

Lee

Lee explains Chinese philosophy, strategy, and stories in plain English — for people who want ancient wisdom they can actually use. Based in China, writing for the world.

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Seasonal Context

Wisdom works better when you know what to do with it

This article is part of The Way of Nature, a living system that connects ancient insight to seasonal practice.

Know what to do now Understand why it works

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why not criticize the real target directly?
Because direct criticism can provoke open resistance. Indirection lets the message land while preserving distance, ambiguity, or face.
What makes this stratagem effective?
The visible example must be close enough to the real audience that the transfer of meaning is obvious without needing to be stated.

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