Political Exit After Victory

Overview

A survival procedure for advisors and generals after achieving great success, based on Fan Li's departure from Yue.

Steps

1. Recognize the danger - "When birds are gone, the good bow is hidden; when the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked"
2. Assess your superior's character - "Goujian has a long neck and bird beak - can share hardship, cannot share pleasure"
3. Resign formally - Cite past service and mission completion
4. Expect resistance - Superior may offer to share power or threaten punishment
5. Maintain resolve - "The ruler gives orders, the subject follows his own will"
6. Leave completely - Take portable wealth and depart without returning

Warning Signs to Exit

• Mission accomplished
• Superior becoming suspicious or jealous
• Others being eliminated
• Your fame overshadowing your superior

Expected Outcomes

• Personal survival
• Preservation of wealth and family
• Avoiding execution or imprisonment

Verification

1. Confirm that warning signs are present: mission accomplished, superior becoming suspicious or jealous, peers being eliminated, or your fame overshadowing the leader.
2. Validate that the exit is complete (no partial withdrawal that invites suspicion) and includes taking portable wealth.
3. Check that the departure was formally framed as mission completion, not as abandonment or disloyalty.