? Even if you hate villains, don't show disgust, but you must never give in on issues of principle.

"The Book of Changes" says: "A gentleman is far away from villains, not evil but strict." When a person is in society, he will inevitably encounter all kinds of villains. How to deal with relationships with villains is a major aspect of life.

The villains in life are often your relatives, classmates, or colleagues. It is impossible to completely break up with them and make a clean break with them. The correct approach is "not evil but strict" as mentioned in "The Book of Changes". Even if you hate villains, don't show disgust, but you must never give in on issues of principle.

Li Shizhong was a villain who stood at both ends of the spectrum between the imperial court and the rebels. He sometimes surrendered to the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom and sometimes surrendered to the Qing Dynasty. Zeng Guofan worked hard to control him.

Generally speaking, Zeng Guofan's method of dealing with Li Shizhong was what the "Book of Changes" said: "not evil but strict." In a letter to his brother Zeng Guoquan, Zeng Guofan elaborated on his "not evil but strict" rule.

Zeng Guofan believed that the treatment of Li Shizhong should be relaxed in two aspects. The first one is money. Zeng Guofan said: "In terms of money, you should be more generous and don't argue with him."

The second is merit. Zeng Guofan said: "Don't compete with him for credit. If you win a battle, give all the credit to him. When you get the chance to be recommended, write his name on it."

In short, Zeng Guofan believes that, When it comes to fame and fortune, we should be relaxed. This is what "The Book of Changes" talks about "not being evil". If you are not evil, you can avoid the intensification of conflicts.

"Not evil" is one aspect, and "strictness" is another aspect. Zeng Guofan believes that the following two aspects should be strict.

Zeng Guofan said: "First, there should be less correspondence. Even if you write letters, don't talk too much or be too intimate. Second, if his soldiers oppress the area under your jurisdiction, Common people, you must deal with it impartially and never tolerate it."

It can be seen that Zeng Guofan believes that what should be strict is mainly in terms of etiquette and justice. Etiquette and righteousness are matters of principle. Never give in on issues of principle.

When a gentleman can do this, the villain will be wary. Otherwise, the villain will think you are easy to bully and do whatever you want, and it will be impossible for you to control him.