The Art of War… in Business
Wei Jun thought I was an easy target.
He was wrong.
When he sabotaged my orders, I didn't complain. I didn't confront him.
Instead, I studied him.
Wei Jun had a weakness.
His reputation wasn't built on talent alone.
It was built on connections. Influence. Perception.
If I wanted to take him down, I wouldn't fight him directly.
I'd make his own allies turn against him.
.....
A Dangerous Gamble
I went to my best client so far.... Madam Lin.
"Madam," I said with a bow, "I have a concern. Some of my commissions have been interfered with. I wouldn't dare make accusations, but… it seems someone is trying to limit my work."
Madam Lin raised an eyebrow. "And who do you suspect?"
I hesitated, just enough to seem reluctant.
Then, with a sigh, I said, "Wei Jun's name keeps coming up."
Silence.
Then, Madam Lin gave a thin smile.
"That boy has always been arrogant," she said. "Perhaps it's time someone reminded him that talent is not inherited.... it is earned."
I bowed deeply.
Madam Lin's word carried weight.
If she doubted Wei Jun, others would too.
And in the Inner Court, a damaged reputation was as dangerous as a lost battle.
.....
The Turning Point
Within days, the effects began to show.
Some clients canceled their orders with Wei Jun. Others started asking questions about his reliability.
Then, the final blow came.
A sect steward, one of Wei Jun's biggest supporters..... commissioned me instead of him.
It wasn't just about skill anymore.
It was about who was trusted.
Wei Jun was losing that trust.
And in a place like the Azure Sky Sect, once your standing fell… it rarely recovered.
...
The Confrontation
Wei Jun didn't take it well.
He stormed into my workshop, eyes burning with rage.
"You little snake," he spat. "You think you've won?"
I met his glare calmly.
"I think I've earned my place," I said.
Wei Jun's fists clenched. "You're nothing without your clients. Without your designs. But what happens when you can't even hold a needle anymore?"
A threat.
A clear one.
I didn't back down.
Instead, I smiled. "Try it, Wei Jun. But be prepared for what happens next."
He hesitated.
Because he knew.
If he attacked me directly… it wouldn't just be a fight.
It would be a sect matter.
And he couldn't afford to lose.
With a final glare, he turned and left.
But I knew, this wasn't over.
If I wanted to survive, I couldn't just be clever.
I needed strength.