Because these kinds of people may not be as smart as you — but they are absolutely more cunning, more vicious, and far more capable of acts that cross every moral line imaginable.
And they are more than willing to throw everything away in a hysterical mutual self-destruction, taking you down with them.
Many “white lotus” people — those who grew up never encountering truly bad, malicious, or petty individuals — genuinely cannot fathom just how low this type of person’s floor actually is.
That’s why I’ve always advised my readers, especially women: never be foolish enough to think that when you encounter a truly bad person, you can defeat them using your palace intrigue wisdom.
In this world, many bad people simply don’t engage in a battle of wits with you. They go straight for flipping the table — and then use every method that exceeds your moral limits to make your life hell.
Some will even take actions that cost themselves a thousand, just to see you lose five hundred. And they’ll consider that a victory.
Because they were already at rock bottom to begin with. Their dignity was thrown in the trash long ago — they have nothing left to lose and nothing left to protect.
They might even find it deeply satisfying just to drag you down into the muck with them. That alone counts as sweet revenge in their eyes.
And your so-called palace intrigue tactics? To any outside observer, they’re nothing but pretty-looking shadow boxing — utterly useless. Someone is already punching you in the face, and you’re still trying to reason with them.
So what do you do?
Don’t provoke them. Avoid them quickly. If you’ve already gotten entangled, graciously and openly acknowledge your own faults — however small — and establish a non-conflict dynamic between you.
Then occasionally offer some emotional warmth, but keep your distance.
It won’t be long before they pick a fight with someone else entirely. Until one day they meet a truly formidable opponent — and that person will handle them properly.