tián甜yán言mì蜜yǔ语
Flattering and insincere words used to please, persuade, or deceive someone; sweet talk.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty, Prime Minister Li Linfu was a cunning, treacherous, and sinister man.
On the surface, he pretended to be loyal and kind, always speaking with sweet words and honeyed phrases (甜言蜜语). He often harbored malicious schemes, yet those he victimized still considered him a loyal and righteous person.
Anyone trusted by Emperor Xuanzong, he would try to curry favor with, sow discord among, and then secretly retaliate against.