To justify oneself; to make one's arguments or statements consistent and plausible, often to cover up flaws or lies.
Era:
Early Modern
Frequency:
Story:
When Xiao Changgui, a Qing Dynasty naval officer, was patrolling the sea with his warship, he encountered pirates. Foreign warships helped capture 13 pirates and handed them over to China for disposition.
The Viceroy of Nanjing immediately dealt with the matter alongside Shi Qixiang, an expectant official.
Shi Qixiang firmly insisted that the Chinese side should exercise its sovereignty. Seeing that the Viceroy was displeased, he had no choice but to adjust his argument (self-justify), proposing that China deal with a few ringleaders while the others be handed over to the foreign side for handling.