As a ruler controlling the overall situation, particularly managing a complex nation like the Empire, one must be ruthless and cunning, just as Machiavelli advocated—ferocious as a lion, sly as a fox, inspiring fear more than affection.
Regardless of whether people like Machiavelli or Machiavellianism, as a principle of operation and a standard of morality distinct from ordinary cognition, international politics is undeniably a jungle society. The law of the jungle—where the strong live and the weak perish—is the only rule. Failing to understand this while harboring unrealistic idealism and kindness will only result in becoming fodder for others to survive.
That being said, Li Lin's ruthlessness is still excessive.
He is not a tyrant.
Considering his achievements and actions, calling him a rare exemplary ruler would not be an exaggeration.
