Li Linfu, a prime minister during the Rein of Emperor Xuan in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), was kind to others in public, but always framed others in private.
He always tried to associate with those in power, but strived to get rid of those who were witted or stronger than him, or dispatch them to remote places.
He also gave glove money to people close to the emperor so that they would tell him what the emperor said. In this way, he could know who the emperor favored, and he would make a false charge against the person.
He once heard that the emperor thought highly of Lu Xuan, the assistant minister of war, so he assigned Lu Xuan to be the magistrate of Huazhou. However, he later said Lu Xuan was in poor health and unable to administer the government affairs and therefore demoted Lu. Another time, when the emperor wanted to appoint Yan Tingzhi to a higher position, he said to the emperor, “This person, old and weak, is now curing his disease. Though he is very capable, I’m afraid he can’t live up to the position.” Though the emperor felt very regretful, Li Linfu successfully realized his trick. The emperor had no idea at all his prime minister played tricks.
Despite his ill intention, Li Linfu was very kind to others in face, and always spoke with a honeyed mouth so that others would feel he was a good person. However, his heart was vicious as a dagger that could kill others. Therefore, people knowing him well said, “Li Linfu has honey in the mouth but a dagger in the heart.” Everybody hated him very much.
This story comes from ZizhiTongjian (History as a Mirror), and the proverb is now used to describe those who are cunning with a honeyed mouth but an atrocious heart.
