Rulers who cannot tolerate disagreement and leaders who make bad appointments, such that wrong people have power and wealth.
Under such a regime the courtier's role is a thankless one. His attempts to guide the ruler wisely may backfire and cost him dearly. His task is like digging pits, dismantling snake-infested walls, quarrying stones and splitting logs - hard and potentially dangerous work, but also necessary.
Like someone using a blunt axe, he cannot achieve nearly as much as he would like, but with persistence and wisdom he can accomplish something. He has to become skilled in charming the 'snake', exerting subtle influence on the king, learning how to placate his wrath when necessary.
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