LAW 3: Conceal Your Intentions – Part 2: Use Smoke Screens to Distract While You Take Action

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The Coffee Trap: How Haile Selassie Outsmarted Balcha Safo

Long ago in Ethiopia, power wasn’t just held by kings — it lived in the hands of warlords, nobles, and warriors. One of the strongest was a legendary general named Balcha Safo.

He was known as Balcha the Lion — brave, rich, proud, and respected by everyone. He had his own army, his own wealth, and many people believed he should lead the country.

But in the shadows, a younger, cleverer man was rising — Ras Tafari Makonnen, who would one day become Haile Selassie, Emperor of Ethiopia.

Tafari wasn’t a war hero. He didn’t have the loudest voice. But he had something better: a sharp mind and a deep understanding of power.

He saw Balcha as a threat. But Tafari also knew:

“You don’t attack a lion. You tame him while he’s sleeping.”

Step 1: A Royal Invitation (The Distraction)

Tafari invited Balcha to the capital, Addis Ababa.

“We want to honor your service. A grand feast awaits you. Come, enjoy rest. You deserve it,” the letter said.

Balcha, proud and confident, agreed. He entered the city in royal fashion — gold robes, a few personal guards, his head held high. But his main army remained outside the city, waiting.

He thought it was just a friendly ceremony. He had no idea he was walking into a trap.

Step 2: The Coffee Ceremony (The Smoke Screen)

On the day of the feast, Ras Tafari met him with full respect. They sat together for a traditional Ethiopian buna (coffee) ceremony. It was slow, peaceful, and symbolic — a sign of honor and peace.

As Balcha sipped the warm coffee, feeling safe and respected…

Tafari’s real move was happening in secret.

Step 3: Gold for Guns (The Real Move)

Tafari sent his men — not to fight Balcha’s army — but to negotiate with them.

He offered gold to Balcha’s soldiers in exchange for their loyalty and weapons.

Many of them agreed. Quietly, they handed over their guns and switched sides, seeing more future with Tafari than with the aging warlord.

No blood. No war. Just smart strategy.

While Balcha drank coffee, Tafari bought his army.

Step 4: The Checkmate

When the ceremony was over, Balcha stood to leave. But he quickly realized something was wrong.

• His guards were gone.
• The palace soldiers were not his.
• His weapons were confiscated.
• His army outside the city had been bought off.

Tafari smiled and said gently,

“You are free to go back to your estate, honorable Balcha. You have done much for your country. Now, enjoy your rest.”

Balcha was stunned. No war. No warning. No violence.

He had been checkmated over a cup of coffee.

The Power Lesson – Law 3: Use Smoke Screens

Don’t show your true intentions. If you strike directly, your enemy may resist. But if you hide your plan behind kindness, celebration, or distraction — you can take everything without a fight.

Tafari used gold, coffee, and calmness to defeat a lion without lifting a sword.

“Never let people see your next move. Distract their eyes while your real hand makes the play.”

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