Inwardly, unless you are a fool, you learn quickly to be prudent, and to do as Napoleon advised: Place your iron hand inside a velvet glove.

From Preface of 48 Laws of Power.

Napoleon's advice to "place your iron hand inside a velvet glove" idea behind this quote is that you should enforce your will with unyielding firmness but cloak it in kindness and subtlety to disarm others. The ruthlessness lies in your control, while the charm prevents rebellion and masks your true intentions.

The art of subtlety in wielding power. Brute force or overt domination rarely leads to lasting success or influence. Instead, the key lies in mastering the ability to control others indirectly through charm, manipulation, and careful strategy. By wrapping your unyielding will in diplomacy, seduction, and politeness, you can achieve your goals without provoking resistance or resentment.

True power is not about being openly domineering; it's about influencing and directing others so subtly that they don’t even realize they’re being led. People comply because they feel it’s their choice, while you maintain control from behind the scenes. This is the essence of power that endures.

Cardinal Richelieu

Richelieu was the Chief Minister to King Louis XIII of France and became the most powerful man in France by wielding his authority subtly yet ruthlessly.

Richelieu portrayed himself as a loyal servant to the king and a devout Catholic. He maintained an image of humility and loyalty, using diplomacy and religious rhetoric to win the trust of both the court and the people. This outward charm made him appear as a protector of France's unity and faith.

Behind this facade, Richelieu systematically eliminated his rivals, suppressed dissent, and consolidated power. He crushed the independence of the nobility, weakened the Protestant Huguenots, and manipulated alliances to strengthen France's position in Europe. His actions were calculated and often brutal, but he cloaked them in the guise of national and religious service.

This strategy allowed Richelieu to dominate French politics without overt resistance. His opponents underestimated him because of his outward diplomacy and piety, only to realize too late that he was controlling the chessboard with an iron will.