- 一朝天子一朝臣 yīcháotiānzǐyīcháochén turnovera new leadership or administration brings in its own team of subordinates or staff
- 挟天子以令诸侯 xiétiānzǐyǐlìngzhūhóu leverage figureheadto command others by controlling a figurehead; to hold the emperor to control the lords
- 挟天子以令天下 xiétiānzǐyǐlìngtiānxià control through figureheadhold the nominal sovereign hostage to exert authority over the realm