This concept examines the ethical and strategic dimensions of royal mercy ('Afo) in Jami's Haft Awrang. In the tale of Nushirvan and the cupbearer, an accidental spill triggers the king's capital wrath. Recognizing his impending execution, the cupbearer deliberately pours the entire flagon of wine onto the king. By transforming a minor accident into an intentional, egregious offense, the cupbearer strategically protects the king's reputation: executing a servant for a minor accident would expose the king as a tyrant, whereas executing him for deliberate insolence is seen as just. This clever psychological maneuver forces the king to recognize the servant's loyalty to the crown's reputation, prompting Nushirvan to appreciate the wit and grant full forgiveness.