Book 5 of the Arthashastra, the ancient treatise on statecraft attributed to Kautilya, has a chapter titled “The Conduct of a Courtier.” It advises: “When asked, he should tell the king what is both good and pleasing, but not what is bad, though pleasing.”
An unwelcome truth has its own channel: “if the king is pleased to listen, he may secretly tell what, though unpleasant, is good.” The chapter adds: “Absence of contradiction from the king will render his position secure.” The translation is by R. Shamasastry.