Generally speaking, when a man tries to distinguish himself in the world, even people who seem to be sages or saints envy him. How much more so ordinary people.

In ancient times, Wang Chao-chün, a consort of Emperor Wen Ti of Former Han, was so beautiful that 3,000 women in the imperial palace envied her, and it is said that innumerable queens of Indra envied Lady Kauśika, the former wife of Indra. In Japan, Prince Kaneakira, son of Emperor Daigo, was envied by Minister Fujiwara Saneyori of the Ono Palace; and Sugawara Michizane was exiled to Kyushu on a false charge made by Minister Fujiwara Tokihira.

Contemplate your own situation from the perspective of these examples. The residence of Lay Priest Lord Ema, your lord, was once vast but it is no longer so. As his young noblemen are many and retainers of long standing increase in number, just as fish become agitated when the water in a pond decreases and birds fight for a treetop when the autumn wind begins to blow, the jealousy among his men must be growing. And since you often acted against your lord and was given many slanderous reports, you were often forced to relinquish your fief. Despite all of this, according to your letter your fief was returned to you. This is wonderful indeed. This is what is meant by “What is done by night appears by day.” It is the reward for your sincere efforts in trying to bring your lord to the faith in the Lotus Sūtra.

Shijō Kingo-dono Gohenji, Response to Lord Shijō Kingo, Writings of Nichiren Shōnin, Followers I, Volume 6, Page 151