In 1698, Lord Asano Takumi No kami was insulted by the ceremony Master of the Shogun, Kira Kosukeno-suke. He killed the latter with a sword, and by this he infringed the Shogun law. The sentence was immediate; he had to commit the Seppuku (self-inflicted death).
But his vassals refused to commit the Junshi (follow their Master in death). They became Ronins (Samouraïs without Master) who failed to accomplish their duty. People ridiculised them for their lack of courage and fidelity… then they were forgotten.
4 years later, they went to Kira Kosukeno-suke’s house, moved into the attack and killed him. The 47 Ronins then commited the Seppuku and followed their Master in death, after they proved their fidelity.
The Shogun made this conclusion:
NEVER ASSUME OR INTERPRET THE REACTIONS OF YOUR SLAVES.