One of your overseas' ambassadors, posted in a foreign empire's court, has written to you with rather embarassing news. Your lowly renown has come to the attention of a national scandal sheet, a lurid and profane publication, who've ridiculed your undistinguished rule. A copy is enclosed with the letter, the aforementioned article entitled 'The Empire Led by a Donkey'. Flattering it is not, and could cause damage to your reputation at home should it get distributed here. What is your command?
Designating this gossip sheet a banned publication will ensure it stays unread, while boosting loyalty.
Offering to give the scandal sheet an interview, might lead to a better outcome...
This story will likely extinguish itself without any reputational damage suffered.