Bullying Lady Felicia
In regard to Alexander's answer, Lady Felicia made it appear as if Lapitus had made no contribution to speak of in administering the city, dressing him up as a wastrel who dumped all the work to his poor wife while he went off to enjoy himself with drinking and feasting.
And it was both true and false.
True because Lapitus did indeed leave much of the day to day operations to Lady Felicia.
But also false because it was Lady Felicia who urged him to do so, fearing he would bite into her credit.
'My father taught me how to manage these things. Let me!' She insisted, then enticed her husband by saying, 'If we do a good job and not mess up, the Pasha might give us the city to rule.'
And seeing Lady Felicia's alacrity and knowing his own shortcomings, Lapitus graciously stepped down, though not before adding, 'If there is something I can help with, let me know immediately.'