摧枯拉朽 — “Crush withered, pull rotten”

During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Emperor Yuan of Jin, Sima Rui, established his reign with the crucial support of the powerful Wang clan, especially Wang Dao and Wang Dun. As a result, Wang Dun rose to become a formidable general and governor. However, as Emperor Yuan began to curb the Wang clan's influence, Wang Dun plotted a rebellion.

Before setting out from Wuchang, Wang Dun tried to convince Gan Zhuo, the governor of Liangzhou, to join his cause. Gan Zhuo initially agreed but hesitated on the day of departure, sending an aide to dissuade Wang Dun. Wang Dun, surprised, claimed his true intention was merely to eliminate corrupt officials around the emperor, promising Gan Zhuo great rewards if successful. Yet, Gan Zhuo remained indecisive.

Meanwhile, Sima Cheng, the governor of Xiangzhou, fiercely opposed Wang Dun's rebellion. He dispatched Deng Qian to Xiangyang to persuade Gan Zhuo to remain loyal to the court and attack Wang Dun. Gan Zhuo's aide, Li Liang, advised him to adopt a wait-and-see approach, suggesting he could benefit regardless of which side prevailed. Deng Qian vehemently argued against this, pointing out that such indecision would only invite disaster. He highlighted that Wang Dun commanded barely ten thousand troops, with fewer than five thousand guarding Wuchang, while Gan Zhuo's forces were more than double. Deng Qian urged Gan Zhuo to act decisively, stating that attacking Wang Dun would be 'as easy as destroying withered grass and rotten wood,' implying an effortless victory.

Despite this compelling advice, Gan Zhuo continued to waver. Wang Dun, observing Gan Zhuo's inaction, sent another envoy, Le Daorong, who secretly encouraged Gan Zhuo to attack Wang Dun. Finally, Gan Zhuo resolved to act, issuing a proclamation condemning Wang Dun and mobilizing his troops. Upon learning this, Wang Dun was terrified and sent Gan Zhuo's nephew, Gan Ang, to persuade him to retreat. Commandant Qin Kang, however, urged Gan Zhuo to remain loyal to the court and decisively crush Wang Dun. But Gan Zhuo, paralyzed by indecision, ignored Qin Kang's counsel and retreated to Xiangyang.

Later, the Prefect of Xiangyang, Zhou Lü, conspired with Wang Dun and had Gan Zhuo assassinated. Gan Zhuo, who could have easily defeated Wang Dun, ultimately perished due to his wavering and irresolute nature.