A small beginning can lead to a great development; a single spark can start a big blaze. It implies that something seemingly insignificant can grow into a powerful and widespread force.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
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Story:
During the Ming Dynasty, Prime Minister Zhang Juzheng appointed the renowned general Qi Jiguang to train troops against the invasion of Japanese pirates, and also entrusted Pan Jixun with managing the Yellow River floods.
When rebellions broke out in ethnic minority regions, Zhang Juzheng believed they were caused by corrupt officials and ruffians. He saw the strength of the rebel forces as 'a single spark that could start a prairie fire,' and thus ordered severe punishment for corrupt officials and unruly generals, quickly quelling the rebellions.