釜中游鱼 — “Someone or something in a desperate”

Zhang Gang was a man from the Eastern Han Dynasty, known for his integrity and unyielding character. At that time, General Liang Ji was corrupt, embezzling funds, and persecuting loyal officials. His sisters were the Empress Dowager and the Empress, and his confidants were throughout the court, so no one dared to offend him.

Once, the court appointed Zhang Gang and seven others as imperial censors. The others all went out to inspect various regions. Zhang Gang declared, "When wolves are at the helm, why should we be preoccupied with investigating foxes?" He directly submitted a memorial to the Emperor, exposing Liang Ji's fifteen crimes. The entire court was astonished, but Liang Ji's influence was too vast, and even the Emperor could not do anything about him. From then on, Liang Ji harbored a deep hatred for Zhang Gang.

Not long after, Zhang Ying of Guangling led a rebellion, killed the provincial governor, and was active between Yangzhou and Xuzhou. The imperial court was at a loss. Liang Ji, seizing the opportunity to get rid of Zhang Gang, sent him to Guangling to serve as its prefect. Zhang Gang was undeterred; he took office with only a dozen attendants.

Upon arrival, Zhang Gang personally went to persuade Zhang Ying, conveying the Emperor's immense grace and also promising to punish corrupt officials. Zhang Ying was moved by Zhang Gang's sincerity and wept, saying, "We only gathered to rebel due to dire circumstances, much like fish swimming in a pot, destined to die soon. We are willing to surrender to the imperial court." The court accepted their surrender, and Guangling became peaceful thereafter.