To take a fundamental approach to solving a problem; to remove the cause of trouble; to tackle an issue at its root.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
During the Northern and Southern Dynasties, Hou Jing, a general of the Eastern Wei, rebelled against the imperial court. After his defeat, he sought refuge with Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan, in the Southern Liang dynasty.
Xiao Yan sent troops to assist him, but Hou Jing's attack on the Eastern Wei failed.
Wei Shou of the Eastern Wei then wrote to Xiao Yan, advising him that for someone like Hou Jing, one should 'draw the firewood from under the pot to stop the boiling, and cut the weeds to remove their roots,' suggesting a fundamental solution.
However, Xiao Yan did not heed this advice, and Hou Jing later betrayed the Liang dynasty as well.