To stake everything on a single venture; to make a last desperate effort or take a final, all-or-nothing gamble in a critical situation.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
In 1003 AD, the Khitan army captured Deqing (modern-day Qingfeng, Henan) and approached Jizhou (modern-day Hengshui, Hebei), reaching Chanzhou (modern-day Puyang, Henan). The Song army was losing ground, and urgent border reports frequently reached the capital. At this time, Kou Zhun (who had served as a county magistrate in Chengan County, Handan City) was the prime minister. Upon receiving the urgent dispatches, he withheld them, maintaining his usual calm and composure without showing any panic.
Emperor Zhenzong Zhao Heng, upon hearing of this, was furious and questioned Kou Zhun: "The military situation at the border is so critical, why did you conceal the information?" Kou Zhun smiled and replied to Zhenzong: "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Your humble servant has already devised a plan to defeat the Khitan army. If Your Majesty leads the imperial expedition, the enemy will surely retreat without a fight."
In December, Emperor Zhenzong, accompanied by civil and military officials, braved the bitter cold to arrive at Chanzhou. After the Song army was stationed there, Kou Zhun was ordered to manage military affairs. He commanded the troops to rest and await the opportune moment for battle. As expected, a few days later, the Khitan army attacked the city. When the enemy was exhausted, Kou Zhun ordered his generals to strike, decisively defeating a large portion of the enemy forces and forcing them to retreat in haste. From then on, Emperor Zhenzong valued Kou Zhun even more.
Another court official, Wang Qinruo, was jealous of Kou Zhun's achievements. He spoke ill of Kou Zhun before Emperor Zhenzong: "Has Your Majesty ever heard of gambling? A gambler who is losing often stakes all his money as a final bet, which is called '孤注一掷' (gū zhù yī zhì). Kou Zhun repeatedly urged Your Majesty to personally lead the expedition. Didn't Your Majesty become Kou Zhun's '孤注' (sole stake)? Isn't this risking Your Majesty's life?"
Emperor Zhenzong believed the slander and soon dismissed Kou Zhun from his post as prime minister.