To catch all at one go; to make a clean sweep; to net the whole lot without exception; to round up all suspects or items.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
The princes Yi Wu and Chong'er were brothers. Yi Wu ascended to the throne, becoming Duke Hui of Jin, with the assistance of the states of Qin and Qi. However, Duke Hui's court was divided into two factions: one supporting Duke Hui, led by Que Mao and Lu Sheng, and another secretly backing Chong'er, led by Li Ke and Pi Zheng. Interestingly, both factions had previously rendered meritorious service to Duke Hui.
One day, while Pi Zheng was away on an official mission to the state of Qin, Duke Hui seized the opportunity to execute Li Ke under a pretext. Upon Pi Zheng's return, he was consumed by fear, worried that Duke Hui would also have him killed. However, as nothing untoward happened to him, he gradually felt reassured. Nevertheless, a deep hatred for Duke Hui simmered within him, and he secretly convened his confederates to plot the overthrow of Yi Wu and the enthronement of Prince Chong'er.
Later, a man named Tu An Yi sought an audience with Pi Zheng. He waited from noon until late into the night before he was finally granted an audience. Pi Zheng asked him about his business, and Tu An Yi revealed that Duke Hui intended to kill Pi Zheng, pleading for his help. Pi Zheng replied, "Go ask Lu Sheng to save you!" Tu An Yi retorted, "Lu Sheng is not a good man; I wish to drink his blood and eat his innards!" Pi Zheng remained unconvinced. Tu An Yi then proceeded to propose detailed plans for overthrowing Duke Hui. Pi Zheng listened intently, then suddenly exclaimed, "Who sent you to say this?!" Seeing Pi Zheng's disbelief, Tu An Yi bit his finger until it bled, swearing to Heaven, "If I have any ulterior motives, may my entire family perish!" Convinced by this fervent oath, Pi Zheng finally believed him and conspired with his faction.
They penned a letter to Prince Chong'er, urging him to prepare for his return. Pi Zheng, Gong Hua, Tu An Yi, and seven other ministers (ten in total) signed the letter. Tu An Yi secretly carried the letter tucked close to his chest.
The following day, during the morning court, Duke Hui directly questioned Pi Zheng, "Why do you wish to welcome Prince Chong'er?" Pi Zheng and his confederates were all startled, realizing their plot had been exposed. They were immediately seized and beheaded. All nine ministers who opposed Yi Wu were thus caught in one net.