To build a miniature topographical model using grains of rice to vividly explain military strategies or geographical features; to describe complex situations clearly and visually.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
In the early Eastern Han Dynasty, Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu unified the central plains. However, in the west, Wei Xiao held considerable military power and was a formidable adversary to Liu Xiu.
Liu Xiu was preparing to launch an attack but was still hesitant.
General Ma Yuan, who had recently pledged his allegiance, believed that Wei Xiao's generals were not united, and an attack would surely succeed. He used grains of rice to create a miniature model of the western terrain and meticulously outlined the lines of advance.
Upon seeing this, Liu Xiu immediately felt confident of victory.