During the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, Heshen wielded immense power and influence. He was deeply corrupt, accumulating a vast fortune through bribery and illicit gains, reportedly enough to cover the Qing court's expenses for ten years.

When Emperor Renzong (the Jiaqing Emperor) assumed full imperial authority, he ordered Heshen's imprisonment and eventual suicide, confiscating all his vast wealth.

The emperor issued a proclamation which stated: 'When Heshen's power and influence were overwhelming and intimidating (声势熏灼), no one in the court dared to impeach him. Only Cao Xibao courageously stood firm and presented his remonstrance, truly deserving of the title of a loyal minister. Therefore, he is posthumously granted the title of Vice Censor-in-Chief, and his son shall also be granted an official title.'

This idiom highlights a situation where someone's authority or momentum is so formidable that it overshadows others.