The extraordinary power or ability to reverse a desperate or critical situation, often saving it from failure or ruin; to have the power to turn the tide.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
In 630 AD, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty issued an imperial decree to reconstruct the Qianyuan Hall in Luoyang Palace.
Zhang Xuansu, considering this move inappropriate, submitted a memorial vehemently arguing against it.
Emperor Taizong accepted his advice and immediately ordered a halt to the construction, granting Zhang Xuansu 200 bolts of colored silk to commend his frank remonstrance.
Upon hearing of this incident, Wei Zheng praised Zhang Xuansu's words, saying they truly possessed the 'power to turn back the heavens' (回天之力) and were the words of a benevolent person.