The common people are plunged into an abyss of misery and suffering, as if wallowing in mud and scorched by charcoal. It describes a situation where people are extremely distressed and afflicted, often due to war, tyranny, or natural disasters.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the period of the Sixteen Kingdoms, the Former Qin state was besieged by the combined forces of Later Yan and Later Qin. Its capital, Chang'an, was surrounded, and Fu Jian, the ruler of Former Qin, retreated to Wujiang Mountain, hoping to find an opportunity to regroup. However, he was later captured and executed by Later Qin.
Fu Pi, Fu Jian's son, was stationed in Ye City. Upon learning of his father's death, Wang Yong, the Governor of Youzhou under Former Qin, invited Fu Pi to Jinyang. With the support of Wang Yong and others, Fu Pi was enthroned as emperor. After becoming emperor, Fu Pi appointed Wang Yong as the Left Prime Minister.
Wang Yong then issued a stirring proclamation to call upon Former Qin's forces to launch a punitive expedition against Later Qin and Later Yan. The proclamation read: "Since the tragic death of Fu Jian and the fall of our capital Chang'an, our nation has been in irreversible decline! The common people are plunged into an abyss of misery and suffering, as if wallowing in mud and scorched by charcoal. All local officials, upon receiving this summons, must dispatch their troops to Linjin to assemble and prepare for battle."
Unfortunately, the army of Later Qin proved to be too formidable, and Wang Yong's efforts were unsuccessful. Former Qin subsequently dwindled and was soon annihilated by Later Qin.