113 【Idiom Story】Inviting Someone Into A Trap
The idiom "Inviting Someone Into A Trap" later came to be used to describe using someone's own methods against them
The idiom 'Inviting Someone Into A Trap' originates from a historical narrative involving the famous female emperor Wu Zetian. She faced threats from two of her trusted officials, Zhou Xing and Lai Junchen, known for their ruthlessness. When Wu Zetian learned about a potential rebellion from Zhou Xing, she devised a clever plan to expose him. By inviting Zhou Xing to a banquet, Lai Junchen cleverly feigned distress and inquired about interrogation methods. Unbeknownst to Zhou Xing, Lai Junchen's questions were a setup. He used the advice given by Zhou Xing himself about extracting confessions using a heating vat. This situation turned the tables, leading Zhou Xing to unwittingly confess his treachery when confronted with the vat. This story serves not only as a cautionary tale about the dangers of betrayal but also encapsulates the essence of the idiom — using a person's own strategies against them can often lead to their downfall. The tale is an evergreen reminder of the strategic thinking found in ancient Chinese history, illustrating that wisdom and cunning can prevail even against the most confident adversaries.