Ban Gu doesn’t seem to have one, but his brother Ban Chao is a ruthless character, leaving behind the famous saying “If you don’t enter the tiger’s den, you can’t get the tiger’s cubs”

If you don’t enter the tiger’s den, you can’t get the tiger’s cubs” From "Book of the Later Han·Biography of Ban Chao": "Chao said: 'If you don't enter the tiger's den, you won't get its cubs. '" It's a metaphor that you can't achieve anything without taking risks. It's also used today as a metaphor that you can't gain true knowledge without going through the most arduous practice.

During the Eastern Han Dynasty, Emperor Ming of the Han Dynasty summoned Ban Chao and sent him to Xinjiang to work with him. King Shanshan made friends. Ban Chao led a team of people, not afraid of high mountains and long distances, and traveled all the way to Xinjiang. King Shanshan heard that Ban Chao was envoy to the Western Regions and went out to welcome Ban Chao in person. Guests. Ban Chao explained his intention to the host, and King Shanshan was very happy.

A few days later, the Huns also sent envoys to communicate with King Shanshan. The Huns entertained them warmly. , said many bad things about the Eastern Han Dynasty. King Shanshan suddenly felt sad and uneasy. He refused to meet Ban Chao and even sent troops to monitor Ban Chao. Ban Chao immediately called everyone to discuss countermeasures. Only by getting rid of the Huns envoy can the master's doubts be eliminated and the two countries reconcile. "But Ban Chao and his men don't have many men and horses, while the Huns have strong soldiers and horses, and their defense is tight.

Ban Chao said: "If you don't enter the tiger's den, how can you catch the tiger's cubs? Late that night, Ban Chao and his soldiers sneaked into the Huns camp. They divided into two groups, one holding war drums and hiding behind the camp, and the other holding bows, arrows, swords and guns in ambush on both sides of the camp. They set fire to the tents while beating drums and shouting. The Huns were in chaos, and all of them were burned to death and shot with random arrows.

After King Shanshan understood the truth, he reconciled with Ban Chao.