During the T'ang dynasty in the reign of Empress Wu, Chou Hsing and Ch'iu Shen-tzu conspired to revolt. Lai Chun-ch'en, sent to investigate, invited Chou Hsing to dinner. "I would like to ask your advice," he said to Chou. "I have recently questioned many criminals, but none will confess to their crimes. What solution would you suggest?"
"That's easy," boasted Chou."Set a large urn on a bed of burning coals and force the criminals to step inside. They will most certainly confess."
"A splendid suggestion," said Lai, who proceeded to prepare an urn and coals according to Chou's description. Then he said to Chou, "You have been accused of plotting a revolt, and the Empress has sent me to question you. Please step into the urn."
The saying "Stepping into the Urn" is the Chinese equivalent of getting a taste of your own medicine.
(Jill Ardourel)