杯酒释兵权 bēijiǔshìbīngquán cups of wine to relinquish military power
Historical event in 961 where the founding Emperor of the Song Dynasty, [[宋太祖|宋太祖|song4 tai4 zu3]], held a banquet and persuaded his senior commanders to retire and give up their military authority; refers to a peaceful transfer of power from local militarists to the central government.