Wu Zetian, the only female emperor in Chinese history, lived a legendary life. Under her rule, there were many severe laws and regulations, among which the most well-known was the "Jade Maiden Climbing the Ladder". So, what is this punishment? How was it carried out? This article will unveil the mystery for you.

I. Origin of the Jade Maiden Climbing the Ladder

The "Jade Maiden Climbing the Ladder" was a cruel punishment during Wu Zetian's reign, originating from the Tang Dynasty. According to historical records, this punishment was first invented by Wu Zetian's favorite minister Zhang Yizhi. At that time, in order to please Wu Zetian, Zhang Yizhi deliberately designed this agonizing punishment. It is said that the name of this punishment originated from the "Jade Maiden" in Buddhist stories, symbolizing the cruelty of this punishment comparable to hell in Buddhism.

II. Execution Process of the Jade Maiden Climbing the Ladder

The execution process of the Jade Maiden Climbing the Ladder was extremely cruel and mainly consisted of the following steps:

1. First, the prisoner was tied to a long wooden pole, rendering them unable to move.

2. Then, their legs were tied together with iron chains, making it impossible for them to stand.

3. Next, their hands were tied to the wooden pole, preventing them from climbing.

4. Finally, their head and chest were hoisted up with iron chains, leaving them suspended in the air.

In this state, the prisoner had to use their own strength to climb the wooden pole in order to alleviate the pain. However, due to their legs being tied together, it was difficult for them to climb. Therefore, they could only struggle constantly, enduring immense pain.

III. Historical Impact of the Jade Maiden Climbing the Ladder

Although the Jade Maiden Climbing the Ladder was an extremely cruel punishment, it was regarded as an effective means of punishment at that time. Under Wu Zetian's rule, many officials and civilians suffered from this punishment for violating the law. However, as time went by, people gradually recognized the cruelty of this punishment and began to oppose its use. Finally, in the late Tang Dynasty, the Jade Maiden Climbing the Ladder was abolished and became a dust of history.

Conclusion: Wu Zetian's Jade Maiden Climbing the Ladder was an extremely cruel punishment, and its execution process was heartbreaking. However, the existence of such a punishment allows us to more deeply understand the dark side of ancient society. Nowadays, we should cherish the peace and tranquility of modern society, remember history, and never forget national humiliation.

　　Disclaimer: The above content is sourced from the internet and the copyright belongs to the original author. If there is any infringement of your original copyright, please inform us and we will delete the relevant content as soon as possible.