Throughout ancient Chinese history, there have been emperors who met bizarre and unexpected deaths for the strangest reasons.
Death by Betrayal
Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei (Tuoba Hong, 467-499) was a political and military leader of an ethnic minority background. While he was busy with state affairs, his empress had a secret affair with a eunuch. Everyone in the palace knew about it—except the emperor himself. One day, a princess, angered by being forced into marriage by the empress, revealed the truth to Xiaowen. As the supreme ruler, discovering that he had been deceived for years was a devastating blow. Not long after, he fell seriously ill and passed away.
Death by Starvation Due to Alcoholism
Many Chinese emperors were known for their love of alcohol, but only one met a truly bizarre fate because of it—Emperor Wenxuan of Northern Qi (Gao Yang). Before ascending the throne, he was a strict and serious man, but after becoming emperor, he became an alcoholic. When intoxicated, he would engage in reckless behavior, such as climbing onto rooftops or swinging from ceiling beams. His excessive drinking led to severe anorexia, making him unable to eat or drink. Ultimately, he died of starvation and dehydration.
Death by Falling into a Latrine Pit
Duke Jing of Jin (Ji Ju, 599 BC – 582 BC) ruled the state of Jin during the Spring and Autumn period. In 582 BC, a sorcerer told him that he had never eaten newly harvested wheat. Enraged, the duke ordered a pot of fresh wheat porridge to be prepared and scolded the sorcerer, saying, “Look! Isn’t this new wheat?” before ordering the man to be executed. However, as Duke Jing was about to eat, he suddenly experienced severe stomach pain and rushed to the restroom. In his haste, he accidentally fell into the latrine pit and died.
Death by Drowning After a Boat Capsized
Emperor Xizong of Ming (Zhu Youxiao, 1605-1627) had little interest in state affairs and instead enjoyed woodworking. One day, he crafted a wooden boat and decided to sail it on a lake in the Imperial Garden. Unfortunately, the boat capsized, and the emperor drowned.
Death by Suffocation with a Pillow
Emperor Xiaowu of Eastern Jin (Sima Yao, 361-396) was the ninth emperor of the Eastern Jin dynasty. Like many other emperors, he was fond of alcohol. In 396, he was drinking with Consort Zhang in the summer palace. After getting drunk, they argued, and when Xiaowu lost the argument, he spitefully told her, “Don’t think you can look down on me just because I favor you! I have plenty of other women in my harem, and one day, I’ll replace you with someone younger and prettier!” He then went to sleep. Furious, Consort Zhang, along with several palace maids, smothered him with a pillow, causing his death.
Death by a Falling Bronze Cauldron
Duke Wu of Qin (Ying Dang, died 688 BC) was a ruler of the state of Qin during the Spring and Autumn period. He was known for his exceptional strength and a penchant for extraordinary feats. When he traveled to Luoyang and saw a massive bronze cauldron, he learned that a warrior named Meng had once lifted it. Determined to prove his strength, Duke Wu attempted to lift the cauldron himself. However, as he hoisted it, his hands slipped, and the heavy cauldron crashed down, crushing his legs. Due to the poor medical conditions of the time, he died a few days later from his injuries.
Death by Nose-Slicing and Shock
Emperor Jingzong of Western Xia (Li Yuanhao, 1003-1048) was the founding emperor of the Western Xia dynasty. Like many rulers, he became intoxicated by his military victories, neglecting state affairs and indulging in hedonistic pleasures. When he saw the beauty of his son’s wife, he took her for himself and made her his new empress. He also falsely accused and executed General Yeli Wo before taking the general’s concubines as his own. His son, Crown Prince Ninglingge, harbored deep hatred for his father. On the night of the Lantern Festival in 1048, the prince sneaked into the palace and attacked Li Yuanhao, slicing off his nose. The emperor, horrified, died from the shock.
