In ancient feudal society, to maintain social order, those in power would impose a series of torture methods to punish criminals. Among these forms of punishment, some were poetically named, executed simply, yet their outcomes were incredibly brutal.
If you’ve watched traditional Chinese period dramas, you have likely heard the phrase “Drag down and punish with the rod“. This specific punishment involves hitting the offender harshly on the buttocks with a large rod. It sounds simple and somewhat mild, doesn’t it? In reality, most individuals subjected to this punishment either do not die or end up severely disabled.
The “First Rod of Red” punishment for an official in a scene from the palace drama “Empresses in the Palace.”
The punishment of the rod, also known as “First Rod of Red,” was the most common form of punishment in the ancient imperial harem. Although the name sounds pleasant, it was extremely cruel. This punishment was applicable to anyone, from the emperor to the lowest servants who committed an offense.
Although there is nothing complicated about it, the experience of being struck repeatedly on the body with a large rod for dozens of times typically resulted in a gruesome outcome for the offender, where blood and flesh would mix. From a distance, blood would seep out, staining the ground red, creating a haunting scene, which is why it is referred to as “First Rod of Red”.
According to historical records, if the executor knew to be gentle and struck lightly, the offender would not lose their life. However, they would still suffer extreme pain. For some concubines, enduring this punishment was akin to a tremendous humiliation. Many could not withstand the physical agony and, consumed by psychological trauma, chose to end their lives.
Historians analyze that the reason many concubines committed suicide after receiving the “First Rod of Red” punishment is that, even if their bodies healed, they would be left with scars, almost ensuring they would never again receive favor from the emperor. They lost their competitive edge against numerous other beauties, making their lives feel redundant.
Moreover, women in ancient times were frail and delicate; being struck on the lower body often resulted in broken bones, internal injuries, causing long-term consequences such as infertility or disabilities. Thus, even if they continued to live, they could not escape the fate of growing old in a secluded palace.
On the other hand, the conservative views of the time meant that being publicly beaten as a concubine was a source of immense shame for these women. Consequently, more than half of the concubines and beauties in the palace who were punished with the rod would succumb to despair and die prematurely. This demonstrates that while the “First Rod of Red” may seem simple, it was one of the most brutal punishments in terms of both physical and mental suffering.