The Disgusting Tale Notable Figures in Chinese History Who Ate Excrement

In the annals of Chinese history, there are tales of remarkable characters who, in a desperate bid to survive or heal, resorted to the grotesque and repulsive act of consuming excrement. This article delves into the fascinating, yet stomach-churning, stories of these individuals who pushed the boundaries of human endurance and desperation.

The Great Miser: Zhuang Zhong (Zhuang Ziyuan) of the Eastern Han Dynasty

Zhuang Zhong, a renowned miser of the Eastern Han Dynasty, is said to have survived a severe bout of illness by consuming his own excrement. According to legends, Zhuang Zhong's wealth was so immense that he was rumored to have buried his treasures in secret locations. His extreme frugality and alleged cannibalistic tendencies have become the stuff of legends.

The Loyal Minister: Liu Qing of the Northern Qi Dynasty

In the Northern Qi Dynasty, Minister Liu Qing was known for his unwavering loyalty to the throne. During a particularly severe famine, Liu Qing's loyal retainers, in a desperate attempt to save their master, resorted to feeding him excrement. Despite the grotesqueness of the act, Liu Qing remained unaware of the true nature of his sustenance, attributing his miraculous recovery to divine intervention.

The Warrior: He Ying of the Jin Dynasty

He Ying, a revered warrior of the Jin Dynasty, faced a more sinister challenge. During a siege, his men discovered that the enemy had poisoned the water supply. In a desperate attempt to keep him hydrated and healthy, He Ying's attendants had no choice but to feed him excrement. Miraculously, He Ying not only survived but also returned to the battlefield with renewed vigor.

The Rebellious Prince: Liang Hong of the Southern dynasties

In the Southern dynasties, Prince Liang Hong, a reformist and a reformer, faced a similar predicament. During a rebellion, Liang Hong's troops were surrounded and starved. In a bid to maintain his leadership and inspire his men, Liang Hong consumed excrement, thus becoming a symbol of resilience and perseverance.

The Mad Emperor: Zhu Yanzhao of the Northern Zhou Dynasty

The story of Zhu Yanzhao, the Mad Emperor of the Northern Zhou Dynasty, is perhaps the most tragic of all. Suffering from a severe mental illness, Zhu Yanzhao was convinced that his enemies were plotting against him. In a fit of paranoia, he resorted to consuming his own excrement, believing it to be a cure for his mental ailment.

These tales, though unsettling, serve as a stark reminder of the lengths to which human beings will go in times of desperation. From the frugal miser to the loyal minister, from the warrior to the rebellious prince, and even to the mad emperor, these individuals' stories reflect the complexity and resilience of the human spirit.

While it is difficult to imagine such grotesque acts in the modern world, these stories from the past continue to fascinate and disturb us. They serve as a cautionary tale, reminding us of the importance of compassion, empathy, and the preservation of human dignity, even in the darkest of times.