In the early 1540s, the Ming dynasty's Jiajing Emperor faced increasing discontent among his courtiers and palace women. His reign was characterized by a withdrawal from governance, leaving matters largely in the hands of corrupt officials. In an act of desperation, a coalition of palace women, including concubines and servants, conspired to assassinate the emperor. They believed that removing him would restore order and stability to the court. Their plan revolved around poisoning the emperor during a banquet, but the scheme was foiled when one of the conspirators betrayed the group, revealing the plot to the emperor's guards.

Following the discovery of the conspiracy, the Jiajing Emperor took swift and brutal action. The captured conspirators were subject to a torturous trial where they were interrogated and ultimately condemned to death. The method of execution chosen was 'lingchi' or slow-slicing, a punishment historically reserved for the most grievous offenses. This method involved the gradual removal of the victim's flesh in a public setting, aimed at deterring others from attempting similar treasonous acts. As a result, many officials within the palace were left terrified, and the event solidified the emperor’s authority, albeit through fear.

This incident served as a stark reminder of the fragility of the emperor’s reign and the precarious position of women within the Ming dynasty. Despite the outcome, the desire among some palace women to challenge power and change their circumstances highlighted the broader struggles within the imperial court. This assassination attempt and its violent aftermath sent shockwaves throughout the realm, impacting court politics and the treatment of women in the years that followed.