There are many dynasties that have been short-lived in history, but why is only Northern Qi dubbed the "Beast Dynasty"? In fact, there is a ridiculous and surprising historical story behind this.
Located in the Southern and Northern Dynasties period, Northern Qi can be described as a shooting star in history. Beginning in 550 and ending in 577, it existed for only 28 years, during which time there were six successive monarchs. The ruling style and behavior habits of these emperors are different from those of traditional monarchs, which is jaw-dropping. (Speaking of Northern Qi, everyone may not be familiar with it, but there is someone who must know that King Lanling is the prince of Northern Qi and one of the few normal people) In this dynasty, the special behavior of the emperors is the most attention-grabbing. From taking someone's wife, having an improper relationship with a relative, to theatrically awarding an animal a position, every act seems to challenge ancient boundaries and ethics.
Mad emperor of Northern Qi
When it comes to the rulers of Northern Qi, people can't help but shake their heads and sigh. The way they behave is simply a textbook against ancient conventions.
Like Gao Yang, he not only inherited the bad behavior of his father and brother, but also became even more crazy. On a clear day, he was completely naked, climbed up the high platform in the palace, and enjoyed the cold feeling in the cold wind. Not to mention, he also likes to wear women's clothes on the street, attracting the eyes of passers-by. And for the concubines he liked, he was even more merciless, and he could execute them on a whim, and there was no humanity at all.
Of course, in addition to Gao Yang, other emperors of Northern Qi also had their own "characteristics", and their actions and decisions all added a lot of anecdotes to the history books.
Let's talk about Gao Yang's brother, Gao Cheng. This emperor was called the "Emperor" because his obsession with women simply reached an incredible level. Not only did he occupy the wives of a large number of ministers, but he also did not spare the wives of his own brother. His behavior even made the palace a place of indulgence, and many harem concubines did not know how to be good.
Besides, Gao Zhan, his preferences are even more distorted. Not only did he enjoy having illicit relations with relatives, but he also had a special proclivity: he liked to watch his courtiers wrestle at court. Whenever the courtiers fell all over the body, he would laugh and even reward the courtiers who fought well.
And Gao Wei, he is even more "different". Not only did he continue the family's tradition of indulgence, but he also had his own alternative hobbies. In order to find a companion for his pet monkey, he ordered to find the most beautiful woman in the country. After the elected woman was brought to the palace, he even asked her to marry the monkey and held a grand wedding for both.
Finally, Gao Xian, whose cruelty has reached the pinnacle. Not only did he treat his courtiers and commoners with extreme cruelty, but he often ordered the chefs to make him special "delicacies"—dishes made from the hearts of living people. Such behavior is really creepy.
To sum up, it is not difficult to see that every emperor of Northern Qi had a different and incomprehensible behavior. This is also why later generations called it the "Animal Dynasty". How could the Northern Qi Dynasty be stable and prosperous under such crazy rule? In fact, it was precisely because of these absurd actions that led to the rapid decline and demise of Northern Qi. Not only that, these absurd acts also made Northern Qi leave an indelible trace in history, becoming a "beast dynasty" in the later population. Such a title is undoubtedly the best evaluation of the rule of the emperors of Northern Qi. Northern Qi, a short and absurd dynasty, left a mark on history for itself with its unique way of ruling. These iconoclastic and anti-ethical ruling behaviors have made it a major spectacle in the history books and earned it the title of "Animal Dynasty"