In the late Qing Dynasty, the case of Yang Naiwu and Xiao Baicai became one of the “Four Famous Cases” of the time, a chilling tale of scandal, miscarriage of justice, and eventual redemption. Set during the reign of Emperor Tongzhi, this case offers an intriguing window into ancient Chinese legal practices, where justice was often entangled with personal biases, social gossip, and the occasional blundering official.

The Story Begins: A Simple Neighbourhood Dispute

Yang Naiwu, a wealthy man from the Zhejiang Province, was a local scholar with a comfortable life. He owned a house and rented out a room to Xiao Baicai (whose real name was Bi Xiugu), a young woman who lived with her husband. Over time, the two families became friendly neighbors, with Yang even taking time to teach Xiao Baicai how to write.

However, their close association soon became fodder for gossip. As with many societies, rumors about possible infidelity spread like wildfire. The neighbors speculated that Yang and Xiao were having an affair, despite there being no evidence to support this. Eventually, Xiao and her husband, fed up with the constant whispers, decided to move out.

Tragically, Xiao’s husband fell ill and died soon after, his body showing signs of a suspicious death. The family believed that Xiao had poisoned her husband and accused her of murder. This accusation set the stage for a dramatic and unfortunate series of events that would leave both Xiao Baicai and Yang Naiwu caught in a legal nightmare.

A Flawed Judicial System

In the Qing Dynasty, justice was not administered by a central court, but rather by local magistrates, or “Zhixian” (知县), who had the power to handle cases within their jurisdictions. In this case, the local magistrate, Liu Xitong, was an elderly official who, unfortunately, was well past his prime. Upon receiving the report, Liu Xitong and the coroner (known as the “Fuyin”) performed an autopsy on the deceased.

Following traditional procedures outlined in the ancient legal text “Washing Away of Wrongs” (《洗冤录》) by Song Ci, they used a silver needle to probe the deceased’s throat. If the needle turned dark, it was believed to indicate poisoning. In this case, the needle did indeed darken, suggesting the presence of poison. However, the procedure was incomplete. According to “Washing Away of Wrongs,” a second test using soap water was required to verify the presence of poison—this step was unfortunately skipped.

Liu, influenced by the rumors of an illicit relationship between Yang and Xiao, quickly concluded that Xiao was guilty. Without proper verification, he proceeded to accuse her of poisoning her husband. The case was soon escalated to higher authorities, where a similar lack of thorough investigation led to a hastily made decision.

Torture and Forced Confessions

Ancient Chinese judicial procedures included harsh methods of interrogation, with torture being a commonly used tool to extract confessions. In this case, Liu Xitong employed torture to force Xiao Baicai into confessing her supposed crime. Ancient judicial practices relied heavily on confessions, and if a suspect refused to admit guilt, more extreme measures were taken, including physical punishment.

Although Yang Naiwu was also suspected of involvement, his status as a “Juren” (a scholar with a degree) protected him from such treatment. He could not be tortured under the law. However, Xiao Baicai, being an ordinary woman, had no such protection and was subjected to brutal methods of interrogation.

Despite the lack of concrete evidence, Xiao Baicai was forced to confess to the crime of murdering her husband, with Yang as an accomplice. This forced confession, although false, was enough to seal their fate. The case was sent to the governor of Hangzhou, who, after a brief review, sentenced both Xiao and Yang to death.

A Glimmer of Hope: The Imperial Appeal

Just as the couple awaited their execution, an unexpected twist occurred. Yang’s family, desperate for justice, submitted an appeal to the Emperor’s court, much like today’s citizens may appeal to a higher authority when they feel wronged. This appeal was sent to the Imperial Censorate, an organization akin to today’s anti-corruption body, where it garnered attention due to public outcry.

The case made headlines in Shanghai’s “Shen Bao” newspaper, similar to how modern media can influence public opinion. The attention it received even reached the ears of the Empress Dowager Cixi, who decided to intervene directly. She ordered the case to be re-examined.

In the second review, a new autopsy was conducted by a seasoned coroner, who determined that the cause of death was not poisoning, but rather natural illness. This revelation proved that Xiao Baicai’s confession had been coerced. After years of legal battles and public pressure, Yang Naiwu and Xiao Baicai were exonerated, and the corrupt officials responsible for the miscarriage of justice were severely punished.

The Impact and Legacy

The Yang Naiwu and Xiao Baicai case is a sobering reminder of the flaws within ancient legal systems, especially when combined with personal biases, social pressure, and improper judicial procedures. The case also highlights the importance of a fair and just legal system—one that is immune to the whims of gossip and the abuse of power.

This case has remained a significant part of Chinese cultural memory, not only for its dramatic twists but also for its influence on reforming judicial practices. The intervention of Empress Dowager Cixi and the eventual exoneration of the accused served as a wake-up call for the need to ensure fairness in the legal process.

Today, the Yang Naiwu and Xiao Baicai case serves as an important historical lesson. It underscores the importance of upholding the principles of justice and human rights in any society, reminding us that a well-functioning legal system must be rooted in fairness, evidence, and transparency.