The “human swine” incident involved Concubine Qi, one of Emperor Gaozu’s consorts whom Empress Lü deeply hated. After Gaozu’s death, Empress Lü, as the widow of the late emperor and mother of the new emperor, assumed a leadership role in her son’s administration. In 9 BC, less than a year after her son’s accession to the throne, Lü had Concubine Qi put to death in a cruel manner.

Empress Dowager Lü had Qi’s limbs cut off, eyes gouged out, ears cut off, and forced her to drink a poison that made her mute. She was then thrown into a latrine. Empress Lü referred to the mutilated Qi as a "human swine".

When Emperor Hui was taken to view the “human swine”, he was shocked to learn that it was Concubine Qi. He cried loudly and fell sick for a long time. He requested to see his mother and said, "This is something done not by a human." This incident led to Emperor Hui distancing himself from state affairs, giving more power to his mother.

The “human swine” incident is a chilling testament to the lengths Empress Lü was willing to go to consolidate her power and eliminate her rivals. It serves as a stark reminder of the brutal realities of court politics during the Han dynasty.

Empress Lü’s reign, marked by both her political acumen and ruthless actions, left an indelible mark on Chinese history. Her story continues to captivate historians and readers alike, serving as a potent symbol of the complexities of power, ambition, and revenge.