Xu Wei

(1521 - 1593)

After failing the civil-service examination eight times, Xu Wei became the personal secretary to a military commander in 1558 and assisted in defending his hometown from the attacks of Japanese pirates. After his patron’s downfall and death, he was faced with serious professional difficulties and, either insane or faking it effectively, attempted suicide by pushing an awl through his ear and pounding his testicles with a hammer. Later Xu killed his third wife and went to prison but won release after seven years.