To punish one individual severely as a warning to many others; to make an example of someone.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
In 949 AD, Li Shouzhen, a rebellious general of the Later Han dynasty, led his troops to attack Hexi (today's Hexi Corridor in Gansu province). Before the operation, he had his men disguise themselves as wine merchants, enticing Guo Wei's troops in Hexi to drink freely with small profits. Then, taking advantage of their drunkenness, he launched a surprise attack on the Hexi military camp.
Upon learning this, Guo Wei immediately issued an order: no private drinking was allowed in Hexi, except for celebrations and banquets; violators would be executed.
Once, Li Shen, Guo Wei's closest general, violated this rule and drank alcohol. Guo Wei sent for Li Shen, severely reprimanded him, and then immediately had him beheaded.
From then on, the officers and soldiers in Hexi dared not drink casually again.