The
Ming DynastyChinese military general
Cao Qin stages a coup against the
Tianshun Emperor after setting fire to the eastern and western gates of the
Imperial City (Beijing) (which are doused by pouring rains during the day-long uprising), Cao Qin finds himself hemmed in on all sides by imperial forces, loses three of his own brothers in the fight, and instead of facing execution he flees to his home in the city and commits suicide by jumping down a well located within his walled compound.