While Tiying's father was originally an official in charge of an imperial warehouse responsible for storing grain, he eventually studied with several famous doctors and became a well-known medical practitioner.

[1] Some say that this was due to his refusal to give medical care to some people; others say that, after he could not save the life of a noblewoman, the devastated husband claimed that it was Chunyu Yi's treatment that caused the death of his wife.

"[2][citation needed] In the pre-modern China, women did not have a say in the court nor in society, unless they had some sort of special status.

[citation needed] Once she arrived at the capital, she made an appeal on behalf of her father to Emperor Wen himself instead of going to any of the officials.

Once a man is mutilated, even if he is proved to be innocent later, he would be disabled for life, and there is no way to reverse the suffering he experiences.

[4] After reading the letter, Emperor Wen pardoned Tiying's father,[5] declined her offer to become a slave, and also abolished the Five Punishments.