The emperor was the supreme ruler of China's feudal society, at whose whim a man could live or die. As the emperor's sword was regarded as having similar power, its bearer (seldom the emperor himself was invested with discretionary powers as to its use. Consequently, no matter how high the rank of an accused official, the bearer of the emperor's sword had the power to execute him, or not, as he deemed fit.
The weapon also had applications within Taoist spells. A peach wood sword was believed to ward off demons and evil spirits, and was often hung on a wall to protect, as well as ornament, a household.
It having been observed that ancient Chinese men of letters felt a particular affinity with the sword, the great German poet Heinrich Heine is quoted as having once said, "After I die, put a sword, not a pen, into my coffin." Sword lovers, therefore, are by no means confined to the ranks of Chinese scholars.
