Emperor Qianlong sat in the palace, staring at the map of southern Xinjiang. There was a vast land, but it was not under the control of the Qing Dynasty. How could he, as a generation of Ming monarchs, tolerate such a situation? He had already made up his mind to take this land into his pocket, even if it cost him a lot. However, how will this road of conquest unfold? What kind of challenges will the Qing army face? Can Emperor Qianlong's ambition be realized?
Qianlong's ambitions
Emperor Qianlong was an ambitious monarch who inherited the legacy of his grandfather, Emperor Kangxi, and his father, Emperor Yongzheng, and worked hard to expand the Qing Empire's territory to an unprecedented extent. Under his rule, the Qing Dynasty grew in strength and military strength. Emperor Qianlong knew that in order to consolidate the rule of the Qing Dynasty, it was necessary to incorporate all the surrounding lands into his territory.
In the eyes of Emperor Qianlong, southern Xinjiang is undoubtedly an attractive piece of fat. It is not only vast in land and rich in resources, but also an important passage connecting the Central Plains and the Western Regions. As long as southern Xinjiang was included, the Qing Dynasty would be able to better control the Silk Road and thus seize the initiative in trade with Western countries. What's more, southern Xinjiang is also a multi-ethnic region, where various tribal forces are divided and often fight each other. If all these tribes could be conquered, the Qing Dynasty would be able to completely eliminate the hidden dangers of the Northwest Frontier, thus laying the foundation for the long-term stability of the empire.
Emperor Qianlong's longing for southern Xinjiang has a long history. As early as the beginning of his reign, he began to prepare for the conquest of southern Xinjiang. He ordered his ministers to draw up a map of southern Xinjiang, detailing the distribution and sphere of influence of the various tribes. At the same time, he also sent a group of multilingual spies to go deep into the hinterland of southern Xinjiang to collect intelligence on various tribes. Through these efforts, Emperor Qianlong gained a more comprehensive understanding of the geographical environment and human conditions of southern Xinjiang, and laid a solid foundation for future conquests.
In order to achieve the conquest of southern Xinjiang, Emperor Qianlong also vigorously developed the military strength of the Qing Dynasty. He attached great importance to the training and equipment of the Eight Banners Army, equipping them with advanced firearms and armor. At the same time, he also recruited a large number of Green Battalion troops from the Han Chinese to supplement the lack of the Eight Banners Army. Thanks to the efforts of Emperor Qianlong, the Qing army's army became more sophisticated and powerful enough to meet the challenge of the conquest of southern Xinjiang.
In addition to his military strength, Emperor Qianlong also developed a well-thought-out strategy for expansion. He understood that in order to successfully conquer southern Xinjiang, it was necessary to adopt a divide-and-conquer strategy and break the resistance of the various tribes one by one. At the same time, he also paid attention to enlisting the local upper class, and won their support and cooperation through rewards and official titles. Emperor Qianlong also attached great importance to cultural infiltration in southern Xinjiang, and he ordered his ministers to compile teaching materials in multiple languages and promote Chinese and Manchu in southern Xinjiang in order to strengthen the ideological control of the local people.
Faced with the heavy task of conquering southern Xinjiang, Emperor Qianlong showed extraordinary determination and perseverance. He personally commanded the army, drew up battle plans, and set strict requirements for the generals. Emperor Qianlong understood that the conquest of southern Xinjiang was by no means an overnight achievement, and he must be prepared for a protracted war. Therefore, he also attached great importance to the logistics of the army, and ordered local officials to provide food, grass and materials for the army to ensure that the soldiers could fight with peace of mind.
Under the iron-fisted rule of Emperor Qianlong, the Qing army's army began its journey of conquest of southern Xinjiang. It was a war about the fate of the empire, and a test to test the ambition of Emperor Qianlong. Emperor Qianlong knew that only by completely conquering southern Xinjiang could he realize the grand blueprint in his heart, make the territory of the Qing Empire more vast, and make the foundation of the empire more solid.
The Qing army's southward journey
In 1758, under the orders of Emperor Qianlong, an army of 4,000 elites of the Eight Banners set out from Ili and began a journey of conquest of southern Xinjiang. This army was led by the experienced general Zhaohui, who was well-armed and had high morale, and vowed to conquer this vast land for the empire.
The first target of the Qing army was Kuqa, located at the southern foot of the Tianshan Mountains. Kuqa is an important town in southern Xinjiang and the seat of the most powerful tribes in the region. General Zhaohui knew that only by taking Kuqa could he clear the way for future conquest. During the march, the Qing army encountered stubborn resistance from the Kucha tribes. The two sides engaged in a fierce exchange of fire in the desert, and the Qing army, with advanced firearms and tight formations, finally broke the enemy's defense line and stormed Kuqa City.
The fall of Kucha, like a thunderclap, caused a huge shock among the tribes in southern Xinjiang. Many tribes surrendered to the Qing army on their own initiative. And those tribes that were still stubbornly resisting were also defeated one after another under the iron heel of the Qing army. The cities of Shayar and Aksu were lost one after another, and the Qing army was so strong that it seemed that no force could stop them.
However, behind this victory, there were also some surprises. During the battle against Kucha, a mistake by one soldier caused Xiao and Zhuo Huo Jizhan to escape. This tribal leader is the spiritual leader of Kucha, and his escape will undoubtedly pose a hidden danger for future conquests. When the news reached the ears of Emperor Qianlong, he was furious and ordered severe punishment of the front-line generals to set an example.
This incident reflects the great importance that Emperor Qianlong attached to military discipline. In his view, the army is like a sophisticated machine, and every part must be tightly fitted in order to be most effective. Even a small mistake can lead to the collapse of an entire army. Therefore, Emperor Qianlong put forward extremely high requirements for the generals, not only for them to be brave and good at fighting, but also to be strict with themselves and lead by example.
After the First Battle of Kucha, Emperor Qianlong redeployed the army. He appointed Zhaohui as the general of Dingbian and Fude as the right deputy general of Dingbian, giving them greater power and responsibility. At the same time, Emperor Qianlong also ordered local officials to fully cooperate with the army's actions and provide them with the necessary grain, grass and supplies. Under this arrangement, the morale of the Qing army was further boosted, and they were full of confidence in victory.
In order to consolidate the victories already achieved, the Qing army carried out a large-scale garrison deployment in southern Xinjiang. They set up military posts in various fortresses and towns, and stationed a large number of soldiers. These soldiers are not only responsible for policing, but also for local administration and tax collection. At the same time, the Qing army also built a series of military facilities, such as city walls, moats, watchtowers, etc., to strengthen its control over southern Xinjiang.
At the same time as military operations, the Qing army also attached great importance to logistical support. The environment in southern Xinjiang is harsh, and the supply lines are long and fragile. In order to ensure that the army could continue to fight, the Qing army established a complete transportation system between the various fortresses. They used camels and wagons to transport grain, grass, ammunition, medicine and other supplies to the front line. At the same time, the Qing army also set up many supply depots and medical centers along the way, providing reliable support for the soldiers.
Under the leadership of General Zhaohui, the Qing army swept through southern Xinjiang with a thunderous momentum and won victory after victory. However, the real challenge is yet to come. Ushi and Yarkand, two strong fortresses, were waiting for the arrival of the Qing army. There, there will be a more fierce competition, testing the ambition of Emperor Qianlong, as well as the courage and perseverance of the Qing army.
The Battle of Ushi and the Siege of Yarkand
When the Qing army approached the city of Wushi, something unexpected happened. The fortified city did not put up a stubborn resistance, but opened its gates at the first opportunity. It turned out that the lord of Wushi City, Hojis, had already seen the situation clearly, and he understood that he could not resist the iron hooves of the Qing army with his own strength. Rather than insist on resisting, it is better to surrender early in order to survive.
Hojis's actions allowed the Qing army to occupy Wushi without spending a single soldier. This is undoubtedly a good sign, indicating that the conquest of southern Xinjiang has come to an end. However, the real challenge is yet to come. Yarkand, a city on the edge of the Tarim Basin, was waiting for the arrival of the Qing army with its special geographical location and strong fortifications.
The city of Yarkand is built on a hill with high walls and is surrounded by a natural moat. There were more than 20,000 well-trained defenders in the city, who were well-armed and had high morale. What's more, Yarkand also has a large amount of grain, grass and supplies in stock, which is enough to support long-term resistance. All this made Yarkand the last obstacle to the conquest of southern Xinjiang.
Faced with such a strong fortress, General Zhaohui decided to attack. He led the Qing army across the 1,500-mile Tarim Basin to the city of Yarkand. However, due to insufficient intelligence, the Qing army did not know enough about the defense of Yarkand. In the hasty attack, the Qing army met with stubborn resistance from the defenders.
The walls of Yarkand were densely covered with pillboxes and arrow towers, and the defenders took advantage of these fortifications to launch a fierce attack on the Qing army. Rolling logs, stones, and arrows rained down like raindrops, inflicting heavy casualties on the Qing army. And when the Qing army tried to approach the city wall, they were met with a surprise counterattack by the defenders. Taking advantage of the terrain, the defenders set traps and obstacles under the city walls, allowing the Qing army's attacks to be thwarted again and again.
Faced with such a predicament, General Zhaohui was not discouraged. He knew that the capture of Yarkand City was a protracted battle, and he had to have enough patience and perseverance. So, he ordered the Qing army to camp outside the city and began preparations for the siege. The Qing army dug trenches outside the city walls, built siege heights, and continuously transported siege equipment and supplies from the rear.
While besieging the city, General Zhaohui also adopted a series of tactics to try to break up Yarkand's resistance. He sent messengers to persuade the Yarkand chiefs to surrender, promising them rich rewards and high officials. At the same time, he also spread rumors in an attempt to sow chaos and unrest within Yarkand. However, these tactics did not have the desired effect, and the defenders of Yarkand held their positions without the slightest sign of wavering.
As time passed, the situation of the Qing army became more and more difficult. Outside the city of Yarkand, they had to endure not only the counterattack of the defenders, but also the harsh conditions of the Tarim Basin. Heat, drought, and sandstorms all became the great enemies of the Qing army. Many soldiers collapsed due to lack of water and disease, and their combat effectiveness was greatly weakened.
At this moment, an even more fierce battle broke out on the banks of the Heishui River outside Yarkand City. It turned out that the defenders of Yarkand took advantage of the night to go out of the city and try to sneak attack the camp of the Qing army. The two sides engaged in a desperate struggle by the Blackwater River, and General Zhaohui personally led the cavalry and engaged in hand-to-hand combat with an enemy several times his size.
The battle was extremely fierce, and although the Qing army was outnumbered, it finally defeated the enemy's attack with high morale and close coordination. However, the cost is also dearly. The Qing army lost a large number of soldiers, and General Zhaohui was also seriously wounded. However, this victory undoubtedly greatly boosted the morale of the Qing army, who saw the dawn of victory and strengthened their determination to conquer Yarkand.
In this battle, General Zhaohui showed extraordinary command skills. He is calm and calm, and always makes the right decisions at critical moments. At the same time, he also paid great attention to the training and discipline of soldiers, making the Qing army an army that could fight well. It was with such outstanding generals that the Qing army was able to continue to move forward in the face of adversity and approach victory step by step.
The Influence and Enlightenment of the Southern Xinjiang Conquest
After a fierce battle, the Qing army finally conquered the city of Yarkand and completed the conquest of southern Xinjiang. This military campaign, which lasted several years, not only expanded the territory of the Qing Dynasty, but also laid a solid foundation for future rule.
From a military point of view, the conquest of southern Xinjiang was a concentrated display of the Qing Dynasty's military strength. In this war, the Qing army showed extraordinary combat ability and tenacious will to fight. Whether it was a long trek in the desert or a desperate struggle under the city walls, the Qing army showed extremely high fighting qualities. These excellent military qualities were an important guarantee for the Qing Dynasty to maintain its territorial integrity and resist foreign invasion.
At the same time, the conquest of southern Xinjiang also cleared the way for Qing rule in the region. Through this war, the Qing Dynasty completely crushed the military power of the tribes in southern Xinjiang and brought them into a centralized management system. The Qing Dynasty set up a series of military strongholds and administrative institutions in southern Xinjiang, and exercised comprehensive control over all aspects of local politics, economy, and culture. This highly centralized mode of rule has effectively maintained the stability of southern Xinjiang and prevented the situation of tribal secession and invasion by foreign enemies.
From an economic point of view, the conquest of southern Xinjiang brought great benefits to the Qing Dynasty. This vast land is rich in natural resources such as minerals, livestock, cotton, etc. The Qing Dynasty effectively exploited and utilized these resources through institutions at all levels set up in southern Xinjiang. At the same time, southern Xinjiang is also an important passage connecting the Central Plains and the Western Regions, and controlling this area is equivalent to mastering the choke point of the Silk Road. This not only brought considerable commercial profits to the Qing Dynasty, but also strengthened its voice in international trade.
However, the conquest of southern Xinjiang also brought a series of challenges to the Qing Dynasty. This land is vast, with a complex ethnic composition and diverse religious beliefs. How to respect the cultural traditions and religious beliefs of all ethnic groups while maintaining unity was a difficult problem facing the rulers of the Qing Dynasty. To this end, the Qing Dynasty adopted a series of measures, such as governing according to customs, respecting the Hui people, etc., in an attempt to find a balance between Han culture and minority culture. This inclusive policy has, to a certain extent, alleviated ethnic contradictions and maintained stability in southern Xinjiang.
From a cultural point of view, the conquest of southern Xinjiang promoted the exchange and integration of different civilizations. In the long course of history, southern Xinjiang has always been the meeting place of the Central Plains culture and the Western Regions culture. With the reign of the Qing Dynasty, this cultural exchange became more frequent and deeper. Through officials, merchants, immigrants and other channels, Han culture has continuously penetrated into all corners of southern Xinjiang. At the same time, the ethnic minority culture in southern Xinjiang has also had an important impact on the Han culture, such as Xinjiang's music, dance, and food, which have become an important part of Chinese culture.
The conquest of southern Xinjiang was a microcosm of the Qing Dynasty's territorial expansion. With the efforts of the Kangxi, Yongzheng and Qianlong dynasties, the territory of the Qing Dynasty reached an unprecedented breadth. This situation of great unification not only provided a guarantee for the prosperity and development of the Qing Dynasty, but also laid the foundation for the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. However, we must also see that this expansion has not come without a cost. War brought with it the loss of life and property, and domination brought with it a clash of cultures. We all need to draw lessons from history and face up to and resolve these problems in our future development.
The conquest of southern Xinjiang also provides some enlightenment for our national governance today. In the face of complex ethnic and religious issues, we must adhere to the principle of attaching equal importance to unity and inclusiveness. On the one hand, it is necessary to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state, and on the other hand, it is also necessary to respect the cultural traditions and religious beliefs of all ethnic groups. Long-term peace and stability can only be achieved by finding a balance between the two. At the same time, we should also attach importance to cultural exchanges and integration, and promote dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations. Only by seeking common ground while reserving differences in pluralism can we achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.