Speaking of the Yongzheng Emperor of the Qing Dynasty, many people may first think of his harshness and unfathomability. But during his reign, Yongzheng's governance also created a glorious period. His dedication and round-the-clock work attitude is unmatched. The power of one person is always limited, especially when governing a country as large as the Qing Dynasty. During the Yongzheng period, he once faced a very real problem - a lack of available talents. What is the reason that a death row inmate finally became a generation of famous ministers and was favored by Yongzheng? Who is he? What are the unknown twists and turns in his story?
Yongzheng, the fifth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, his reign can be described as legendary. He not only inherited the legacy of his father Kangxi, but also showed extraordinary talent in governing the country. Governing a country, especially an empire as vast as the Qing Dynasty, is not something that can be done by one person. Yongzheng knew this very well, so he was extremely strict with his ministers, hoping to find real talents to assist in governing the country.
In Yongzheng's mind, talents are the pillars of the country and the key to promoting the country's progress. But the reality is cruel, he found that although many ministers are smart and capable, they are corrupt, or just blindly pandering to the emperor's will, lacking real talent and courage. This makes Yongzheng often feel that it is difficult to use people, and even has an anxiety that no one is available.
Just when Yongzheng was worried about this, a minister named Zhang Tingyu relieved him. Zhang Tingyu is different from others, he has a keen eye and unique opinions. At a court meeting, he made a bold suggestion: "On death row, there is still a hermit who, although in prison, is a pillar of the country. These words surprised Yongzheng and aroused his curiosity.
The minister's name was Actun, and he was a Manchu. In the Qing Dynasty, the status of the Manchus and the Han people differed. Since the Qing Dynasty was founded by the Manchus, the Manchus had a natural political advantage. But Acton was different, not only relying on the advantages of his ethnic group, but also relying on his talent and ability to obtain official positions through the imperial examination.
After Acton's talent was favored by Emperor Kangxi, he was soon promoted to the editor of the Hanlin Academy, and later became a bachelor of waiters. After the death of Emperor Kangxi, the new emperor Yongzheng ascended the throne. Periods of alternation of the old and the new are often accompanied by a reorganization of power and a change of officials. But Acton's fortunes took a turn for the worse, as a result of a political struggle, he was implicated and eventually imprisoned and became a death row inmate.
In prison, Acton did not give up his talents and cultivation, but focused more on learning. His tenacity and talent, finally at the suggestion of Zhang Tingyu, made Yongzheng re-examine this imprisoned talent. Yongzheng decided to give Acton a chance, ordered him to be released from death row, and re-examined his abilities.
After his release, Acton lived up to Yongzheng's expectations. With his outstanding political ability and profound knowledge, he quickly won the trust of Yongzheng. He participated in many major political reforms, including fiscal reform, tax reform, strict economy, and anti-corruption, which effectively improved the country's administrative efficiency and fiscal health. Acton's political career was like a light coming out of the darkness that illuminated the political arena of the Qing Dynasty.
Acton's success lies not only in his personal talent, but also in Yongzheng's wise decision-making. Yongzheng's courage to use talents who have been suppressed due to political struggles shows his unconventional vision of employing people. He is not confined to the traditional class concept and the existing political situation, and dares to look for opportunities in the midst of crises, which is a major characteristic of his governance.
In fact, the story of Yongzheng and Acton has left a profound inspiration for future generations. It not only shows the governing philosophy of an emperor and the loyalty and talent of a minister, but more importantly, it tells how in the face of adversity, it can turn potential risks into opportunities for development. Acton's life has fully proved that even in the most unfavored situation, as long as there is enough talent and persistence, there will always be a day to turn over.
Acton's story is not only a legend of personal struggle and the reuse of talent, but also a profound reflection on the art of leadership and the concept of talent. Emperor Yongzheng's courage to appoint a man who was once seen as a political loser reflects his extraordinary ruling wisdom and deep insight into the country's long-term development. This history has taught us that true leaders need not only to have foresight, but also to be able to nurture new opportunities in crises and see great wisdom in subtleties. Acton has spent his life proving that no matter what the circumstances, perseverance and talent will eventually be recognized by the world.