In July 1626, the founder of the Qing Dynasty, Nurhachi, fell seriously ill, and his condition was so severe that he was deeply distressed. Nurhachi tried to seek recuperation at the Qinghe Hot Spring, hoping to regain his health. But fate didn't seem to be on his side, and at the end of the month, his condition took a turn for the worse and the pain worsened, and he decided to give up further recuperation and choose to return to his hometown of Shenyang. He hopes to spend his last days with his family in a familiar environment. On August 11, Nurhachi sailed down the Taizi River in the company of family and friends, but eventually died of illness at the age of 68 at the fort of Sanjibao on the way. This hero, who shouted and charged on the battlefield countless times in his life, closed his eyes in peace.
When the news of his death broke, the entire court was shocked. Abahai, his eldest concubine, was on his dying side at this time and became the center of subsequent controversy. According to Abahai, Nurhachi made an important decision on his deathbed, appointing his fourteenth son, Dorgon, as his successor, and appointing the Great Beledishan as a temporary assistant until Dolgon came of age. This decision quickly provoked a violent reaction in the imperial court, especially with which the second Bel Mang Gurtai was extremely unhappy, and he openly questioned Abahai's words.
Abahai stood her ground in the midst of the sudden turmoil, insisting that it was Nurhachi's last wish despite doubts and intimidation. However, the controversy did not subside because of her insistence. Abahai was eventually forced to accept a cruel fate – she had to be martyred for Nurhachi, as required by her will. This decision shocked everyone, but it also had to be accepted. Under such circumstances, one cannot help but ask, is this really Nurhachi's true intention?
With Nurhachi's death, the court of the early Qing dynasty was quickly enveloped in a power struggle. Nurhachi's death left a huge power vacuum that his heir, Dolgon, and other family members needed to fill quickly. The struggle was not only about who would be the new leader, but also about how to maintain the stability and future direction of the Qing Dynasty.
Dolgon, appointed by his father as his successor, faces a great challenge. Not only will he need to prove his leadership, but he will also have to deal with challenges from other strong Baylors, especially those questioning his legitimacy. Behind all this, Dolgon's mother, Abahai, suffered a great tragedy - she was forced to be buried, an ancient and cruel tradition usually practiced only among special concubines or childless concubines, but she was drawn into the maelstrom of this political struggle.
Dorgon eventually solidifies his position with the support of his brothers and Baylors, but the process is full of twists and turns. Not only does he need to calm the internal unease, but he also has to deal with external threats and challenges. The power struggles of this period clearly revealed the fragility of the political structure of the early Qing Dynasty, as well as the deep divisions over issues of inheritance and legitimacy. The tragedy of Abahai and the power struggle in Dolgon begs the question of whether the cost of this struggle is really worth it. In the game of power, is the fate of the individual and the prosperity of the family always sacrificed to higher political goals?
The impact of the power struggle was far-reaching, especially in the early Qing Dynasty. Dorgon eventually gained power, but his victory did not come without a price. The fate of his mother, Alahai, is a cruel example, and she was forced to be buried, a decision based on political necessity rather than personal wishes. This tragic event not only ended her life, but also highlighted the cruelty and ruthlessness of the game of imperial power.
Under Dolgon's rule, he sought to consolidate his power and avenge his family. He ensured that his rule was not challenged and dealt a blow to those forces that had once opposed him. While this act may seem to cement his position in the short term, in the long run, it reveals the ruthlessness of the struggle for imperial power and the devastating effects of these struggles on individuals and families.
Dolgon's fate is also a testament to the precariousness of power. Despite his efforts to vindicate his family and avenge his mother, he himself was tragically killed in a hunting accident, further highlighting the uncertainty and perils of royal life. All this makes one wonder if the sacrifices made by those involved in power struggles can really bring the security and stability they desire. Ultimately, the consequences of Dorgon's death and many of the decisions he made make us wonder: who is the real winner of this power game full of sacrifice and pain?