Zheng Chenggong is a name that resounds at home and abroad, and the title of national hero is known to everyone. In his short 38-year life, he accomplished a number of remarkable actions, the most famous of which was the reconquest of Taiwan. At the peak of his glorious career, Zheng Chenggong died suddenly, what is going on?
Speaking of Zheng Chenggong, I have to mention his background and beginnings. Zheng Chenggong, formerly known as Zheng Sen, was a famous anti-Qing hero in the late Ming Dynasty and early Qing Dynasty. His father, Zheng Zhilong, was a maritime merchant who later became an important force in the resistance against the Qing Dynasty. Zheng Chenggong inherited his father's legacy and foundation and became the backbone of the anti-Qing Dynasty.
Zheng Chenggong's military career can be said to be magnificent. In 1661, he successfully expelled the Dutch colonists from Taiwan, a feat that was not only a military victory, but also a nationalist act of great significance, for which he was revered as the "King of Dongning", and Taiwan became an important base for the resistance against the Qing Dynasty.
However, just when Zheng Chenggong's career was in full swing, in 1662, the national hero died suddenly at the age of 38. There are many theories about the cause of his death in history, but there are two mainstream versions: one is because he received bad news continuously, his spirit was stimulated, and he died with hatred; The second is to be poisoned.
Let's take a look at the saying "end with hatred". According to historical records, in the last days of Zheng Chenggong in Taiwan, he did receive several heart-wrenching news one after another. The most fatal blow was when he learned that his father Zheng Zhilong was executed by the Qing court Ling Chi. This is undoubtedly a bolt from the blue for Zheng Chenggong, whose father is not only his relative, but also his political pillar. Zheng Chenggong was so saddened by this that he was said to have become ill and eventually died of grief and anger.
Let's take a look at the "poisoned" version. Although there is no direct evidence for this statement in the history books, it is not impossible given the complexity of the political struggle at that time. Zheng Chenggong's presence was a destabilizing factor for many forces, especially for the Qing court, and he was a great threat. There is an opinion that someone may have poisoned Zheng Chenggong in order to eliminate this threat.
Either way, Zheng Chenggong's sudden death provided an opportunity for the Qing court to recover Taiwan. Soon after Zheng Chenggong's death, the Qing army began an offensive against Taiwan. If Zheng Chenggong hadn't died so early, perhaps history would have gone in a completely different direction.
The hero's life was marked by drama and legend, and his policies and military prowess both showed his extraordinary leadership. In Taiwan, he not only established administrative institutions such as prefectures and counties, but also pursued the policy of using troops and people to settle fields, effectively combining military power with local governance. Zheng Chenggong also attaches great importance to education and the building of the legal system, and strives to raise the level of Taiwan's overall development through these measures.
Under the rule of Zheng Chenggong, Taiwan gradually developed into a small, self-sufficient society, and agriculture and handicrafts made great progress. His policies were not only for military needs, but also reflected his concern for the people's livelihood and his plans for the future.
Just as Zheng Chenggong was carrying out a series of construction projects in Taiwan, trying to continue his great cause of opposing the Qing Dynasty and restoring the Ming Dynasty from here, he died of a sudden illness. Such a strange timing makes people have to think more. His death had a profound impact on the political landscape of the time. Although the Zheng family tried to maintain its power, in the absence of a leadership core, internal contradictions began to emerge, and finally failed to withstand the attack of the Qing army.
Zheng Chenggong's death was the result of many factors, whether it was physical and mental exhaustion or assassination, which reflected the complex political situation and the unpredictability of people's hearts at that time. As a national hero, Zheng Chenggong's life and death are full of legends, and he left endless thoughts and conjectures for future generations.
Here, we might as well go a little deeper and explore Zheng Chenggong's political wisdom and military strategy. The reason why Zheng Chenggong was able to build such a powerful force in a short period of time was not only his personal bravery and determination, but more importantly, he was well versed in the art of war and people's hearts. He was adept at using geography, timing, and human resources, which was evident when he captured Taiwan.
Zheng Chenggong's charisma is also one of the key factors in his success. He was able to unite people and attract a large following. He was strict and fair to his subordinates and generous to the common people, which made him extremely popular among the people.
It is this extremely high prestige that may also be one of the reasons why he was assassinated. In the eyes of many forces, Zheng Chenggong is an indispensable and uncontrollable existence. In the complex political game, Zheng Chenggong's death undoubtedly facilitated some forces.
Zheng Chenggong's life is a life full of legends. He was not only a national hero, but also an outstanding politician and military strategist. His sudden death, whether due to natural factors or human intervention, could not conceal his contribution to the Chinese nation. He is not only a part of history, but also a spiritual wealth that inspires future generations. When discussing the cause of his death, we should remember his life and legacy, which is the best commemoration of this hero.