In 1643, a huge controversy over the throne broke out in the Qing Dynasty. Huang Taiji died suddenly, leaving behind an ownerless throne, which sparked a life-and-death power struggle. The main contenders for the throne were the heroic eldest son Hauge and the ambitious Dorgon. One has military merit and support, and the other is good at political manipulation. In the end, Fu Lin, who was only six years old, was able to win this battle and become the emperor of Shunzhi.
In the long history of the Qing Dynasty, Huang Taiji was undoubtedly a very influential emperor. Not only did he strengthen his father's legacy, but he also pushed a coalition of nomads into a centralized empire. The sudden death of Huang Taiji in 1643 was a major turning point in the history of the Qing Dynasty.
After Huang Taiji's death, the biggest problem he left behind was that he had not decided on an heir. According to the tradition of that era, the throne was supposed to be inherited by a capable firstborn. Haoge, as the eldest son of Huang Taiji, is naturally the best choice in the eyes of people. Not only was he of moderate age, but he also had great military achievements, and was deeply supported by some banner owners and nobles. He also holds the power of the Two Yellow Flags, which has an important position in the Eight Banners system.
Game of thrones is often not just about strength and support, but also about strategy and people's hearts. Dolgon, the younger brother of Huang Taiji, is an extremely cunning politician despite his seemingly lack of strength. He knows how to use his power and how to win for himself in the face of adversity.
Dolgon's first strategy was to divide and conquer. Instead of directly clashing head-on with Hauge's powerful forces, he began to secretly enlist the support of other banners. His goal was clear, and that was to win over the nobles who had been inclined to Hauge to his side. Dolgon's tactics included promises of benefits, favors, and even threats and inducements, which were dishonorable but highly effective.
Hauge, despite his strong support and military prowess, showed marked hesitation and weakness in the battle for the throne. This character flaw has cost him many supporters he could have relied on at critical moments. Dolgon, on the other hand, was the opposite, and his determination and courage led to a sharp rise in his popularity among the bannerlords and nobles.
In the ongoing power struggle, Hauge's power was gradually weakened. Through a series of political maneuvers, Dorgon succeeded in pulling Hauge from his vantage point. His strategy was not only to win over supporters, but also to gradually control the entire political situation in a carefully arranged manner.
As Dolgon's power rose to prominence, he began to consider how to consolidate his power. In the process, choosing an emperor who is easy to control became his preferred strategy. Dorgon was well aware that being a young emperor meant that he could actually take control of the government, not just as a mastermind. He gave up the idea of his own direct accession to the throne and instead supported Huang Taiji's ninth son, Fulin, and later Emperor Shunzhi.
At the age of six, Fulin was clearly incapable of governing the country, which was exactly what Dorgon needed. By supporting a young emperor, Dorgon not only had de facto control over the court as regent, but he could also further consolidate his power by manipulating Fulin. Dorgon also orchestrated a series of political marriages and kinship ties to strengthen his position and influence.
When Fulin ascended to the throne under Dolgon's control, the entire court was under Dolgon's influence. He not only controlled the military and political powers, but also began to reform the government and strengthen the centralization of power. Although Dorgon's measures strengthened the Qing Dynasty's national power, they also showed his ambition and ruthlessness.
Although Hauge lost the power struggle, his defeat was not entirely due to his own inadequacy. In the carefully woven web of power of Dolgon, even the most capable contenders are not immune to defeat. Hauge's failure was more due to his failure to recognize the situation in time and to deal effectively with Dorgon's schemes.
Dorgon's success lies not only in his personal ambitions and strategies, but also in his ability to accurately grasp changes in the political situation and use various means to achieve his goals. His political skills and decision-making ability enabled him to always have an advantage in the complex political struggles, and finally realized his dream of rule.
Although Fulin's ascension to the throne was the result of Dorgon's conspiracy, it also opened a new chapter in the history of the Qing Dynasty. Under Dolgon's auxiliaries, the Qing dynasty gradually stabilized and became stronger. Although Dorgon's methods are controversial, his contribution to the Qing Dynasty is undeniable.
The series of power struggles triggered by the sudden death of Huang Taiji is not only a struggle for the throne, but also a profound display of power, strategy and humanity. Although Dolgon achieved his goals through disgraceful means, his political wisdom and strategic vision also laid a solid foundation for the later Qing dynasty.