There have been exciting moments in history, especially when there has been a change of power. One summer in 1626, Nurhachi, the ruler of the Houjin, died of illness, leaving chaos in the court. This was not only a family tragedy, but also a turning point in the fate of an empire. The power struggle between Huang Taiji and other princes and nobles can't help but make people think deeply: what kind of story is hidden in these power transfers in history?
Back in the turbulent summer of 1626. Nurhachi, the iron-blooded monarch who single-handedly founded Houjin, fought countless battles in his life and established an unbeatable prestige. The merciless disease pulled the hero off his horse without saying a word. In mid-July, Nurhachi suddenly felt unwell, and the attack of the poison plague left him in agony. He hoped to recover from his recuperation at Qinghe Tangquan, but unexpectedly, the illness was so close that he had to interrupt his trip and choose to return to the familiar Shenyang, hoping to end his last days peacefully at home.
On August 11, the veteran finally died of illness on the way at the age of 68. As soon as the news came out, the entire imperial court was shocked, and many people were grief-stricken. After Nurhachi's death, the court immediately fell into chaos, and everyone was asking, who did this imposing Khan King leave to the throne? At this time, Abahai, Nurhachi's stepfamily, became the focus of all attention. When Nurhachi was dying, she was the only one by her side. And before her husband's spirit, she tearfully announced that the throne would be inherited by her fourteenth son, Dorgon.
As soon as these words came out, it was as if a boulder had been cast on the calm water. As soon as the second Bel Mang Gurtai heard the news, he immediately burst into a rage, he did not believe that this was Nurhachi's true will. In his opinion, this was a ridiculous decision. Emotional, he was even ready to make a move on Abahai, but fortunately he was stopped by Huang Taiji, who arrived in time. Huang Taiji's performance at this time was quite calm, and he knew that at this moment, stabilizing the situation was more important than anything else.
In the days that followed, the four Baylors held an emergency meeting to discuss national affairs. After the meeting, the Great Beledesan took out Nurhachi's will and read its contents. The news that Abahai had to be martyred for Nurhachi was stated in his will shocked everyone. The will also mentions that the throne was indeed inherited by Dorgon. As soon as this will was issued, the original suspicions and controversies seemed to have been answered, but the power struggle between the DPRK and China was far from ending. Although Huang Taiji appeared to have accepted Dorgon's succession on the outside, his heart was full of dissatisfaction and calculation. He knows that only by holding more real power can he have an advantage in this power game.
Over the next few months, the relationship between Huang Taiji and Dolgon appeared to be harmonious, but in fact there was an undercurrent. Through a series of political strategies and military actions, Huang Taiji gradually established his own power in the court. He also strengthened his relationships with Baylor, especially his younger brothers, to build a strong support network.
In 1627, as the power of the Emperor Taiji grew, Dolgon began to feel the pressure. He tried to counter Huang Taiji's influence by strengthening his direct control, but the effect was not ideal. Under the careful planning of Huang Taiji, some of Dorgon's decisions weakened his support in the court. The situation seems to be tilting more and more in favor of Huang Taiji.
As the situation gradually became clearer, Huang Taiji once again showed his political wisdom. He proposed a series of reform measures in the DPRK and China, including strengthening the centralization of power and improving the management of the army, which effectively increased his prestige and the support of the DPRK and China. Over time, Dorgon's position was weakened, and Huang Taiji cemented his position as a true ruler.
In this power game full of intrigue and strategy, Huang Taiji finally won. Not only did he consolidate his power, but he also gradually expanded the territory of the Later Jin Dynasty and laid the foundation for the future of the Qing Dynasty. His reign was not only a military victory, but also a manifestation of political wisdom.
Looking back at Nurhachi's death in 1626 and the political turmoil it ensued, we can see how history was shaped by those strong leaders. The rise of Huang Taiji is not only a demonstration of his personal ability, but also a victory of his political wisdom and strategic vision.