preface
In the long feudal years of the Qing Dynasty, Hua Ling was like a bright star, shining in the vast sky of officialdom.
It is not only a simple ornament, but also a conspicuous symbol of the identity and status of officials, and the ultimate embodiment of glory.
Flower feather, this unique official hat accessory, is composed of a blue feather made of a bird feather and a flower feather made of a peacock feather.
The flower feathers made by the peacock feathers, because of their different eyes, are divided into single-eyed flowers, double-eyed flowers and three-eyed flowers. The more eyes there are, the more respectful the official position and status they represent. Above the solemn and solemn court, an official wearing a three-eyed feather stood majestically, and the shining feathers seemed to exude endless majesty and glory, which made people feel awe.
Three-eyed dazzle
However, this incomparably precious three-eyed dazzle is not easy to obtain.
In the 296-year history of the Qing Dynasty, only 8 people were lucky enough to own it, which shows how precious it is. Having the status of a Manchurian and being born in one of the "Three Flags" is the first condition for obtaining the Three-Eyed Dazzling. This restriction of status has turned many officials away. Rigorous exams and assessments are like many hurdles, and only after going through hardships and obstacles and passing through layers of screening can you get the recognition of the royal family.
The three-eyed dazzling feather is not only an affirmation of personal achievements, but also an incomparable status symbol and a high status mark. Every person who has won the three-eyed dazzling feather is undoubtedly a person with outstanding achievements and fame.
They have left a deep footprint on the stage of history, and the stories behind them are full of legends.
The winners of the Three-Eyed Feather
In the long 296 years of the Qing Dynasty, only 8 lucky people were awarded the Three Eyed Feathers.
Fu Heng, the younger brother of Empress Fucha, is undoubtedly the best among them. As a highly relied on minister during the Qianlong period, he not only ranked in the high position of the Minister of Military Aircraft and the Crown Prince, but also successively won two double-eyed flowery feathers and one three-eyed flowery feather.
During his military career, Fu Heng showed extraordinary wisdom and courage.
He went to the frontier many times, he was brave and fearless, and made great contributions to the territorial expansion and stability of the Qing Dynasty. Every battle is a test of blood and fire, and Fu Heng can always return triumphantly with his outstanding military talent and firm determination.
He Lin during the Jiaqing period, as He Shen's younger brother, also occupied an important place in the imperial court.
Although He Shen failed to obtain this supreme honor, He Lin successfully won the Three Eyes with his outstanding ability and outstanding contributions. In the Guangxu period, Li Hongzhang, a well-known figure, also became the owner of the three-eyed dazzling feather because of his outstanding performance in the field of politics and diplomacy.
In the changing situation of the late Qing Dynasty, Li Hongzhang stepped forward and ran around for the interests of the country.
His courage in domestic reform, as well as his maneuvering and fighting in the diplomatic arena, have won him this precious honor. Each of these three-eyed characters has a magnificent life experience, and their stories are full of legends. In the years of iron horses and power struggles, they wrote immortal legends with their wisdom and courage.
The legend behind Hua Ling
During the Daoguang period, there was a minister named Han Lun Weng, whose experience was legendary. Originally just an ordinary minister, he showed extraordinary bravery and resourcefulness during a mission to deliver good news.
At that time, the war situation was urgent, and the delivery of good news was crucial. Undaunted, he braved the odds and dangers to break through the enemy's ranks, breaking through many obstacles, and finally succeeded in delivering the victory to the imperial court. His bravery and decisiveness not only brought timely information to the imperial court, but also boosted morale. Due to his outstanding performance in this mission, he unexpectedly received Hua Ling's commendation. This story not only highlights the preciousness and rarity of Hua Ling, but also reflects the great importance that the imperial court attached to bravery and loyalty at that time.
The value of Hua Ling changes
The value of the flower feather, which once symbolized supreme glory, has also undergone dramatic changes in the historical process of the Qing Dynasty.
In the early Qing Dynasty, the awarding of flower feathers was extremely cautious, as it represented a high honor and status. However, as time passed, the treasury was empty in the late Qing Dynasty, and the financial situation deteriorated day by day. In order to fill the shortfall, the imperial court had to take extreme measures and even sold the flower feathers as a commodity.
The price of a flower feather is as high as 10,000 taels of silver, which is enough to show how precious it is.
However, as the situation deteriorated further, the price of Hua Ling gradually decreased, and in the later stage, it only took 200 taels to obtain. This huge price gap not only reflects the collapse of the Qing Dynasty's finances, but also means that the sacred meaning symbolized by the flower feather is gradually disappearing.
Once regarded as a supreme mark of honor, it has now become a tool for the imperial court to accumulate wealth, which is a sad change.
The gradual depreciation of Hualing is not only a change in the value of an item, but also a vivid microcosm of the decline of the Qing Dynasty, reflecting a profound change in the values of the entire society. What was once a revered symbol of glory has finally been dimmed by the torrent of history, becoming the object of jokes and sarcasm.
Hua Ling, from the original peak of glory gradually fell to the bottom, its fate is just like the historical trajectory of the Qing Dynasty from prosperity to decline.
At one time, it was the crowning honor coveted by countless officials, representing power, status, and merit; Today, it has become a memory in the long river of history, a symbol that has witnessed the rise and fall of feudal dynasties.
Looking back on the rise and fall of Hua Ling, we can't help but think: whether honor and value are determined by external endowment or internal quality?
In the Qing Dynasty, the awarding of flower feathers may have relied more on origin, background, and royal favor, but should the true value be based on an individual's character, talent, and contribution to society?
The depreciation of Hua Ling also warns us that the rise and fall of a country is closely related to the soundness of the system and the health of its finances.
When a country is in financial trouble and even has to sell out its symbols of honor to survive, the corruption and mismanagement within it has reached considerable levels.
For our contemporaries, the history of Hualing is a mirror. It reminds us to cherish true honor and value, and constantly improve our moral cultivation and ability; At the same time, it also makes us deeply aware that the prosperity of the country requires a sound system, a clean government and the joint efforts of all the people.
epilogue
Hua Ling, a glorious symbol that once shone in the history of the Qing Dynasty, has become a thing of the past.
But the historical memories and lessons it carries are always worth remembering. When we look back at that period of history full of legends and mysteries, we can't help but sigh at the vicissitudes of time. The story of Hua Ling is a small but very representative fragment of the rise and fall of the Qing Dynasty. It allows us to see the glory and loneliness of the feudal dynasty, and also makes us cherish the current peace and prosperity even more. It is hoped that through the exploration of the history of Hualing, more people can be inspired to love history and think about the future. Let us learn from history, continue to move forward, and create a better tomorrow together.
Do you have more questions and ideas about Hua Ling or other historical topics of the Qing Dynasty?
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