Jiaqing Private Archives

Author: Shengye (Editor) / Yin Nan (Photographer)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features:
Jiaqing Emperor was the fifteenth son of Emperor Qianlong among his numerous imperial princes. If it weren’t for sheer luck, the throne might never have belonged to him. The shrewd and calculating Emperor Qianlong, who deeply understood the ways of power, secretly designated him as crown prince for over two decades without announcing it to the world. Only in his later years did he reluctantly abdicate the throne to Jiaqing, contenting himself with the title of Retired Emperor while still holding onto power. Before this, Jiaqing was unaware that he had been designated as crown prince. He walked the arduous path to the throne with both diligence and fear—so goes the Qing Dynasty.
The Jiaqing era was relatively peaceful compared to others, yet it left behind many mysteries for the world to unravel. Why did the cunning Emperor Qianlong transfer power to Yongyan, who appeared unremarkable in both talent and appearance? Why did Jiaqing insist on executing Heshen during the mourning period for his father? What secrets did Jiaqing harbor deep in his heart? Why did Jiaqing fall in love with a commoner? The contradictions in Jiaqing’s personnel decisions and governance remain shrouded in mystery.
Although all these events have long faded with the passage of time, this book, based on both official and unofficial historical records, provides detailed explanations that will help you understand and clarify these questions. It offers a fresh perspective on this era of internal and external turmoil and on the Jiaqing Emperor, who proudly called himself a “Confucian ruler.”