Qing Dynasty's Twelve Kings

Author: Murong Yongning
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: "A bronze mirror can correct one's attire; history can reveal the rise and fall; a person can test right and wrong." The last dynasty of Chinese history—the Qing Dynasty—was established by the Manchus. From the founding emperor Nurhaci to the last emperor Puyi, it spanned thirteen dynasties and twelve emperors. From entering the capital in 1644 to the establishment of the Republic of China in 1912 and the abdication of the Qing emperor, the Qing Dynasty ruled the country for 268 years. As the saying goes, "In battle, brothers are close; on the battlefield, fathers and sons fight together." This saying is entirely true—solidifying the Qing Dynasty's rule could not rely solely on the emperor but also depended on the emperor's close relatives. Led by the ruling Aisin Gioro imperial clan and the imperial princes, they contributed immensely to the prosperity of the Great Qing. This book introduces twelve formidable "Iron Hat Princes" of the Qing Dynasty who once wielded great influence: there was the powerful and influential Regent Dorgon, who helped establish the dynasty and wielded immense power; the Yutong Prince Dodo, who pacified Nanjing; the Suwu Prince Hongguo, who pacified Sichuan; the diligent and selfless Prince Yuxiang; and the Chief Minister of the Industrial and Technological Office, the loyal Prince Gongzhi Yixian, among others. Some were the emperor's elders, while others were his brothers, but all were descendants of Aisin Gioro, making indelible contributions to consolidating the Qing Dynasty's rule. These well-known princes, frequently appearing in recent film and television works, are all chronicled in this book. The glory of Aisin Gioro is enough to be remembered by their descendants and will forever be recorded in the annals of the Chinese nation! Come, friend, let us travel back to the Qing Dynasty and learn about these historical figures who drove progress, together feeling the essence of the Great Qing.