Historical Heshen

Author: Ji Lianhai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-02-01
Features: The Forum of 100 Experts, where every session is a fine wine. This book is the complete version of the highest-rated program of CCTV-10's "The Forum of 100 Experts" in 2005, titled "Speaking of Heshen." The "Forum of 100 Experts" has always adhered to the principle of "letting experts and scholars serve the public." It serves as a bridge between experts, scholars, and the general public—"a bridge that connects experts to the common people"—aiming to popularize outstanding traditional Chinese culture. The "Forum of 100 Experts" upholds the program philosophy of "The Forum of 100 Experts, where every session is a fine wine," continuously cultivating the public awareness of experts and scholars, and strengthening the media's service-oriented mindset for its audience.
The Qing Dynasty lasted for 296 years. Among all the ministers in the Qing court, Heshen was the most greedy. In the annals of history, his name became synonymous with the epitome of corruption. Upon investigation, one-third of Heshen's confiscated property was valued at 220 million taels of silver, with an endless array of jade, jewelry, and Western curiosities. His wealth was equivalent to the combined annual revenue of the Qing government for 15 years. As the folk saying goes, "When Heshen fell, Jiaqing was fed." However, Heshen was born into humble circumstances and grew up in poverty. So, how did this man of humble origins rise to prominence, holding over a dozen important positions in the Qing court? What cunning did he possess to seize the pinnacle of power—"above one but below ten thousand"? And what methods did he use to amass an unbelievable fortune? Finally, why did Emperor Jiaqing execute Heshen just 15 days after Emperor Qianlong's death?