Jin Lianhai Reads Famous Officials of the Kangxi and Qianlong Dynasties

Author: Ji Lianhai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: In recent years, with the popularity of historical dramas featuring the Qing Dynasty, the story of Kangxi's capture of Ao Ba has gradually become a topic of widespread discussion, and the name Ao Ba is almost household. In history, Ao Ba not only existed but was also an important figure in the political scene of the early Qing Dynasty. So, what was the true nature of Ao Ba in history? Ao Ba was one of the founding heroes of the Qing Dynasty, a Manchu from the Xianhuang Banner. He served three emperors of the Great Qing Dynasty (Emperor Taizong Aisin Gioro Hong Taiji, Shizong Aisin Gioro Fulin, and Shengzu Aisin Gioro Xuanye), and could be said to have surpassed his superiors in merit! The first half of his life was marked by military achievements, mostly spent fighting on the battlefield, while the second half saw him wield power, becoming an important figure in the politics of the early Qing, especially during the early years of Kangxi. In this situation, it reminds us of a saying about the relationship between a ruler and his ministers—easier to share hardship than to share joy! In other words, it means: easier to share the struggle of founding a state than to share its success! Or, to put it another way: easier to share suffering than to share prosperity! Under such circumstances, the endings of the founding heroes during the early stages of establishing a state generally fall into four categories: retiring after achieving success; continuing as a servant; starting a new faction; or replacing the ruler. Looking back at ancient Chinese history, the first two endings rarely occurred, while the last two were quite common. This perfectly aligns with an old Chinese saying: "One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers." However, Ao Ba neither had ambitions to start a new faction nor to usurp the throne, nor did he choose to retire after achieving success! The result, as we all know, was his capture by Kangxi in a clever maneuver! To end up in such a tragic fate and become a laughingstock for future generations—why did this happen? We know that in real life, everyone should clearly define their responsibilities and authority, truly fulfilling their roles. Sometimes, even if it is out of good intentions, going beyond one's scope can cause dissatisfaction. If one deliberately oversteps their bounds to seek personal gain, it may lead to even greater conflicts. Ao Ba was a typical example of such a mistake! Reflecting on the life of a man who served three reigns in the early Qing Dynasty, remained loyal to his master, yet ended up so tragically, is very beneficial for each of us!
I. The Birth of a War God—Ao Ba During the Reign of Hong Taiji
1. Verifying Ao Ba's Birth Year
Ao Ba, surnamed Guwalgiya, was born into a military family, with his birth year unknown but likely around 1610. My evidence consists of the following two points:
First, the age of Soin. Soin and Ao Ba were both chief advisors during the early years of Kangxi. Soin was born in 1600, and historical records state, "Soin was old and sick, and Ao Ba seized much of the power!" Notice the word "old"! Because Soin was elderly and in poor health, often suffering from illness, this gave Ao Ba the opportunity to seize power! Based on this, I deduce that Ao Ba must have been much younger than Soin, at least ten years younger!
Second, the timing of Ao Ba's rise. According to the Biographies of Officials of the Qing Dynasty, Ao Ba's uncle Fei Yingdong joined Nurhaci with his father Solgong in 1588, was brave and skilled in battle,