Heshen (Chinese: 和珅; pinyin: Héshēn; other transliteration: Hoshen) (1750 - February 22, 1799), from the Manchu Niohuru clan, was a Manchu official of the Qing Dynasty. Born Shanbao (善保), his given name was later changed into Heshen. His courtesy name (字) was Zhizhai (致齋). He was a member of the Plain Red Banner. Heshen was born as the son of a Manchu military officer and received a basic education in a Qing government school for Manchu boys. He lost his mother when he was young and it was said he and his younger brother had a hard life under his step-mother. However, it was reported that Heshen was an excellent student, knowing several languages besides Han Chinese and Manchu. In 1772, he began work in the Imperial Palace, assigned as an imperial bodyguard and was stationed at the gates to the Forbidden Palace. It has been suggested that Pinyin method be merged into this article or section. ... Transliteration is the practice of transcribing a word or text written in one writing system into another writing system. ... Events March 2 - Small earthquake in London, England April 4 - Small earthquake in Warrington, England August 23 - Small earthquake in Spalding, England September 30 - Small earthquake in Northampton, England November 16 – Westminster Bridge officially opened Jonas Hanway is the first Englishman to use an umbrella James Gray reveals her sex... February 22 is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1799 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... The Niohuru (纽祜禄) (meaning wolf in the Manchu language) were a powerful Manchu clan during the Qing dynasty in China. ... The Manchu (Manchu: Manju; Simplified Chinese: , Traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: MÇŽnzú, Mongolian: Манж) are a Tungusic people who originated in Manchuria (todays Northeast China). ... The Qing Dynasty (Chinese: ; pinyin: QÄ«ng cháo; Wade-Giles: Ching chao; Manchu: daicing gurun), occasionally known as the Manchu Dynasty, was a dynasty founded by the Manchu clan Aisin Gioro, in what is today northeast China, expanded into China and the surrounding territories, establishing the Empire... A Chinese style name, sometimes also known as a courtesy name, is an extra name that could be used in place of the given name. ... The Eight Banners (In Manchu: jakÅ«n gÅ«sa, In Chinese: å…«æ—— baqí) were administrative divisions into which all Manchu families were placed. ... The Manchu (Manchu: Manju; Simplified Chinese: , Traditional Chinese: ; pinyin: MÇŽnzú, Mongolian: Манж) are a Tungusic people who originated in Manchuria (todays Northeast China). ... The Qing Dynasty (Manchu: daicing gurun; Chinese: 清朝; pinyin: qīng cháo; Wade-Giles: ching chao), sometimes known as the Manchu Dynasty, was founded by the Manchu clan Aisin Gioro, in what is today northeast China expanded into China proper and the surrounding territories of... The Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿) at the centre of the Forbidden City The Forbidden City or Forbidden Palace (Chinese: 紫禁城; pinyin: ; literally Purple Forbidden City), located at the exact center of the ancient City of Beijing, was the imperial palace during the mid-Ming and...

Interaction with The Qianlong Emperor (Gaozong)

At the age of 25, Heshen was noticed by the Qianlong Emperor. Heshen was reportedly attractive in appearance by various sources, with very fair skin and luscious, red lips. This invoked a rumour of the reasons behind the emperor's fascination with this man. The Qianlong Emperor (September 25, 1711–February 7, 1799) was the fifth emperor of the Manchu Qing dynasty, and the fourth Qing emperor to rule over China. ...

It was whispered that when the Qianlong Emperor was still a young prince in the palace, one day, he had accidentally ran into the room of a consort, just as she was putting on her make-up. As a young prince with a childish nature, the future Emperor decided to play a prank on the consort, tiptoeing from behind her and scaring her with fright. The consort jumped at the sudden shock and whilst turning around, touched the future emperor. This was a direct breach of Imperial Protocol, and to some dismay, the action was witnessed by another court lady who was passing-by. The witness then went on to report the incident. The consort was then demoted, and in face of sudden humiliation, committed suicide by hanging. This incident had a profound impression on Hongli, and it was said that he found Heshen to be very similar in appearance to the consort. It had been hypothesised that perhaps Qianlong thought Heshen was the reincarnate of the consort, and thus he attempted to overcome his guilt through indulging Heshen with gifts and promotion. The term prince, from the Latin root princeps, is used for the member of the highest aristocracy. ... The Hall of Supreme Harmony (太和殿) at the centre of the Forbidden City The Forbidden City or Forbidden Palace (Chinese: 紫禁城; pinyin: ; literally Purple Forbidden City), located at the exact center of the ancient City of Beijing, was the imperial palace during the mid-Ming and... King George V of the United Kingdom and his consort, Queen Mary A queen consort is the wife and consort of a reigning king. ... Cosmetics or makeup are substances to enhance the beauty of the human body, apart from simple cleaning. ...

It's also rumored that He Shen was the gay lover of the emperor. Although by this time in the Qing homosexuality was beginning to be frowned upon, even though earlier emperors and literati engaged in homosexual acts up and into the Qing dynasty. At the time homosexuality was not frowned upon because of the Confucian moral to be chaste many men engaged in homosexual relationships prior to having married. One Confucian analect says that having a male friend is not against morality but even so eventually men had the filial duty to marry and produce children.

The Rise of Heshen

Within a year, Heshen was promoted to vice-president of the Board of Revenue, and two months later was made a grand councillor. Within three months later, he was promoted even further to a minister of the Imperial Household, a post usually filled with the most meritorius officials. In 1777, at the age of 27, Heshen was given the privilege of riding a horse within the Forbidden City, a prestigious privilege given only to high ranking officials of elderly age. It was not long before Heshen was given control of the both the Boards of Revenue and the Civil Council, allowing him to control the revenue of the entire empire, and appoint his own henchmen to important posts with in the officials. A privilege—etymologically private law or law relating to a specific individual—is an honour, or permissive activity granted by another person or a government. ... Overview of the Forbidden City This article is about the Chinese imperial palace in Beijing. ...

Heshen's hold on the Emperor was further strengthened when in 1790, his son was married to Qianlong's tenth and favourite daughter. Once secure of the Emperor's favour and approbation, Heshen enjoyed almost complete freedom of his actions. He became openly corrupt and practiced extortion on a grand scale. His henchmen within the imperial system followed his lead, and his military associates prolonged campaigns inorder to continue the benefits of additional funds. He abrogated powers and official posts, including that of Grand Councillor, and regularly stole public funds and taxes. Taxes were raised again and again, and this led to the suffering of the people. Unfortunately, their suffering was compounded by severe floods of the Yellow River - an indirect result of the corruption where dishonest officials pocketed funds that were meant for the upkeep of canals and dams. Rising prices of rice lead to many that simply starved to death. This widespread corruption and nepotism was the start of a century that lead to the downfall of the Qing Dynasty, and the imperial rule of China. Extortion is a criminal offense, which occurs when a person obtains money, behaviour, or other goods and/or services from another by wrongfully threatening or inflicting harm to this person, reputation, or property. ... The word Henchman referred originally to one who attended on a horse, that is, a groom. ... In the military sciences, a military campaign encompass related military operations, usually conducted by a defense or fighting force, directed at gaining a particular desired state of affairs, usually within geographical and temporal limitations. ... The abrogation doctrine is a doctrine in United States constitutional law which permits the U.S. Congress to allow lawsuits seeking monetary damages against individual U.S. states, so long as this is usually done pursuant to a constitutional limitation on the power of the states. ... Public funding is money given from tax revenue or other governmental sources to an individual, organization, or entity. ... -1... A flood (in Old English flod, a word common to Teutonic languages; compare German Flut, Dutch vloed from the same root as is seen in flow, float) is an overflow of water, an expanse of water submerging land, a deluge. ... The Yellow River or Golden River (Traditional Chinese: ; Simplified Chinese: ; Hanyu Pinyin:  ; Wade-Giles: Hwang-ho, sometimes simply called the River in ancient Chinese) is the second longest river in China (after Yangtze River) and the seventh longest in the world. ... Categories: Water-transport stubs | Canals | Water transport ... DAMS is a racing team from France, involved in many areas of motorsports. ... Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Nepotism This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Cecil Rhodes: Cape-Cairo railway project. ...

The Fall of Heshen

The shame of Heshen's corruption came to play when the emperor abdicated in February 1796, the full damage of the corruption was now in wide view. However, Gaozong continued to rule China behind the scenes under the grand title of Taishang Huang. It was not until his death on February 7, 1799 that the Jiaqing Emperor was able to prosecute Heshen. On February 12, Heshen was arrested along with military officer Fu Chang'an (福長安). Declared guilty by Imperial Edict, he was condemned to slow Death by a thousand cuts. The Jiaqing Emperor spared Heshen this horrible death, and instead ordered him to commit suicide in his home on February 22, sparing his family, largely thanks to the pleading of the Emperor's 10th sister, Heshen's daughter-in-law who was married to Fengshen-Yingde, Heshen's sole surviving son, while Fu Chang'an was beheaded. Year 1796 (MDCCXCVI) was a leap year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a leap year starting on Monday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... Taishang Huang (Chinese: 太上皇, tàishàng huáng) was a Chinese title, sometimes translated in English as Grand Emperor or Emperor Emeritus, used all across Eastern Asia for a retired emperor. ... February 7 is the 38th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1799 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... The Jia Qing Emperor (November 13, 1760 – September 2, 1820) was the sixth emperor of the Manchu Qing dynasty, and the fifth Qing emperor to rule over China, from 1796 to 1820. ... February 12 is the 43rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Língchí (pinyin for Chinese 凌遲/凌迟; also ling che) is a form of execution used in China before the modern era and is usually known in English as slicing or death by a thousand cuts. The literal meaning of língchí is humiliating and slow; the method was officially outlawed in... February 22 is the 53rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ...

From the 24 years that Heshen caught The Qianlong Emperor's attention and favour, he had amassed an incredible fortune. In Renzong's (The Jiaqing Emperor) confiscation of Heshen's property, his wealth were as thus:

3,000 rooms in his estates and mansions, 8,000 acres (32 km²) of land, 42 bank branches, 75 pawnbroker branches, 60,000 taels of copper alloyed gold, 100 large ingots of pure gold, (1,000 taels each), 56,600 medium silver ingots, (100 taels each), 9,000,000 small silver ingots, (10 taels each), 58,000 livres/pounds of foreign currency, 1,500,000 copper coins, 600 lb of top-quality Jilin jinseng, 1,200 jade charms, 230 pearl bracelets (each pearl comparible in size to large cherries), 10 large pearls (each the size of apricots), 10 large ruby crystals, 40 large sapphire crystals, 40 tablefuls of solid-silver eating utensils, (serves 10 per table), 40 tablefuls of solid-gold eating utensils, (serves 10 per table), 11 coral rocks (each over a metre in height), 14,300 bolts of fine silk, 20,000 sheets of fine sheep-fur wool, 550 fox hides, 850 raccoon dog hides, 56,000 sheep and cattle hides of varying thickness, 7,000 sets of fine clothing (for all four seasons), 361,000 bronze and tin vases and vessels, 100,000 porcelain vessels made by famous masters, 24 highly decorative solid-gold beds (each with eight different types of inlaid gemstones), 460 top-quality European clocks, 606 servants, 600 women in his harem.

His total property was ultimately estimated at around 1,100 million taels of silver, reputedly estimated to be an amount equivalent to the imperial revenue of the Qing government for 15 years. In his chief butler Liu Quan's quarters, a large quantity of treasures including 240,000 silver taels were also discovered. The Jiaqing Emperor labelled Heshen with 20 crimes, of which "defiance of imperial supremacy" and "power transcendence" accounted for half. The tael (兩), PY: Liang, was part of the Chinese system of weights and currency. ...

The influence of Heshen however did not end with his death, as corruption continued to spread through different levels in and out of the capital, among both civil and military personnel. Bannermen developed habits that made them useless as a military force. The Chinese Green Standard Army was beset with irregular practice and had lost much of its fighting spirit shown in early Qing Dynasty. The habits of luxury and big spending led to moral degradation and the general decline of the dynasty. The Qianlong Emperor's Ten Great Campaigns were completed at the cost of 120 million taels, against an annual revenue of some 40 million taels. The result of these massive spendings and increasing trend towards luxury set the path towards financial instability within the latter part of the Qing Dynasty. Bannerman can mean: Hatamoto, a direct vassal of the Japan A man who belonged to the Eight Banners of the Qing Dynasty Bannermans Castle, an abandoned arms depot on the Hudson River in New York This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that... Green Standard Army is the name of a category of military units under the control of the Qing Dynasty in China. ... A luxury good is a good at the highest end of the market in terms of quality and price. ... Look up degradation in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... The Ten Great Campaigns were a series of wars fought during the reign of the Qianlong Emperor, much celebrated in the official Qing Dynasty annals. ...

Heshen in Popular Culture

For hundreds of years, and right through to the present, Heshen has been the stock villain role in theatrical, film and TV productions. The most famous portayal of Heshen is played by Chinese actor Wang Gang, who gives Heshen a comical quality with his plumb figure. One popular concept of the villain, meant to mimic the purposely distinctive visage of villains from silent films of the early 20th century. ... For other usages see Theatre (disambiguation) Theater (American English) or Theatre (British English and widespread usage among theatre professionals in the US) is that branch of the performing arts concerned with acting out stories in front of an audience using combinations of speech, gesture, music, dance, sound and spectacle &#8212... Film is a term that encompasses individual motion pictures, the field of film as an art form, and the motion picture industry. ... Television redirects here. ... Actors in period costume sharing a joke while waiting between takes during location filming An actor is a person who acts, or plays a role, in a dramatic production. ...

In a 2004 blockbuster TV serial, The Qianlong Dynasty (乾隆王朝), the 'good' version of Heshen is that played by Chinese actor Chen Rui. He is said to bear a closer resembelance to Heshen than Wang Gang. To compare the good and evil portrayals of Heshen, read the next section: Alternative View on Heshen. Actors in period costume sharing a joke while waiting between takes during location filming An actor is a person who acts, or plays a role, in a dramatic production. ...

The Alternative View on Heshen

The widespread portrayal about Heshen and his corruption very likely came from the source of the Qing historical records, and that only the Emperor had the authority to determine what content is kept in the documents.

The alternative argument states that whatever the Emperor dictates becomes the content of the records. The many official positions held be Heshen could have posed a threat to the authority of the Jiaqing Emperor, and produced a sense of jealousy to his power and influence over the royal court, as well as the more legitimate threat to the Emperor. Whether Heshen was an honest official that worked for the empire did not matter to the Emperor's eyes because he still held a prominent position. It is questionable to whether or not Heshen yielded significant respect from the other officials during the Qianlong Era or that the administrations simply feared his power. Emperor Jiaqing's feelings, whether the threat of Heshen's overarching influence over the court or merely jealousy, along with the influences other officials who disliked Heshen, could have brought charges against Heshen through legal pretexts that would condemn him to a death sentence. The Qianlong Emperor (September 25, 1711–February 7, 1799) was the fifth emperor of the Manchu Qing dynasty, and the fourth Qing emperor to rule over China. ...

It is argued that the majority of Heshen's wealth were originally from gifts of the Qianlong Emperor, not from money siphoned by corrupt actions, and that given the burdens of so many official positions made it difficult to commit any acts of corruption in the first place, ruling out the evil portrayal now popularized in the media.

From Emperor Jiaqing onwards, the Qing dynasty went into decline, but rather more from poor leadership than the actions of Heshen, and that most of the decline was blamed, through corruption charges, on Heshen.

Heshen may have in fact been a good man, who was capable and loyal to Emperor Qianlong. It is argued that rather than retire after Emperor Qianlong abdicated his throne, he chose to remain as instructed by Emperor Qianlong to assist his successor, Emperor Jiaqing.

The death of Heshen coincided with the beginning of the fall of Qing Dynasty, arguing that the empire lost a capable man of administration. The insecurity argument points out that Emperor Jiaqing surrounded himself with less capable officials whom he felt more secure with, and that doing so ushered the fall of the Qing Dynasty.

Former residence of Heshen in Beijing

Prince Gong's Palace, The former residence of Heshen

The former residence of Heshen, Prince Gong's Palace, is located at 17 Qian Hai Road West, now a tourist attraction in Beijing. Image File history File linksMetadata Gongwangfu. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Gongwangfu. ... Main gate of Prince Gongs Mansion The Prince Gongs Mansion (Chinese: ; pinyin: ) is located in the west part of Beijing, China, north of the Shichahai Lake. ... Main gate of Prince Gongs Mansion The Prince Gongs Mansion (Chinese: ; pinyin: ) is located in the west part of Beijing, China, north of the Shichahai Lake. ...

Sources

• The Qing Dynasty at All Empires
• Immanuel Hsü (1990). The Rise of Modern China. Oxford Press. ISBN 0-19-512504-5.