The Rise and Fall of He Shen: Emperor Qianlong’s Favorite Official
He Shen, or Ho Shen, was a notoriously greedy official in the history of Qing China. However, he gained the favor and trust of Emperor Qianlong, who turned a blind eye to his corruption due to the benefits He Shen brought.
He Shen’s rise through the ranks was remarkably swift. By the age of 18, he had married the daughter of General Feng and, after failing the imperial examination, was appointed to the position of “Khinh xa Do uy.” His good looks and proficiency in multiple languages, including Manchu, Chinese, Mongolian, and Tibetan, further propelled him to higher positions.
He Shen’s intelligence and understanding of the Emperor’s psyche gained him favor. Image: A depiction of He Shen from a film.
He Shen’s key to the Emperor’s heart lay in his ability to understand Qianlong’s moods and cater to his hobbies. He diligently studied books and poetry to engage the Emperor in intellectual conversations, ensuring his comfort and entertainment. As a result, He Shen’s status rose, and within five to six years, he became the Chief Administrator of the Internal Affairs Office, holding additional positions of power and receiving honors and privileges.
He Shen’s son even married the Tenth Princess, further solidifying his connection to the imperial family.
Emperor Qianlong’s Favor and Emperor Jiaqing’s Justice
He Shen knew how to indulge Emperor Qianlong’s love for touring the picturesque Jiangnan region, despite the enormous costs involved. He used his personal wealth to fund these trips, ensuring the Emperor’s satisfaction and, in turn, a blind eye to his own corruption.
However, when Emperor Jiaqing ascended the throne, He Shen’s fate took a turn. His corruption was exposed, and an astonishing amount of silver, equivalent to over ten years of the Qing government’s tax revenue, was found in his residence. Emperor Jiaqing sentenced He Shen to death and pursued his descendants.
He Shen was sentenced to death for his crimes.
Secret Orders to Protect the Family’s Future
Anticipating his fate, He Shen issued two secret orders to protect his descendants:
– Destroying the Family Tree: He Shen ordered the destruction of the family tree, making it difficult for the new regime to identify and target his extended family. This also created the illusion of a smaller family clan.
– Prohibiting the Construction of an Ancestral Hall: He Shen forbade his descendants from building an ancestral hall, as it could reveal their location to the Emperor. This prevented the new Emperor from easily tracking and punishing them.
As a result of these secret orders, He Shen’s descendants lived quietly among the common folk, evading further persecution from the imperial court.
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