The Death of Hong Taiji and the Succession Crisis

In September 1643, the sudden death of Hong Taiji (Emperor Taizong of the Qing Dynasty) plunged the fledgling Manchu empire into a power struggle. The 21-year-old emperor’s passing on September 21 left a vacuum that ignited fierce competition among the ruling elite. By September 26, Dorgon, Hong Taiji’s younger brother and a formidable military leader, found himself at the center of this political storm. Though he failed to claim the throne for himself, Dorgon masterfully orchestrated the ascension of Fulin—Hong Taiji’s five-year-old son by his consort Lady Borjigit (later known as Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang)—as the Shunzhi Emperor.

This move effectively thwarted the ambitions of Hong Taiji’s eldest son, Hooge, who had been a strong contender. Over the next six months, Dorgon consolidated his power, emerging as the de facto regent of the Qing Dynasty. His political maneuvering ensured that while he did not wear the crown, he wielded supreme authority. Yet, this victory came with complications—his relationship with Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang would become one of the most debated and consequential alliances in Qing history.

The Three-Way Struggle for China

The year 1643 was a turning point not just for the Qing but for all of China. Three major powers vied for dominance:

1. The Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) – Founded by Zhu Yuanzhang after overthrowing the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty, the Ming had ruled for 275 years by 1643. However, corruption, peasant rebellions, and financial collapse had weakened the once-mighty empire.
2. The Qing Dynasty (1636–1912) – Originally established as the Later Jin by Nurhaci (Dorgon’s father), the Qing under Hong Taiji had grown into a formidable force, poised to exploit Ming weakness.
3. The Shun Dynasty (1643–1645) – Led by the rebel warlord Li Zicheng, this peasant uprising had gained momentum, capturing key cities like Taiyuan and threatening Beijing.

Meanwhile, another rebel leader, Zhang Xianzhong, carved out his own domain in Sichuan under the “Great Western” (Daxi) regime. The Ming, caught between internal collapse and external threats, was on the brink.

Dorgon’s Missed Opportunity

As regent, Dorgon recognized a historic chance to unify China under Qing rule. The Ming was crumbling, Li Zicheng’s forces were advancing, and the Qing’s disciplined Eight Banners army stood ready. Dorgon envisioned leading a conquest that would not only secure Qing dominance but also make him the architect of a new unified empire.

Yet, despite his military prowess, Dorgon never achieved this goal. Historians debate why:

– Strategic Overreach? The Qing faced logistical challenges in subduing both the Ming remnants and rebel factions.
– Political Distractions? His deepening ties with Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang may have diverted his focus from military campaigns.
– Premature Death? Dorgon died in 1650, leaving his ambitions unfinished.

Some argue that unification was always a multi-generational project, making Dorgon’s “failure” merely a historical inevitability. Others contend that his personal choices—particularly his relationship with Xiaozhuang—played a decisive role in delaying Qing consolidation.

The Legacy of Dorgon and Xiaozhuang

The dynamic between Dorgon and Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang remains one of history’s great speculative dramas. Was their bond purely political, or did it cross into romance? While records are ambiguous, their partnership undeniably shaped Qing politics.

Xiaozhuang’s influence ensured her son’s reign and the stability of the early Qing. Dorgon, though never emperor, laid the groundwork for the Kangxi Emperor’s eventual unification of China in 1683. His reforms in military organization and governance endured long after his death.

Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment in Chinese History

The events of 1643–1644 marked the beginning of the end for the Ming and the rise of the Qing. Dorgon’s political brilliance secured Manchu dominance, but his inability to fully conquer China underscores the complexities of leadership during upheaval. Whether viewed as a tragic figure or a pragmatic strategist, his legacy endures as a defining chapter in China’s imperial past.