Introduction: The Shadow of a Notorious Figure

For centuries, the name He Shen has been synonymous with corruption in Chinese history. The Qing Dynasty official’s legendary wealth and dramatic downfall have captivated generations, often overshadowing the equally fascinating story of his younger brother, He Lin. This article explores the intertwined lives of these two brothers who rose from humble beginnings to become among the most powerful men in 18th century China, only to meet dramatically different fates.

Early Life: Orphaned Brothers in a Cruel World

The He brothers’ story begins with tragedy. Born into the Niohuru clan, He Shen entered the world in 1750, followed by his brother He Lin two years later. Their mother died giving birth to He Lin in 1752, leaving the boys to be raised by their father, Changbao, a deputy military commander in Fujian province. The family’s situation worsened when Changbao died in 1759, leaving nine-year-old He Shen and seven-year-old He Lin as orphans.

Despite their poverty, the brothers gained admission to the prestigious Xian’an Palace School in Beijing, an elite institution primarily serving sons of high-ranking officials and nobility. Their enrollment was likely due to their father’s former position, though as poor students among wealthy peers, they faced constant bullying and discrimination.

Education and Early Strategies

At Xian’an Palace School, the brothers developed a remarkable division of labor that would shape their future careers. Recognizing that social mobility required both civil and military expertise, they made a strategic decision:

– He Shen focused on mastering languages (becoming fluent in Manchu, Mongolian, Tibetan, and Chinese) and studying Emperor Qianlong’s literary style
– He Lin concentrated on military strategy and tactics

This arrangement reflected He Shen’s careful calculation. As the elder brother with more refined features, he believed his appearance and linguistic talents suited civil service. He assigned He Lin to military studies, reasoning that during peacetime, this path would be less dangerous while still offering advancement opportunities.

Their dedication impressed teachers, including the famous poet Yuan Mei, who wrote admiringly of the brothers: “One holds up the heavens, the other embraces the sun – the brothers share equally between them.” This early praise foreshadowed their future prominence.

He Shen’s Meteoric Rise to Power

He Shen’s ascent through Qing bureaucracy remains one of history’s most spectacular political climbs. His path to power included several key elements:

1. Mastery of Languages: His fluency in multiple languages made him invaluable in a multicultural empire
2. Understanding of Imperial Psychology: He meticulously studied Emperor Qianlong’s preferences and writing style
3. Strategic Marriages: He married the granddaughter of Yinglian, a former Minister of Justice and Governor-General of Zhili
4. Administrative Skill: Despite later corruption, early in his career he demonstrated genuine governing talent

By his mid-30s, He Shen had accumulated dozens of titles and positions, including Minister of Revenue, Minister of Personnel, and commander of the Imperial Guards. His proximity to the aging Qianlong made him effectively the most powerful official in the empire.

He Lin’s Military Career and Contrasting Reputation

While He Shen cultivated power through court politics, He Lin built his reputation on the battlefield. His military career featured several notable campaigns:

– 1786: Investigated corruption case of Shengzhu, Emperor Qianlong’s brother-in-law, displaying political tact
– 1789: Exposed misuse of official transport by Li Tianpei, earning imperial favor
– 1792: Fought alongside General Fukang’an against Gurkha invaders in Tibet
– 1795: Suppressed Miao rebellions in Guizhou and Hunan provinces

Unlike his brother, He Lin earned respect for his battlefield courage and straightforward personality. His ability to work with powerful generals like Fukang’an—who despised He Shen—demonstrated his independent value to the Qing regime.

The Corruption Scandal That Shook the Empire

He Shen’s corruption became legendary, with contemporary accounts describing staggering wealth:

– Real Estate: Over 3,000 rooms in multiple compounds, including lavish gardens
– Precious Metals: 58,000 taels of pure gold, 9.4 million taels of silver
– Businesses: 75 pawnshops, 42 silver exchanges, 15 antique shops
– Luxury Items: 1,200 jade scepters, 230 pearl necklaces, 11 coral trees over 3 feet tall

When Emperor Jiaqing ascended the throne in 1796, he moved swiftly against He Shen. In 1799, shortly after Qianlong’s death, Jiaqing ordered He Shen’s arrest. The inventory of his property reportedly totaled over 1.1 billion taels of silver—equivalent to 15 years of Qing government revenue at the time.

Dramatic Downfalls: Contrasting Fates

The brothers’ fates diverged dramatically at the height of their power:

– He Lin: Died suddenly in 1796 during the Miao campaign, possibly of illness. He received full imperial honors, including the posthumous title “Loyal and Valiant Duke.”
– He Shen: Forced to hang himself with a silk rope in 1799 after Emperor Jiaqing presented him with 20 crimes. His massive fortune was confiscated, though some assets were spared to support his family.

Cultural Legacy and Historical Significance

The He brothers’ lives offer profound insights into Qing Dynasty politics:

1. Merit vs. Corruption: Their rise demonstrates how talent and corruption could coexist in imperial systems
2. Brotherly Strategy: Their division of civil/military roles shows sophisticated family advancement tactics
3. Historical Memory: He Shen became China’s archetypal corrupt official, while He Lin’s reputation remained largely positive
4. Artistic Depictions: Modern portrayals (like actor Wang Gang’s comedic He Shen) often overshadow historical realities

Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Power

The story of He Shen and He Lin encapsulates both the possibilities and perils of imperial Chinese bureaucracy. Two orphaned brothers, through talent, strategy, and mutual support, reached unprecedented heights—one as the empire’s most powerful minister, the other as its celebrated general. Yet their legacy remains defined by greed and tragedy, a timeless reminder of how power corrupts and how quickly fortunes can change in authoritarian systems. Their lives continue to resonate as China reckons with its complex historical relationship between personal ambition, public service, and institutional corruption.