The Rise of the Grand Council in Qing Governance

The Yongzheng Emperor’s reign marked a pivotal transformation in the administrative machinery of the Qing dynasty. In 1729, he established the Grand Council, or Junjichu, which would evolve into the most powerful central institution of the imperial government. Prior to this development, true decision-making authority had resided with the Grand Secretariat and the Southern Study during the Kangxi era. Grand Secretaries, often referred to as “chancellors” or “prime ministers” in popular discourse, held prestigious positions, though the Qianlong Emperor notably disliked these titles, insisting they were merely his secretaries. In practice, however, unless a Grand Secretary also held a concurrent appointment to the Grand Council, their role remained largely ceremonial, limited to routine administrative matters while critical state affairs—especially those of a confidential nature—bypassed the Grand Secretariat entirely.

This institutional shift reflected the emperors’ desire to consolidate power and streamline decision-making. The earlier Deliberative Council of Princes and Ministers, which had shared influence, was gradually marginalized by Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong, with the latter abolishing it altogether. Thus, the Grand Council emerged as the paramount body, with its members wielding unprecedented influence over military, diplomatic, and domestic policies.

Dong E: A Political Luminary Across Two Reigns

Among the distinguished figures who served in the Grand Council, Dong E stands out for his exceptional longevity and influence. A native of Fuyang in Zhejiang province, Dong E served as a Grand Councillor for four decades and concurrently held the position of Grand Secretary for twenty-three years. His tenure as Grand Councillor remains the longest in the entire history of the Qing dynasty, spanning the reigns of both Qianlong and Jiaqing—a remarkable feat given the starkly contrasting personalities of these two emperors.

Qianlong was known for his assertiveness, pride, and at times overbearing demeanor, while Jiaqing exhibited a more temperate, courteous, and approachable style of leadership. Navigating the preferences and expectations of such different rulers required exceptional diplomatic skill and adaptability, qualities that Dong E possessed in abundance.

Early Career and Ascent to Prominence

Dong E’s path to power was facilitated by both pedigree and merit. His father, Dong Bangda, served as a Minister of the Board, providing his son with advantageous connections and a cultured upbringing. In 1763, at the remarkably young age of twenty-three, Dong E achieved the jinshi degree in the imperial examinations, initially ranking third overall. However, Qianlong, concerned that appointing a high official’s son to such a prominent position might invite accusations of favoritism, adjusted his rank to fourth, designating him as the top candidate in the second tier. This still secured him a position in the Hanlin Academy, a traditional stepping stone to high office.

Dong E’s artistic talents, particularly in painting, further endeared him to the emperor. His father was an accomplished painter, and this familial tradition allowed Dong E to cultivate a shared interest with Qianlong, who was an avid patron and collector of art. Though often mocked as a “seal-obsessed monarch” for stamping his collection of Tang and Song artworks with numerous personal seals, Qianlong’s passion for preserving Chinese cultural heritage was genuine. He established systematic protocols for the imperial collection, contributing significantly to the conservation of classical art and calligraphy.

Dong E’s literary and artistic prowess, combined with his diligence and discretion, made him a natural candidate for the Southern Study, where he served as a literary attendant. His career advanced steadily: he was promoted to Cabinet Scholar, entered the upper echelons of the bureaucracy, and in 1775 became Vice Minister of Works and Associate Editor of the Siku Quanshu . By 1779, he was appointed to the Grand Council, where he would remain for the next forty years.

Navigating the Political Currents of the Late Qianlong Era

Dong E’s tenure was not without its challenges. In 1796, an incident underscored both his standing with Qianlong and the emperor’s exacting standards. When a vacancy arose for Grand Secretary, three candidates were considered: Liu Yong, Ji Yun , and Peng Yuanrui. Liu Yong, already serving as Assistant Grand Secretary, seemed the obvious choice. However, Qianlong rejected all three. He criticized Liu Yong for carelessness and lack of dedication, Peng Yuanrui for poor self-discipline and prior disciplinary issues, and Ji Yun for being book-smart but impractical—a pedant unfit for high responsibility.

Instead, Qianlong bypassed convention and appointed Dong E, praising his years of diligent service in the Grand Council and the Maogin Hall. Another appointee, Wang Jie, was named Grand Secretary but seldom participated in council affairs due to poor health. Qianlong publicly boasted of his impartiality and discernment in personnel decisions, chastising the rejected candidates for their shortcomings and holding up Dong E as a model of competence and reliability.

Under Jiaqing’s Reign: Continued Favor and Honors

Following Qianlong’s death, Dong E’s influence persisted under Jiaqing. The Jiaqing Emperor not only retained him but also bestowed further honors. According to the memoir of Prince Zhao Lian, Miscellaneous Records from the Xiaoting Pavilion, Dong E was the only official in the Qing dynasty to be granted the title of Grand Preceptor .

However, this account contains a common historical inaccuracy: Dong E was actually awarded the title of Grand Guardian . This error illustrates the pitfalls of relying solely on contemporary memoirs, which often suffer from embellishment, selective memory, or unintentional mistakes. A more accurate list of Qing officials who received the Three Ducal Titles includes only a handful of individuals, such as Jin Zhijun, Hong Chengchou, Fan Wencheng, Ertai, Cao Zhenyong, and Changling, underscoring the rarity of such honors.

Cultural and Social Impact of Dong E’s Tenure

Dong E’s long service coincided with a period of significant cultural and administrative consolidation. His involvement in the Siku Quanshu project—a monumental effort to compile and preserve Chinese literature and philosophy—reflected the Qing court’s commitment to cultural stewardship. This endeavor, though sometimes criticized for its censorship of works deemed subversive, helped safeguard countless texts and promoted scholarly exchange.

As a painter and connoisseur, Dong E also contributed to the artistic vibrancy of the court. His collaborations with Qianlong in authenticating and cataloging artworks reinforced the imperial collection’s role as a cultural repository. Moreover, his adherence to Confucian ideals of diligence, humility, and loyalty made him a model for aspiring officials, embodying the virtues the state sought to promote.

Socially, Dong E’s career demonstrated the possibilities for advancement through merit within the Qing bureaucracy, even as family connections remained important. His ability to maintain favor across two reigns also highlighted the stability and continuity that could be achieved through capable governance, reassuring the elite and the populace alike during a time of external pressures and internal reforms.

Legacy and Modern Relevance

Dong E’s legacy endures as a symbol of bureaucratic longevity and adaptability. His four-decade tenure on the Grand Council represents a record unmatched in Qing history, illustrating the importance of trust, competence, and political acumen in sustaining high office. In an era when imperial favor could be fleeting, his ability to navigate the contrasting styles of Qianlong and Jiaqing offers lessons in leadership and diplomacy that remain relevant today.

The Grand Council itself, as institutionalized during Dong E’s time, set a precedent for efficient, centralized administration that would influence Chinese governance long after the Qing dynasty’s fall. Its emphasis on confidentiality, flexibility, and direct access to the emperor provided a model for later governmental structures.

Modern historians continue to study Dong E’s career for insights into Qing political culture, the dynamics of imperial patronage, and the interplay between art and power. His life reminds us that effective governance often depends not only on formal institutions but also on the individuals who navigate them with skill and integrity.

In conclusion, Dong E’s remarkable journey—from a young examination candidate to the Qing dynasty’s longest-serving Grand Councillor—exemplifies the heights that could be achieved through talent, perseverance, and strategic adaptability. His story enriches our understanding of Qing history and the enduring human elements that shape political systems across centuries.