The Rise of the Qing Dynasty’s Anti-Corruption Campaign

Emperor Qianlong (r. 1735–1796) is often remembered as one of China’s most formidable rulers, presiding over the zenith of the Qing Dynasty’s power. While his reign saw territorial expansion and cultural flourishing, it was also marked by an unprecedented crackdown on corruption—a campaign that surpassed even the rigorous efforts of his predecessors, the Kangxi and Yongzheng Emperors. Under Qianlong, corruption cases surged in frequency, involved higher-ranking officials, and resulted in harsher punishments. By the mid-18th century, the emperor adopted a policy of zero tolerance, sparing not even his own relatives. His brother-in-law, Gao Heng, would become one of the most infamous victims of this purge.

The Fall of a Royal In-Law: The Gao Family’s Rise and Ruin

### The Influence of the Gao Clan

To understand the significance of Gao Heng’s execution, one must first examine the prominence of the Gao family. Gao Heng was the younger brother of Empress Xiaoxianchun’s sister, the Noble Consort Huixian, a favored concubine of Qianlong. Despite her portrayal in popular media as a scheming antagonist, historical records show she enjoyed immense imperial favor. Elevated to the rank of Imperial Noble Consort posthumously, her legacy was cemented with the prestigious posthumous title “Huixian” (慧贤, “Wise and Virtuous”).

Their father, Gao Bin (1683–1755), was a high-ranking official who rose through the ranks under Yongzheng and Qianlong, eventually becoming a Grand Secretary and overseeing critical infrastructure projects like river conservancy. However, his career was marred by scandals, including accusations of embezzlement and negligence. In a dramatic turn, Gao Bin was forced to witness the execution of corrupt subordinates—an experience so harrowing it reportedly caused him to faint.

### The Two Huai Salt Scandal

Gao Heng’s downfall came in 1768 with the explosive “Two Huai Salt Case.” For over two decades, salt commissioners—including Gao—had embezzled more than 10 million taels of silver (an astronomical sum at the time). The scandal was exposed by a daring official, You Bashi, who risked his career to report the corruption.

Investigations revealed a web of deceit: salt taxes were diverted to fund imperial tours, luxury goods, and personal enrichment. Shockingly, Gao admitted that much of the embezzled money had been spent on Qianlong’s lavish Southern Inspection Tours. Despite this uncomfortable revelation, the emperor refused to pardon his brother-in-law. When the empress’s brother, Fuheng, pleaded for mercy, Qianlong coldly retorted, “What if it were the empress’s own brother who broke the law?” Gao Heng was beheaded.

The Corruption Curse: A Family’s Repeated Downfall

### The Gao Clan’s Second Scandal

Astonishingly, history repeated itself a decade later. In 1778, Gao Pu—Gao Heng’s son—was caught in another corruption scandal, this time involving illegal jade mining in Xinjiang. As the imperial commissioner in Yarkand, Gao Pu extorted local Uyghur laborers, smuggled precious jade, and provoked a near-revolt. His crimes included:
– Accepting bribes of gold and jade.
– Forcing 3,200 laborers into deadly mining conditions.
– Smuggling jade to Suzhou and Beijing, amassing over 260,000 taels.

Qianlong, furious at the betrayal, ordered Gao Pu’s immediate execution. The case became one of the most documented of the era, with the emperor issuing 61 edicts in rapid succession to oversee the investigation.

The Legacy of Qianlong’s Anti-Corruption Crusade

### Cultural and Political Impact

Qianlong’s harsh measures sent a clear message: no one, not even imperial relatives, was above the law. His campaigns temporarily curbed graft but also exposed systemic flaws:
– Imperial hypocrisy: While Qianlong punished corruption, his own extravagant spending (funded by embezzled money) undermined moral authority.
– Ethnic tensions: The Xinjiang case highlighted Qing exploitation of frontier regions, fueling resentment among minority populations.
– Administrative reforms: The salt and jade scandals led to tighter regulations, including the permanent closure of the Mirdai jade mines.

### Modern Parallels

Qianlong’s anti-corruption drive remains a touchstone in Chinese history, often compared to modern campaigns. His willingness to execute high-ranking relatives mirrors contemporary rhetoric about “no exceptions” in the rule of law. Yet, his reign also illustrates the limits of top-down purges without institutional checks.

Conclusion: A Reign of Contradictions

Emperor Qianlong’s iron-fisted approach to corruption was both revolutionary and flawed. By targeting his own family, he demonstrated unparalleled ruthlessness. Yet, the recurring scandals of the Gao clan reveal a deeper rot—one that even the most draconian punishments could not fully eradicate. His legacy endures as a cautionary tale about power, justice, and the perils of unchecked authority.