A Sudden Death That Shook an Empire

The Qing Dynasty faced its first major succession crisis on September 21, 1643, when Emperor Hong Taiji died unexpectedly at the age of 50. Contemporary accounts describe a ruler in apparent good health who collapsed suddenly after a day of court affairs. Historical analysis suggests the emperor fell victim to what physicians of the era called “the disease of affluence” – likely a stroke caused by rich diet and obesity.

This sudden demise created a dangerous power vacuum. Unlike previous transitions in the young Manchu state, Hong Taiji left no clear succession plan. The empire now faced its greatest test since its founding – a crisis that would determine whether this ambitious frontier power could maintain its momentum toward conquering China proper.

The Contenders Emerge

The Qing political system allowed for two traditional succession methods: father-to-son inheritance or brother-to-brother succession. Four major candidates emerged from this framework:

1. Hooge, Hong Taiji’s eldest surviving son (35 years old)
2. Fulin (future Shunzhi Emperor), a five-year-old son of Hong Taiji’s favorite consort
3. Bombogor, a two-year-old son of Hong Taiji’s highest-ranking consort
4. Dorgon, Hong Taiji’s half-brother (32 years old) and a seasoned military commander

Hooge appeared the strongest candidate initially. As a veteran of fifteen military campaigns and administrator of the crucial Ministry of Revenue, he enjoyed support from three banner armies (Yellow, Blue, and another Yellow Banner). His maturity and experience made him the logical choice for a regime preparing for full-scale invasion of Ming China.

Dorgon presented a formidable alternative. The Prince Rui commanded the White Banners and could count on support from his brothers Ajige and Dodo. More importantly, he possessed something Hooge lacked – seventeen years of political experience since his first failed bid for power in 1626. This included painful lessons from being passed over as a teenager despite their father Nurhaci’s apparent favor.

The Art of Political Maneuvering

The succession debate unfolded in the Chongzheng Hall of Shenyang’s imperial palace on September 26, 1643. What began as a routine council meeting quickly escalated into a high-stakes political drama.

Hooge’s supporters made the first move. Oboi and Sonin, leaders of the Yellow Banners, forcefully declared: “There are sons of the deceased emperor – no one else may inherit!” Their statement cleverly left room to support any of Hong Taiji’s sons, not necessarily Hooge.

Dorgon demonstrated his political acumen by allowing the elderly Prince Li Daishan to chair the contentious meeting. When Dodo (Dorgon’s younger brother) recklessly proposed their brother Ajige as emperor, Dorgon swiftly shut down the suggestion, maintaining an image of impartiality.

The deadlock broke when Jirgalang, Prince Zheng, proposed a compromise candidate – the five-year-old Fulin. This solution offered multiple advantages: it preserved the principle of imperial descent while allowing experienced regents to govern. Most crucially, it prevented the division of Manchu forces at a critical historical juncture.

Why Dorgon Accepted a Child Emperor

Dorgon’s decision to support Fulin rather than seize power himself reflected shrewd political calculation:

1. Military Reality: While Dorgon controlled formidable forces (65 companies across two White Banners), outright victory wasn’t guaranteed against Hooge’s 61 companies. A civil war would have destroyed the Qing’s rising power.

2. Long-Term Vision: Dorgon prioritized conquering China over immediate control of the throne. As regent, he could direct military campaigns while maintaining Manchu unity.

3. Institutional Memory: The trauma of Nurhaci’s succession struggle in 1626-27 haunted Dorgon. He understood the dangers of dynastic fracturing for the young Manchu state.

4. Symbolic Value: Fulin’s youth and his mother’s Mongol connections helped maintain the crucial Manchu-Mongol alliance essential for confronting the Ming.

The Aftermath: Consolidating Power

With Fulin installed as the Shunzhi Emperor, Dorgon moved systematically to eliminate opposition:

1. Purge of Loyalists: He executed Adali and Šoto (Daishan’s grandson and son) who allegedly plotted to overthrow the new regime, sending a chilling message to potential dissenters.

2. Divide and Conquer: Dorgon skillfully broke up the “Eight Loyal Ministers” who had sworn blood oaths to support Hooge. Through a mix of coercion and rewards, he turned former enemies like Tan Tai and Leng Sengji into collaborators.

3. Neutralizing Hooge: Despite the young emperor’s tearful pleas, Dorgon had Hooge imprisoned in 1648 where he died under suspicious circumstances, removing the last credible alternative to his authority.

Historical Significance

The 1643 succession crisis proved pivotal for several reasons:

1. Preserved Manchu Unity: By avoiding civil war, the Qing maintained the military strength needed to exploit the Ming Dynasty’s collapse in 1644.

2. Established Regent Rule: The dual regency system (Dorgon and Jirgalang) created a template for future minority reigns, notably during the Kangxi and Tongzhi periods.

3. Strategic Patience: Dorgon’s willingness to defer personal ambition for collective gain demonstrated the political maturity of Manchu leadership.

4. Institutional Flexibility: The Qing avoided the rigid succession practices that weakened other dynasties, instead adopting pragmatic solutions tailored to circumstances.

The rise of the Shunzhi Emperor, often overshadowed by the dramatic Ming-Qing transition it enabled, represents one of history’s most consequential political compromises. Dorgon’s restraint in 1643 allowed him to achieve through patience what he might have lost through haste – ultimate control of China’s destiny. Within a year, he would lead Manchu forces through Shanhai Pass, forever altering East Asian history while ruling in the name of a child who owed him everything.