A Noble Beginning: The Origins of Longkodo’s Influence

Longkodo was born into one of the most prestigious Manchu families of the Qing dynasty, a scion of the Bordered Yellow Banner and son of Tong Guowei, a duke of the first rank. His family connections placed him at the very heart of imperial power. His father was not only Emperor Kangxi’s uncle but also his father-in-law, while his sister served as Kangxi’s third empress, Xiaoyiren. This web of kinship ensured that Longkodo enjoyed immense privilege from birth, embedded within the elite circles of the Qing court.

The Tong family’s influence was both a blessing and a burden. Their status granted them unparalleled access to the emperor, but it also bred an environment of entitlement and arrogance. Kangxi himself was acutely aware of their tendencies, cautioning Longkodo in a vermilion rescript in 1711 upon appointing him as Commander of the Gendarmerie: “You must only act uprightly and diligently. This post is one where it is difficult to earn a good reputation but easy to gain a bad one. Do not listen to the words of brothers, nephews, or family members. These people may initially do one or two good deeds to win trust, but they will inevitably practice deception… Be constantly on guard against this! Exert yourself!” This warning revealed Kangxi’s intimate understanding of the family’s propensity for abuse of power and coercion.

Ascendancy and Service Under Kangxi

Longkodo’s early career was marked by steady advancement through the ranks of the imperial guard. In 1688, he was appointed as a first-class imperial bodyguard, a position that placed him in close proximity to the emperor and allowed him to cultivate relationships within the court. His promotion to Commander of the Gendarmerie in 1711 gave him control over the military forces in the capital, a role of critical importance for maintaining stability and order.

During Kangxi’s reign, the Tong family’s influence was so pervasive that they were colloquially known as the “Half Court,” reflecting their dominance over bureaucratic appointments and court politics. Longkodo, leveraging his familial connections and military authority, became a central figure in this power structure. His demeanor, often described as haughty and overbearing, was consistent with the family’s reputation for wielding influence without restraint.

The Pivotal Moment: Kangxi’s Death and Yongzheng’s Succession

The year 1722 marked a turning point in Longkodo’s career and the history of the Qing dynasty. When Emperor Kangxi passed away, the succession crisis that ensued tested the loyalties and ambitions of court officials. Kangxi’s fourth son, Yinzhen, was overcome with grief, but Longkodo intervened with pragmatic advice. He urged the prince to prioritize his ascension to the throne before attending to funeral rites, emphasizing the importance of securing legitimacy to prevent challenges from rival factions.

This counsel proved decisive. Yinzhen, who would become the Yongzheng Emperor, immediately ceased his mourning, dressed Kangxi’s body in robes bestowed by the Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, and escorted the imperial cortege from the Changchun Garden to the Forbidden City. This swift action ensured a smooth transition of power, and Longzheng’s role in facilitating Yongzheng’s accession earned him the emperor’s profound gratitude.

The Zenith of Power Under Yongzheng

Yongzheng’s gratitude manifested in unprecedented ways. The day after his enthronement, he appointed Longkodo as a regent alongside Malsei and Maqi, and issued an edict requiring all official documents to refer to Longkodo as “Imperial Uncle,” a title that elevated him above other nobles. This honorific stemmed from Yongzheng’s upbringing; though his biological mother was a low-ranking consort, he had been raised by the childless Empress Xiaoyiren, Longkodo’s sister, making the familial designation appropriate.

In 1723, Yongzheng’s praise for Longkodo reached extravagant heights. In a communiqué to his trusted general Nian Gengyao, the emperor described Longkodo as “a true loyal minister of our sacred ancestor, a meritorious official to ourselves, a good official of the state, truly the first rare minister of the present age, outstanding and unparalleled.” Such effusive language underscored Longkodo’s perceived indispensability during the early years of Yongzheng’s rule.

Longkodo was further appointed as Minister of Personnel, granting him control over bureaucratic appointments. This power, combined with his existing influence, led to the phenomenon of “Tong Selection,” where officials were chosen based on his preferences rather than imperial approval. His arrogance grew, and his subordinates treated him with reverential fear, further alienating him from the emperor.

The Unraveling: Conflict with Yongzheng

Yongzheng, a ruler committed to centralizing authority under the principle of “one person governing the world,” increasingly viewed Longkodo’s autonomy as a threat. The emperor perceived Longkodo’s actions as disrespectful and disloyal, especially his unilateral control over appointments. Tensions escalated as Yongzheng sought to curb Longkodo’s influence without triggering open conflict.

The emperor employed subtle tactics to undermine Longkodo, notably pressuring his associate, Chabina, the Governor-General of Liangjiang, to expose Longkodo’s malfeasance. Yongzheng’s directives to Chabina were increasingly insistent, reflecting his frustration with the official’s reluctance to implicate Longkodo seriously. When Chabina finally submitted a seventh memorial, he admitted his powerlessness, stating, “What everyone knows, I know; what everyone does not know, I also do not know.”

Yongzheng’s approach to neutralizing Longkodo demonstrated his political acumen. Having spent decades outside the court before his accession, he was well-versed in intrigue and manipulation. He first dispatched Longkodo to negotiate border agreements with the Zunghar Khanate and Russia, effectively removing him from the capital and isolating him from his power base.

Downfall and Condemnation

With Longkodo absent, Yongzheng moved decisively. In 1725, he convened a council to address Longkodo’s “numerous crimes,” declaring that leniency would be granted only if Longkodo performed his duties faithfully—a condition designed to ensure his cooperation while setting the stage for his eventual downfall. Yongzheng’s brother, Yinxiang, led the accusations, which culminated in over forty charges against Longkodo, including corruption and abuse of power.

On May 22, 1725, Yongzheng issued a public edict condemning Longkodo and Nian Gengyao. He expressed regret for his earlier trust, stating that they had “usurped authority, accepted bribes, arbitrarily exercised power, dared to deceive, and endured betrayal, nearly making us appear unenlightened.” The emperor framed their actions as a personal betrayal and a threat to the stability of the realm, methodically stripping Longkodo of his titles and privileges while stopping short of immediate execution.

Cultural and Social Impacts

Longkodo’s rise and fall illuminate the complex interplay of kinship, power, and politics in Qing society. His family’s status exemplifies the role of noble clans in shaping imperial dynamics, where bloodlines could guarantee influence but also engender resentment and suspicion. The phenomenon of “Tong Selection” highlighted the tensions between meritocratic ideals and the realities of nepotism within the bureaucracy.

Yongzheng’s handling of Longkodo also reflected broader shifts in imperial governance. The emperor’s efforts to centralize power and reduce the autonomy of noble families marked a significant departure from Kangxi’s more permissive approach. This centralization would have lasting implications for the Qing administration, reinforcing the authority of the throne at the expense of the aristocracy.

Legacy and Modern Relevance

Longkodo’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the fragility of imperial favor. His downfall underscores the precarious position of even the most influential officials when they threaten the authority of the ruler. Yongzheng’s skillful manipulation of political alliances and legal proceedings demonstrated a mastery of statecraft that would characterize his reign.

Historically, Longkodo’s legacy is intertwined with the controversies surrounding Yongzheng’s succession. Some scholars have speculated that Longkodo’s support was instrumental in securing the throne for Yongzheng, leading to questions about the legitimacy of the transition. These debates continue to resonate in historical scholarship, reflecting ongoing interest in the political intrigues of the Qing court.

In modern contexts, Longkodo’s experiences offer insights into the dynamics of power and corruption. His abuse of authority and subsequent fall mirror contemporary issues surrounding accountability and the concentration of power. The narrative of his life reminds us that influence, no matter how entrenched, is always subject to the shifting tides of political fortune.

Conclusion

Longkodo’s journey from imperial insider to disgraced official encapsulates the complexities of loyalty, ambition, and power in the Qing dynasty. His familial connections provided a foundation for his rise, but his arrogance and autonomy ultimately led to his downfall. Yongzheng’s calculated response illustrates the delicate balance rulers must strike between rewarding service and asserting control. As a historical figure, Longkodo remains a symbol of the perils that accompany privilege and the inevitable tensions between individual ambition and imperial authority.