The Fractured Landscape of Late Ming China

The mid-17th century witnessed one of China’s most turbulent periods as the Ming dynasty collapsed under internal rebellions and external threats. Amid this chaos, Sun Kewang emerged as a formidable warlord whose ambitions would significantly impact the Southern Ming resistance against the Qing conquest. Originally a key lieutenant under the rebel leader Zhang Xianzhong, Sun transitioned from peasant rebel to Ming loyalist, though his true loyalties remained complex and self-serving.

Following Zhang Xianzhong’s death in 1647, Sun Kewang became one of the four principal commanders of the remaining rebel forces. His strategic relocation to Yunnan province proved decisive, allowing him to establish a power base far from the Qing advance. By 1652, Sun had nominally allied with the Southern Ming court under the Yongli Emperor, though in reality he maintained autonomous control over much of southwest China.

The Power Struggle Within the Southern Ming

Sun Kewang’s relationship with the Yongli Emperor was fraught from the beginning. As the de facto ruler of Yunnan and Guizhou provinces, Sun styled himself as “Lord of the Nation” (国主), exercising imperial prerogatives while keeping the emperor as a figurehead. This uneasy arrangement began unraveling as other former rebel commanders, particularly Li Dingguo and Liu Wenxiu, grew closer to the imperial court.

The conflict reached its climax in 1657 when Sun, frustrated by his diminishing influence, made his boldest move:

– In February 1657, Sun began awarding royal titles to his supporters, including naming Ma Jinzhong as Prince of Jiading and Feng Shuangli as Prince of Xing’an
– By August, he mobilized 140,000 troops from Guizhou to march on Yunnan, intending to overthrow the Yongli Emperor
– Sun reportedly prepared 300 sets of shackles in advance for captured imperial officials

The Decisive Battle of Jiaoshui

The confrontation between Sun’s forces and the imperial army loyal to Li Dingguo occurred in September 1657 near Qujing, Yunnan. Despite numerical superiority, Sun’s campaign quickly unraveled due to widespread defections among his commanders.

Key moments from the battle include:

– Sun’s attempt to outflank the imperial forces by sending 7,000 cavalry to attack Kunming was foiled by timely warnings
– Bai Wenxuan, Sun’s frontline commander, secretly coordinated with Li Dingguo’s forces before the battle
– During the engagement on September 19, entire divisions switched sides, shouting “Welcome the Prince of Jin!” (Li Dingguo’s title)
– Sun’s army of over 100,000 disintegrated within hours, forcing his humiliating retreat with just 15-16 retainers

Defection to the Qing and Its Consequences

After his stunning defeat, Sun Kewang found himself a pariah in the southwest. His desperate flight through Guizhou saw former allies closing their gates to him, culminating in his momentous decision to defect to the Qing in November 1657.

The Qing court, recognizing the opportunity, rolled out an impressive reception:

– Immediate bestowal of the title “Prince of Righteousness” (义王) in December 1657
– Grand welcoming ceremonies in Beijing the following May attended by imperial princes
– Three royal banquets within ten days and gifts totaling 12,000 taels of silver

Sun proved valuable to the Qing cause, providing:

– Detailed maps and military intelligence about Yunnan and Guizhou
– Identification of key defensive positions and supply routes
– Personal appeals to former comrades to surrender

The Tragic Aftermath and Historical Legacy

Sun’s privileged position proved fleeting. As the Qing consolidated control over southwest China, his usefulness diminished. Signs of decline appeared as early as 1659 when officials began openly criticizing him. His death in 1660—officially from illness but rumored to be assassination—marked the end of his turbulent career.

The long-term consequences of Sun’s defection were profound:

– Qing forces gained critical intelligence for their 1658-1659 southwest campaign
– The Southern Ming lost their most defensible territory
– Remaining resistance forces became demoralized by the high-profile betrayal

Sun’s family briefly maintained status as Qing nobility before gradually fading into obscurity. By 1771, the court terminated their hereditary privileges entirely.

A Complex Historical Assessment

Sun Kewang’s life encapsulates the brutal pragmatism of China’s mid-17th century warlord politics. His initial success in building a southwest power base demonstrated considerable administrative and military talent. However, his inability to reconcile personal ambition with the broader anti-Qing resistance ultimately undermined both his own position and the Southern Ming cause.

The contrasting treatment Sun received from the Ming and Qing courts speaks volumes about their respective political cultures. Where the Ming bureaucracy hesitated to grant Sun legitimate titles despite his substantial contributions, the Qing immediately recognized his propaganda value and rewarded him accordingly. This difference in strategic flexibility may partially explain the Qing’s ultimate success in unifying China.

Sun’s story remains a cautionary tale about the limits of warlordism and the corrosive effects of internal divisions during times of national crisis. His betrayal accelerated the Ming resistance’s collapse, making him one of the most consequential—and controversial—figures of the Southern Ming era.