The Spark of Rebellion: Nurhaci’s Seven Grievances

In the early 17th century, the simmering tensions between the Jurchen chieftain Nurhaci and the Ming Dynasty reached a boiling point with the proclamation of the Seven Grievances (七大恨). This document, a scathing indictment of Ming injustices, served as both a rallying cry and a formal declaration of war. The grievances included the Ming’s execution of Nurhaci’s father and grandfather, their interference in Jurchen affairs, and their economic exploitation of the frontier.

Nurhaci, the ambitious leader of the Jianzhou Jurchens, had spent decades consolidating power among the fragmented Jurchen tribes. By 1616, he had established the Later Jin dynasty, positioning himself as a direct challenger to Ming authority. The Seven Grievances was not merely a list of complaints—it was a calculated political move to justify his rebellion and unite his people under a common cause.

The First Strike: The Siege of Fushun

With war declared, Nurhaci turned his attention to Fushun, a strategically vital Ming garrison city. Familiar with the area from his youth—where he had traded and gathered intelligence—Nurhaci recognized its importance as a gateway to Liaodong. However, he knew a direct assault would be suicidal against Ming fortifications. Instead, he devised a cunning plan combining subterfuge, psychological warfare, and disciplined execution.

### Preparations for Battle

1. Tactical Innovation – Nurhaci emphasized deception, instructing his forces to lure Ming troops into ambushes rather than engaging in open battle. His strategy, recorded in the Veritable Records of Qing Taizu, highlighted adaptability: “If the enemy is few, draw them into traps; if they are many, wait for reinforcements.”
2. Military Discipline – The Eight Banners, a hybrid military-agrarian system, required strict control. Nurhaci forbade looting and violence against civilians, knowing that winning local support was crucial for long-term success.
3. Espionage and Deception – Disguised as merchants, Jurchen agents infiltrated Fushun to gather intelligence. Meanwhile, Nurhaci’s sons scouted Ming reinforcements in Guangning, assessing their readiness.
4. Psychological Warfare – Before the attack, Nurhaci rallied his troops with speeches framing the war as a righteous struggle against Ming oppression, boosting morale.

### The Assault

On April 14, 1619, under cover of heavy rain, Nurhaci launched a two-pronged attack. One force diverted Ming attention by raiding nearby Dongzhou and Magendan, while the main army, led by Nurhaci and his son Hong Taiji, approached Fushun. Disguised Jurchen “merchants” lured Ming guards outside the gates, and once the trap was sprung, the Eight Banners stormed the city.

The unprepared Ming garrison, led by Li Yongfang, collapsed within hours. Li, a former acquaintance of Nurhaci, surrendered—a significant propaganda victory. Five days later, Ming reinforcements under Zhang Chengyin arrived, only to be annihilated in a counterattack. The fall of Fushun delivered a devastating blow to Ming prestige and provided the Jurchens with vast plunder: 300,000 captives, livestock, and supplies.

The Ming Response: Panic and Mismanagement

The loss of Fushun sent shockwaves through the Ming court. Emperor Wanli, though notoriously disengaged, authorized a massive counteroffensive. However, the Ming response was plagued by dysfunction:

– Poor Leadership – The appointed commander, Yang Hao, was indecisive and unpopular. His subordinates, including the arrogant Du Song and the cautious Li Rubai, were riven by rivalry.
– Logistical Failures – Troops were hastily assembled from distant provinces, ill-equipped for Liaodong’s harsh climate. Funding was so scarce that soldiers deserted en masse.
– Diplomatic Blunders – Attempts to recruit Yehe and Korean allies faltered due to mistrust and Nurhaci’s counter-diplomacy.

The Battle of Sarhu: A Turning Point

In 1619, the Ming launched a four-pronged invasion of Later Jin territory. Nurhaci, outnumbered but strategically superior, exploited Ming divisions. His famous maxim—”No matter how many routes they come, we will strike as one”—guided his concentrated attacks.

1. Du Song’s Defeat – The reckless Ming general drowned half his army in the Hun River before being encircled and killed at Sarhu.
2. Ma Lin’s Collapse – His “Ox-Horn Formation” was shattered by Jurchen cavalry charges.
3. Liu Ting’s Last Stand – The legendary “Liu the Great Sword” fell in an ambush, his face cleaved in battle.
4. Li Rubai’s Retreat – His army fled in chaos after mistaking 20 Jurchen scouts for an entire army.

The Ming lost nearly 50,000 troops in three days. Sarhu marked the end of Ming dominance in Manchuria and cemented Nurhaci’s reputation as a military genius.

Legacy and Modern Reflections

Nurhaci’s victories at Fushun and Sarhu laid the foundation for the Qing Dynasty’s eventual conquest of China. His strategies—blending deception, mobility, and psychological warfare—remain studied in military academies. Meanwhile, the Ming’s collapse underscores the dangers of bureaucratic rot and strategic overextension.

Today, the Seven Grievances is remembered not just as a casus belli, but as a masterclass in turning grievance into empire. For modern readers, it offers a stark lesson: the power of a well-told narrative to mobilize nations—and topple dynasties.