The Rise of a Conqueror and His Troubled Heirs

Nurhaci (1559–1626), the founding khan of the Later Jin dynasty and architect of the Qing Empire, forged a powerful Manchurian state through decades of warfare and diplomacy. Yet behind his military triumphs lay a deeply personal tragedy—the repeated failure to secure a stable succession among his sons. This dynastic struggle, marked by betrayal, executions, and political maneuvering, would shape the future of imperial China.

Nurhaci’s early life was one of hardship. Born into the Jianzhou Jurchen tribe, he witnessed clan warfare from childhood. By 1583, at just 24 years old, he began unifying the Jurchen tribes through strategic alliances and conquests. His military successes were paralleled by domestic challenges—particularly in raising heirs worthy of his growing empire.

The Fall of Cuyen: A Promising Heir’s Downfall

Nurhaci’s first designated successor was his eldest son, Cuyen (1580–1615). Born to primary consort Tunggiya, Cuyen grew up amid constant warfare, even being hidden in cabinets during enemy raids—experiences that forged his military prowess. By age 19, he became a decorated commander, earning titles like “Hong Baturu” (Brave Warrior) for victories against the Yehe and Ula tribes.

In 1612, Nurhaci formally appointed Cuyen as heir, granting him 500 households, livestock, silver, and governance authority. Yet power corrupted the young prince. He alienated both the “Five Great Ministers” (veteran generals like Eidu and Fiongdon) and his brothers—the “Four Great Beile” (Daishan, Amin, Manggūltai, and Hong Taiji). Cuyen threatened to execute opponents upon succession, even forcing brothers to swear oaths of silence.

The breaking point came in 1613 when Cuyen, during Nurhaci’s campaign against the Ula, performed shamanic rituals cursing his father and allies. Discovered, he was imprisoned for two years before Nurhaci ordered his execution in 1615, declaring: “If my eldest lives, he will ruin the state.”

Daishan’s Rise and Fall: The Second Heir’s Misfortunes

With Cuyen dead, Nurhaci turned to second son Daishan (1583–1648). A proven commander who earned the title “Guyen Baturu” for valor, Daishan led the Two Red Banners and played pivotal roles in key battles. By 1616, he was named “Great Beile,” effectively crown prince.

Yet Daishan repeated his brother’s mistakes. Two scandals doomed him:
1. The Consort Affair: In 1620, minor consorts accused Daishan of improper relations with Nurhaci’s primary wife, Abahai—though succession customs permitted posthumous inheritance of stepmothers, Nurhaci lived.
2. Son Abuse: Daishan mistreated his sons Yue托 and Šoto, even petitioning to execute Šoto for alleged desertion. Nurhaci intervened, condemning Daishan’s cruelty.

Though spared execution, Daishan lost heir status in 1621. His reputation for leniency made him popular among war-weary subjects, but rivals like Hong Taiji undermined him further.

Hong Taiji’s Machinations: The Ultimate Successor

The final contender was eighth son Hong Taiji (1592–1643), youngest of the Four Beile. A shrewd strategist, he exploited his brothers’ failures:
– Eliminating Rivals: Allied with Manggūltai to isolate Daishan.
– The Gold Scandal: In 1622, he concealed bribes from Han officials, earning Nurhaci’s rebuke: “You neglect elder brothers—do you crave the throne?”
– Forced Widow Sacrifice: After Nurhaci’s 1626 death, Hong Taiji compelled Abahai (mother of potential rival Dorgon) to commit suicide, removing opposition.

Daishan, despite earlier conflicts, endorsed Hong Taiji: “Your wisdom surpasses mine; you should rule.” Thus began the reign of Emperor Taizong, who would rename the dynasty “Qing” in 1636.

Legacy and Historical Reflections

The succession crisis reveals critical dynamics in early Qing politics:
1. Militarized Meritocracy: Nurhaci valued battlefield prowess over primogeniture, creating volatile competition.
2. Institutional Weakness: Without fixed succession laws, fratricide became routine—a pattern seen from Cuyen’s execution to the Xianfeng-Tongzhi transitions.
3. Cultural Hybridity: Jurchen customs like levirate marriage clashed with Confucian ideals, complicating heir selection.

Modern historians debate whether Nurhaci’s harshness strengthened the dynasty or planted seeds for later power struggles like the Dorgon regency. What remains clear is that from these bloody beginnings emerged an empire that would rule China for 268 years—proving that even the most fractured successions can yield enduring legacies.

The tragedies of Cuyen and Daishan stand as sobering reminders: building an empire is one challenge, but securing its future often demands even greater sacrifices.