How China Confronted Change: The Qing Dynasty
Hello, I am Yang Zhao.
Inducement and Surprise Attack: Hong Chengchou's Strategy for Entering the Passes
In the previous episode, we discussed several Han Chinese who played important roles when Qing forces entered China proper. Besides Wu Sangui, later condemned as a “great Han traitor,” there were Fan Wencheng and Hong Chengchou. Hong also played an extremely important role in the Manchu entry.
Hong Chengchou, 1593–1665, political and military figure of the late Ming and early Qing
Before Qing troops set out for the passes, Hong Chengchou devised their first important strategy. According to the Veritable Records of Shizu, Hong said:
Our army is without equal under heaven. Commanders are united and ranks disciplined. The roaming rebels can be eliminated in one battle, and the realm settled in a matter of days. We should first send officials to proclaim the prince's orders: this expedition comes expressly to sweep away rebellion and destroy the bandits. Those who resist will be executed, but the people will not be massacred, homes will not be burned, and property will not be plundered. Announce to every prefecture, subprefecture, and county that officials who open their gates and surrender will be promoted, while soldiers and civilians will not be harmed in the slightest. If a city resists, its officials will be executed when it falls, but its people will remain safe. Those who first organize support from within and render great service will receive exceptional titles and rewards. The law must be carried out. This is essential. …… (Veritable Records of Shizu, juan 4)
He emphasized establishing legal order, defining the purpose of entering the passes, and inducing surrender whenever possible by making the difference between surrender and resistance unmistakable. The people had to be pacified so they would not merely accept the Qing army but ideally welcome it.
2025.07.19
Audio in Chinese
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