The Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) was a time of remarkable cultural achievements, but it was also marked by rampant corruption. One of the most infamous figures of this era was Heshen, a powerful official known for his greed and misuse of power. However, amid this environment of deceit, two upright officials, Liu Yong and Qian Feng, stood as pillars of integrity. Their efforts in exposing corruption and promoting justice offer a compelling story of courage and wisdom.
Liu Yong: The calligrapher minister who used wit against power
Liu Yong (1719-1804), born into a family of honest officials, was deeply influenced by his family’s values. Both his grandfather and father were upright civil servants, and Liu Yong himself earned the trust of Emperor Qianlong. Known as “The Ink-Heavy Prime Minister” for his exquisite calligraphy, Liu Yong believed that art reflected character, emphasizing the importance of moral integrity in both artistry and governance.
Liu Yong’s reputation as an incorruptible official was put to the test during the Shandong corruption investigation. Assigned by Emperor Qianlong alongside Heshen, a man infamous for his greed, Liu Yong partnered with Qian Feng to uncover the truth. Despite Heshen’s attempts to sabotage their efforts, Liu Yong’s strategic thinking played a crucial role in exposing the misdeeds of Shandong Governor Fucha Guotai and Financial Commissioner Yu Yijian.
Qian Feng: The iron-faced censor
Qian Feng (1740-1795), known as the “Iron-Faced Censor,” rose from humble beginnings in Yunnan. A silver craftsman’s son, he excelled in his studies and passed the imperial examination, eventually becoming a Censor of Jiangnan. Though his position was not high-ranking, it gave him the authority to report corrupt officials to the emperor.
Throughout his career, Qian Feng maintained a reputation for frugality and fairness. He refused bribes and extravagant gifts, famously rejecting monetary tributes while serving as an educational commissioner in Hunan. His incorruptible nature earned him widespread respect and set the stage for his role in exposing major corruption cases, including the Shandong scandal.
The Shandong investigation: A joint effort for justice
In 1782, Qian Feng reported Fucha Guotai and Yu Yijian for embezzling public funds and colluding with wealthy merchants. Furious, Emperor Qianlong sent Liu Yong, Heshen, and Qian Feng to investigate. Heshen, who had accepted bribes from Guotai, leaked information to help him cover up the missing treasury funds. Guotai borrowed silver from local merchants to make the treasury appear full.
However, Qian Feng’s sharp eye caught the discrepancy. He noticed that much of the silver was mixed-grade merchant silver rather than the bright, pure official silver. Sealing the treasury, Qian Feng and Liu Yong posted notices encouraging those who had lent silver to retrieve it before it was confiscated. The tactic worked, exposing the emptiness of the treasury and unraveling the corruption network.
Even Heshen’s influence couldn’t save Guotai and Yu Yijian. Both were ordered to commit suicide, and Liu Yong and Qian Feng were rewarded for their efforts. Qian Feng’s role in the investigation cemented his reputation as a fearless crusader against corruption.
The fall of Heshen: A delayed but decisive justice
Heshen’s unchecked power lasted until Emperor Qianlong died in 1799. The new emperor, Jiaqing, moved swiftly to arrest Heshen. Armed with evidence painstakingly collected by Qian Feng, Liu Yongplayed a key role in compiling a detailed report of Heshen’s crimes. The wealth confiscated from Heshen’s estates was staggering — equivalent to over a decade of the Qing government’s revenue.
Although many called for Heshen’s execution by lingchi (death by a thousand cuts), Liu Yong advised Emperor Jiaqing to allow Heshen to commit suicide, preserving some dignity for the late emperor’s reign. This approach was widely praised for its balance and foresight.
Legacy of integrity
The collaboration between Liu Yong and Qian Feng in exposing corruption highlights their shared commitment to justice and ethical governance. Despite the challenges posed by Heshen’s influence, their wisdom and courage prevailed, leaving a lasting legacy. Their stories continue to inspire admiration for the enduring values of integrity and justice, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
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