Qian Feng (1740-1795), courtesy name Dongzhu, also known as Yuefu, was a poet, painter, and calligrapher from Kunming, Yunnan, during the Qing Dynasty. He was best known for his integrity and fearlessness in speaking out against corruption as a government official.
A childhood of hardship and a passion for learning
Born into a poor family, Qian Feng deeply loved reading, but his family could not afford books. Determined to learn, he collected discarded and partially burned manuscripts to study. Later, he became a student of the renowned Yunnan scholar Wang Jin, whose guidance helped him make rapid academic progress. In 1771, during the 36th year of Emperor Qianlong’s reign, he passed the imperial examination and entered government service as an official.
Taking on corrupt officials without fear
Qian Feng’s reputation for integrity was cemented when he submitted a memorial to Emperor Qianlong, accusing officials Fucha Guotai and Yu Yijian of corruption and embezzlement of state funds. In response, the emperor ordered an investigation, sending Qian Feng to Shandong’s Licheng County alongside Liu Yong and the notoriously corrupt official Heshen. Fearing exposure, Heshen leaked information to Fucha Guotai, allowing him time to cover up the fraud.
Sensing something amiss, Qian Feng decisively sealed the treasury and launched a thorough investigation. He suspected the missing funds had been borrowed from wealthy merchants to cover the deficit. To expose the scheme, he publicly announced that anyone who had lent money to the government should reclaim it immediately, or else it would be confiscated. Within days, the treasury was emptied, revealing the full extent of the corruption. Similar embezzlement was soon uncovered across multiple counties in Shandong.
As a result of Qian Feng’s efforts, Fucha Guotai and Yu Yijian were found guilty of corruption and sentenced to death. For his contributions, Qian Feng was promoted three ranks within a year, eventually becoming Vice Minister of the Bureau of Government Affairs. However, in 1795, he passed away under mysterious circumstances, with rumors suggesting Heshen had poisoned him in retaliation for his actions.
The key to bringing down Heshen
After Qian Feng’s death, officials discovered a trove of secret documents beneath his pillow — evidence of Heshen’s vast corruption and memorials he had prepared to impeach him. When Emperor Qianlong died, his successor, Emperor Jiaqing, ordered Heshen’s arrest. Liu Yong used Qian Feng’s records as the foundation for Heshen’s conviction, listing 20 major crimes.
It was said that Heshen’s hidden wealth, amassed through embezzlement, was equivalent to over 10 years of the Qing government’s revenue. This led to the popular saying: “When Heshen falls, Emperor Jiaqing eats his fill.”
A man of integrity and artistic talent
Qian Feng’s steadfast character was evident throughout his career. While serving as Censor of Jiangnan, he was responsible for reporting corrupt officials to the emperor. His fearless stance led to several high-profile cases, most notably the one that brought down Fucha Guotai and Yu Yijian.
Beyond his reputation as an incorruptible official, Qian Feng was also a celebrated poet, writer, and painter. His calligraphy, influenced by Wang Xizhi, Wang Xianzhi, and Yan Zhenqing, had a distinct style. His large script was bold and forceful, his small script elegant yet firm, and his cursive writing uniquely powerful.
Qian Feng deeply admired Yan Zhenqing — not only for his calligraphy but also for his unwavering moral character. Like Yan, Qian Feng upheld justice and refused to bow to power, embodying both righteousness in governance and mastery in art.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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