In the long history of the Qing Dynasty, there is such a legendary figure: she came from a humble background, but she was like the royal family; She was born as a maid, but she enjoyed a concubine-level funeral; She was an enlightenment teacher, but she was called "Enie" by the emperor. She is Su Malagu, a strange woman who has witnessed the change of four generations of emperors in the Qing Dynasty. In 1705, the 93-year-old Su Malagu died, and the 53-year-old Kangxi Emperor wept bitterly for it, and even allowed the prince to keep filial piety for him. What kind of experience can make a maid so favored by the royal family? What kind of untold story does she have with Kangxi? Let's uncover this dusty history together and explore what secrets are hidden behind the legendary life of Su Malagu?
Su Malagu, a woman who left a deep mark on the history of the Qing Dynasty, had a rather mysterious early life. She was born in 1612, at the end of the Ming Dynasty and at the time of the rise of the Later Jin. Su Malagu is originally from Liaodong and belongs to the Yellow Banner of Manchuria. Although her family was not a prominent aristocracy, it was also well-known in the society at the time.
Su Malagu's father was an ordinary Manchurian officer who had accompanied Nurhachi in the southern expedition to the north. In that turbulent era, military merit was an important way to change the fate of the family. With his heroic performance on the battlefield, Su Malagu's father gradually gained Nurhachi's appreciation. This laid the groundwork for Su Malagu to enter the court in the future.
When Su Malagu was 10 years old, her father died in battle. In order to take care of this little girl who had lost her father, Nurhachi specially arranged for her to enter the palace and become the personal maid of the young Bumu Butai. Bumu Butai was the later Empress Xiaozhuang Wen, who had just married Huang Taiji at that time.
Su Malagu, who had just entered the court, although she was still young, had already shown extraordinary wisdom and diligence. Not only did she study Manchu and Chinese carefully, but she also worked hard to master various court etiquette. Bumu Butai soon noticed this clever little maid and often instructed her personally.
Over time, Aunt Su Mala gradually grew into an excellent palace maid. She is not only fluent in both Manchu and Chinese, but also familiar with Mongolian. This linguistic talent earned her the favor of Bumubutai, and she was often sent to assist in matters involving many ethnicities.
In 1636, Huang Taiji changed the name of the country to "Qing" and established the Qing Dynasty. As the queen's right-hand man, Su Malagu witnessed this historic moment. She witnessed firsthand how Huang Taiji strategized to unify the Jurchen tribes and eventually establish the Qing Empire, which spanned inside and outside the Guan. This experience gave the young Su Malagu a deep understanding of politics and laid the foundation for her to assist Kangxi in the future.
In 1643, Huang Taiji died suddenly, and Bumu Butai, who was only 36 years old, became a widow. During this difficult period, Su Malagu became Bumu Butai's most trusted confidant. She not only takes care of Bumu Butai's daily life, but also often accompanies her through long nights. It was during this time that the relationship between the two gradually evolved from master and servant to sister.
In 1644, the Qing army entered the Central Plains, and Bumu Butai was honored as the empress dowager. As the personal maid of the queen mother, Su Malagu's status has also risen. She not only participated in the housekeeping of the Forbidden City, but also assisted Bumu Butai in handling some government affairs. This experience gave Su Malagu a deeper understanding of court politics, and also laid a solid foundation for her to become Kangxi's enlightenment teacher in the future.
In the turbulent years, Su Malagu witnessed the whole process of the Qing Dynasty from its establishment to its entry into the Central Plains. Her intelligence, loyalty, and ability have allowed her to grow from an ordinary maid to the most trusted person around the Queen Mother. This early experience not only shaped Su Malagu's character, but also laid the foundation for her to play an important role in the Qing court in the future.
In 1653, a severe smallpox epidemic broke out in the city of Beijing. In order to protect the young prince Xuanye, who later became Emperor Kangxi, the Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang made an extraordinary decision: to send Xuanye, who was less than two years old, out of the Forbidden City and placed him in a mansion outside the city. This decision was not only to protect the prince's safety, but also to create an opportunity for Su Malagu to become Kangxi's enlightenment teacher.
In this special period, Su Malagu was appointed by the Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang as Xuanye's enlightenment teacher. This choice was not accidental, but deliberate. Su Malagu is not only proficient in Manchu, Chinese, and Mongolian, but also familiar with court etiquette and government affairs, and more importantly, she has the absolute trust of the Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang.
Su Malagu accepted this important task and began her career as an initiation teacher. Every day, she would travel back and forth between the Forbidden City and Xuan Ye's mansion, rain or shine. Her teaching methods are rigorous and intelligent, taking into account the characteristics of the young prince.
In the process of teaching, Su Malagu first focused on cultivating Xuanye's interest. She adopted an entertaining and educational approach, telling historical stories and folklore to guide Xuan Ye to understand words. This method not only gave the young Xuan Ye a strong interest in learning, but also cultivated his love for history and culture.
Su Malagu also paid special attention to the teaching of Manchu. As a Manchu, she understands the importance of maintaining Manchu cultural traditions. She taught Xuan Ye to write poems in Manchu and encouraged him to compose. It was under the careful guidance of Su Malagu that Xuan Ye's Manchu calligraphy became more and more sophisticated, laying the foundation for him to become an emperor proficient in both Manchu and Chinese languages.
In addition to writing education, Su Malagu also attaches great importance to Xuan Ye's character cultivation. She often told Xuan Ye about the deeds of the Ming monarchs of the past dynasties, emphasizing the importance of benevolence and love for the people. These teachings had a profound impact on shaping Kangxi's future ruling philosophy.
In the process of teaching, Su Malagu also paid attention to cultivating Xuanye's practical ability. She often took Xuan Ye to observe plants in the yard, taught him to know all kinds of flowers and trees, and cultivated his interest in nature. This hands-on teaching method planted the seeds for Kangxi to become an emperor who loved science and admired empirical evidence in the future.
The way Su Malagu taught is also reflected in the details of life. She taught Hyun Ye how to use chopsticks correctly, how to sit upright, and how to talk to people properly. These seemingly simple life skills actually cultivated Xuan Ye's self-discipline and attention to detail, laying the foundation for him to become a diligent and self-disciplined emperor in the future.
It is worth mentioning that Su Malagu also served as a bridge between Xuan Ye and the outside world. She would report Xuan Ye's study and life to the Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang every day, and at the same time convey the Empress Dowager's care to Xuan Ye. This kind of role makes Xuan Ye always feel the royal care even though he is in the mansion.
Su Malagu's teaching has been remarkable. Kangxi later said: "Since I was five years old, I know how to read." This sentence not only reflects Kangxi's love for learning, but also the best proof of the teaching achievements of Su Malagu.
As Xuan Ye grew older, Su Malagu's teaching content gradually deepened. She began to teach Xuan Ye some basic political knowledge, so that he could understand how the imperial court worked and the responsibilities of various departments. This knowledge laid a solid foundation for Xuan Ye's future pro-government.
In 1661, Xuan Ye, who was only 8 years old, officially ascended the throne and became the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty. Although Xuan Ye had returned to the Forbidden City at this time, Su Malagu's role as an enlightenment teacher was not over. She continued to be by Kangxi's side, advising and guiding the young emperor.
As Kangxi's enlightenment teacher, Su Malagu not only taught him knowledge, but more importantly, cultivated his character and ability. Her teachings laid the foundation for Kangxi to become a Ming monarch in the future, and also made important contributions to the prosperity of the Qing Dynasty.
As Kangxi grew up, Su Malagu's role also changed from an enlightenment teacher to a political advisor. This change was not achieved overnight, but was gradually completed along with the process of Kangxi's pro-government. In the process, Su Malagu provided valuable advice and support to the young emperor with her rich political experience and deep understanding of Kangxi.
In 1667, the 14-year-old Kangxi officially became pro-government. As a teenager who has just entered puberty, Kangxi faces great challenges. On the one hand, he needs to deal with the contest between the various factions in the DPRK and China; On the other hand, he has to deal with complex international relations. During this critical period, Su Malagu became one of Kangxi's most trusted advisors.
Su Malagu first helped Kangxi straighten out the various relations between the DPRK and China. With her contacts and experience accumulated in the palace over the years, she analyzed the backgrounds and positions of various ministers for Kangxi, helping him find a balance in the complex court struggle. For example, when dealing with the issue of the Aobai dictatorship, Su Malagu suggested that Kangxi adopt a step-by-step strategy, first winning the hearts of the people, and then slowly trying to figure it out. This suggestion finally helped Kangxi successfully eradicate the big problem of Aobai.
In terms of foreign relations, Su Malagu also played an important role. She had participated in some diplomatic activities during the Huang Taiji period and had an in-depth understanding of the situation of the surrounding ethnic groups. She gave Kangxi a detailed introduction to the situation of the Mongolian ministries, and suggested that Kangxi adopt a policy of gentleness and win over the Mongolian nobles through marriages and other means. This suggestion laid the foundation for Kangxi's later success in quelling the rebellion of the three feudatories.
Su Malagu also gave Kangxi important advice on cultural policy. She was well aware of the importance of the integration of Manchu and Chinese cultures, so she suggested that Kangxi vigorously promote Manchu and Chinese bilingual education. At her suggestion, Kangxi ordered the compilation of the Imperial Qing Wenjian, a dictionary that played an important role in promoting cultural exchanges between the Manchus and the Chinese.
In terms of economic policy, Su Malagu also put forward her own views. She suggested that Kangxi pay attention to agricultural development and reduce the burden on farmers. Kangxi adopted this suggestion and implemented a series of policies to benefit farmers, such as "never increase endowments", which laid the foundation for the economic prosperity of the Kangxi dynasty.
Su Malagu also inspired Kangxi in the development of science and technology. She encouraged Kangxi to pay attention to Western science and technology, and suggested inviting Western missionaries to China to spread scientific knowledge. It was under the influence of this suggestion that Kangxi developed a strong interest in Western science and technology, and set up a special mathematics hall in the palace, employing missionaries such as Nan Huairen to teach Western science.
When dealing with religious issues, Su Malagu's advice is also quite wise. She suggested that Kangxi adopt an inclusive attitude, respecting traditional Confucianism while giving Buddhism, Taoism and Lamaism some room for development. This kind of policy has effectively reduced religious contradictions and maintained social stability.
Su Malagu also gave guidance on Kangxi's personal life. She suggested that Kangxi pay attention to physical exercise and maintain good work and rest habits. Under her influence, Kangxi developed the habit of riding horses and shooting arrows every day, which not only strengthened his physique, but also won the approval of the Manchu aristocracy.
In dealing with the affairs of the harem, Su Malagu also played an important role. She used her own experience to teach Kangxi how to balance the relationship between the concubines in the harem and avoid affecting the government due to the unrest of the harem. She also suggested that Kangxi care about the education of the princes and choose the right teachers for them, which laid a talent foundation for the subsequent development of the Qing Dynasty.
It is worth mentioning that Su Malagu also continued to play a role in Kangxi's study. She encouraged Kangxi to keep learning and constantly improve herself. Under her influence, Kangxi developed the habit of being diligent and inquisitive, and often discussed his knowledge with his ministers, which laid the foundation for him to become a learned monarch.
As time passed, Su Malagu's influence in the court gradually waned, but her special relationship with Kangxi lasted until her death. Even in her later years, Kangxi often asked her for important questions, showing respect and trust for this teacher.
Su Malagu's experience of assisting Kangxi in governing the country not only reflects her personal wisdom and ability, but also reflects the political ecology of the early Qing Dynasty. Her suggestions and influences have largely shaped Kangxi's philosophy and methods of governing the country, and have made important contributions to the arrival of Kangxi's prosperous era.
As she grew older, Su Malagu gradually faded out of the government, but her status in Kangxi's heart has never changed. In the sixty-first year of Kangxi (1722), Su Malagu, who was nearly eighty years old, died peacefully in her residence in Beijing. After Kangxi learned the news, he immediately ordered a grand funeral for Aunt Su Mala, and personally wrote a eulogy for her, which shows Kangxi's respect for this teacher.
Although Su Malagu's life in her later years was far away from the hustle and bustle of the court, it was still full and meaningful. She devoted most of her time to reading and writing, leaving behind a large number of poetic works. These works not only show her profound literary skills, but also record her thoughts on life and insights into the development of the Qing Dynasty.
In her later years, Su Malagu also devoted herself to the promotion of Manchu education. She used her influence in the palace to promote the popularization of Manchu education. She compiled a number of Manchu textbooks, which were widely circulated among the children of the aristocracy at that time and made important contributions to the inheritance of Manchu.
Although she is no longer directly involved in court politics, Su Malagu still cares about national affairs. Kangxi often sent people to report to her on major affairs in the DPRK and China, and asked for her opinions. For example, when dealing with the negotiation of the Nebuchu Treaty with Russia, Kangxi consulted Su Malagu, who put forward the suggestion of "peace is precious", which influenced Kangxi's decision-making to a certain extent.
In her later years, she was also enthusiastic about philanthropy. She has spent most of her accumulated wealth on poverty relief, with a particular focus on women's education. She set up several schools in Beijing that specialized in teaching women, contributing to the education of women at that time. These schools not only teach the traditional Four Books and Five Classics, but also teach practical skills such as needlework and cooking, which make it possible for women to survive independently.
In terms of cultural inheritance, Su Malagu also devoted herself to the protection of Manchu traditional culture in her later years. She organized manpower to collect and sort out Manchu folk tales and legends and compile them into a book. These works have provided valuable information for future generations to study Manchu culture.
Although Su Malagu's life in her later years was peaceful, her influence was far from waning. Her residence became an important meeting place for scholars and scholars at that time. Many well-known literati and scholars have visited her to discuss poetry and current affairs with her. These exchanges not only enriched Su Malagu's later life, but also contributed to the cultural development of the Qing Dynasty.
In terms of family life, Su Malagu mainly devoted herself to educating her younger generations in her later years. She passed on what she had learned throughout her life to her children and grandchildren, with a special focus on moral education. She often admonished her juniors to be loyal to the country and study diligently, and this family style had a profound impact on the development of the Su Malagu family in the Qing Dynasty.
After Su Malagu's death, her influence did not disappear. Kangxi ordered her deeds to be compiled into the "Qing History Manuscript", making her one of the few women in the history of the Qing Dynasty to be passed on independently. This is not only a personal compliment to Su Malagu, but also a recognition of female talent by the rulers of the Qing Dynasty.
Su Malagu's life, especially her later life, had a profound impact on the politics, culture, and education of the Qing Dynasty. She promoted the integration of Manchu and Han cultures and made important contributions to the stability and development of the Qing Dynasty. Her deeds have also become an important case for later generations to study the status and role of women in the Qing Dynasty.
In terms of literature, Su Malagu's poems and literary works were collected and sorted out by later generations and compiled into the "Su Malagu Collection". These works not only have high literary value, but also provide valuable materials for the study of social life and cultural conditions in the early Qing Dynasty.
Su Malagu's educational ideas also had an impact on later generations. Her educational philosophy of attaching importance to practice and moral education had a wide influence on the aristocratic education at that time. Many aristocratic families emulated her educational methods, which to some extent improved the overall quality of the Qing ruling class.
In general, Su Malagu's later life, although far from the center of power, was still full of energy and influence. She continued to contribute to the development of the Qing Dynasty through literary creation, educational practice, cultural inheritance and other means. Her life story, especially her contributions in her later years, provides a unique perspective on the political and cultural environment of the early Qing dynasty.
The status and influence of Su Malagu in the history of the Qing Dynasty has been constantly re-examined and evaluated over time. Her outstanding performance as a woman in the political arena of the early Qing Dynasty not only attracted wide attention at the time, but also became an important case for later generations to study the politics and the status of women in the Qing Dynasty.
In the official history, the image of Su Malagu is mostly positive. Although the record of her in the "Qing Historical Manuscript" is brief, it affirms her important role in the early political life of Kangxi. In particular, her educational contributions during Kangxi's early years are regarded as one of the important factors in Kangxi's later becoming a Ming monarch. To a certain extent, this evaluation reflects the Qing Dynasty's official recognition of Su Malagu.
However, as time went on, there were some changes in the evaluation of Su Malagu. Some later historians believe that Su Malagu's participation in political affairs as a woman violates the traditional concept of "male dominance, female dominance", so they are critical of her. This view was once dominant in the mid-to-late Qing Dynasty, reflecting the prevailing view of women's participation in politics at the time.
In the folk, the legend about Su Malagu has been widely spread. There are rumors that she and Kangxi have a special relationship beyond that of teacher and student, and although this statement lacks historical evidence, it has long influenced people's perception of Su Malagu. The generation and circulation of these rumors, on the one hand, reflects the people's curiosity about the secret affairs of the court, and on the other hand, it also shows the special status of Su Malagu in the eyes of the people.
In modern times, with the progress of historical research methods and the rise of feminist thought, the research and evaluation of Su Malagu have begun to diversify. Some scholars have begun to re-examine the historical position of Su Malagu from the perspective of gender studies. They argue that Su Malagu's experience is a typical case of women's political participation in the Qing Dynasty, reflecting certain characteristics of the political environment in the early Qing Dynasty.
In the field of cultural studies, Su Malagu has also received a lot of attention. She is proficient in both Manchu and Chinese cultures and has played an important role in promoting the integration of Manchu and Han cultures. Some researchers believe that Su Malagu's cultural contributions played a positive role in the long rule of the Qing Dynasty and was a microcosm of the success of the Qing Dynasty's cultural policy.
In the study of the history of education, Su Malagu's educational thought and practice have also become an important research topic. Her approach to Kangxi's education, especially her emphasis on practice and moral education, is considered to have had a profound impact on the development of education in the Qing Dynasty. Some scholars of education history even regard Su Malagu as a pioneer of women's education in the Qing Dynasty.
In the field of literary studies, Su Malagu's poetic works have also attracted attention. Although the number of her works is small, the characteristics of the times and personal thoughts reflected in them provide important materials for the study of early Qing literature. Some literary researchers believe that Su Malagu's works embody the characteristics of the integration of Manchu and Han cultures, and are an important part of early Qing literature.
In recent years' film and television works, the image of Su Malagu has also been put on the screen many times. Although these works artistized the image of Su Malagu to a certain extent, they also brought this historical figure back into the public eye, triggering a new round of attention to the history of the Qing Dynasty.
In the international academic community, Su Malagu has gradually become an important entry point for the study of the history of the Qing Dynasty. Some Western scholars have studied Su Malagu and discussed the political system, cultural policies, and the status of women in the Qing Dynasty. These studies not only enrich the international academic community's understanding of the history of the Qing Dynasty, but also provide new perspectives for comparative studies.
In archival research, historical documents related to Su Malagu have also become important research objects. These documents include not only official archives, but also personal letters, diaries, and other materials. Through the collation and study of these materials, scholars have been able to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Su Malagu's life and deeds, and have also provided new evidence for the study of the political system of the Qing Dynasty.
In the field of museology, the cultural relics related to Su Malagu have also received attention. Some items related to Su Malagu, such as the stationery and clothing she used, have been collected in major museums and have become important material materials to display the history and culture of the Qing Dynasty.
In general, with the passage of time and the diversification of research perspectives, the historical evaluation of Su Malagu has shown a trend of deepening and diversification. Her experience not only provides us with a unique perspective on the political and cultural environment of the early Qing Dynasty, but also serves as an important case study for the study of the status and role of women in ancient China. Whether in the field of historical studies, cultural studies, or gender studies, Su Malagu is a historical figure worthy of in-depth discussion.