The sky was slightly bright, but the Fujin Mansion in Shenyang City was already brightly lit. A 36-year-old beautiful woman is grooming in front of the mirror, she is Nurhachi's concubine Abahai. On this day, she dressed up as if she was going to a grand banquet. However, fate has an unexpected drama in store for her. When the morning sun rises, several princes break into her dormitory and bring shocking news. Abahai's face turned pale in an instant, and she knew that her life was coming to an end. What's going on? Why did this much-loved concubine suddenly fall into an existential dilemma? Will she be able to escape this seemingly inextricable fate?
In 1590, in the eighteenth year of Wanli in the Ming Dynasty, the cry of a baby girl pierced the silence of the capital of Wulabe. This baby girl is Abahai, the pearl of Mantai, the lord of the Ula tribe. The Ula tribe was one of the important tribes of the Jurchen tribe and played a pivotal role in the northeast at that time.
Abahai's father, Mantai, was a well-known Baylor who governed the Ula tribe in an orderly manner, keeping the tribe relatively stable among the turbulent Jurchen tribes. Abahai grew up in such a prominent family, and learned a lot of wisdom about how to behave in the world.
However, a twist of fate quietly struck Abahai when he was 7 years old. In 1596, Mantai was tragically killed in an accident. The young Abahai lost her father's protection and became the adopted daughter of her uncle, Buzhantai. Buzhantai took over the rule of the Ula tribe and became the new head of the tribe.
Under Buzhantai's tutelage, Abahai spent the last years of his childhood. Although she lost her father, she was not depressed by it. On the contrary, Abahai showed extraordinary intelligence and shrewdness. She is not only outstanding in appearance, but also shows amazing talent in poetry and singing, riding and archery skills. These qualities laid a solid foundation for her future foothold in the Houjin court.
In 1601, Abahai's life took a major turn. In this year, at the age of 12, she was betrothed by her uncle Buzhantai to Nurhachi, the leader of the Jianzhou Jurchens. At the age of 43, Nurhachi was a prominent military leader who was gradually unifying the Jurchen tribes. This marriage was not only a union of two people, but also a political alliance of two tribes.
Buzhantai personally escorted Abahai to the city of Feiala, the Jianzhou Jurchen. Along the way, he constantly imparts political wisdom to the young niece, telling her how to survive in a complex harem environment. Although he was young, Abahai already understood the importance of this marriage. She secretly made up her mind to gain a foothold in her new environment.
When he first arrived in the city of Feara, Abahai was confronted with a whole new world. Nurhachi already had seven wives and concubines at that time, and the situation in the harem was complicated. As a newcomer, Abahai had to carefully adapt to this unfamiliar environment. Keeping her uncle's teachings in mind, she treated the other concubines with humility, while also showing her intelligence and charm.
Abahai's intelligence soon caught Nurhachi's attention. Not only was she good at singing and dancing, but she was also proficient in mounted archery, skills that were highly prized among the Jurchens. What's more, Abahai has shown political insight beyond his years. She was often able to provide Nurhachi with unique insights to help him deal with tribal disputes.
Two years later, at the age of 14, Abahai was canonized by Nurhachi as the Great Fujin, a move that shocked the entire harem. It is the first time in the history of Jianzhou Jurchen to obtain the status of Dafujin at such a young age. This appointment not only shows Nurhachi's affection for Abahai, but also shows the importance he attaches to the Urabu.
After becoming the Great Fortune Jin, Abahai's life has undergone earth-shaking changes. She began to get involved in more government affairs, assisting Nurhachi with various matters. At the same time, she also started her own fertility mission. In the years that followed, Abahai bore Nurhachi three sons and a daughter, the princesses Azig, Dorgon, Dodor, and Heshurouja.
After Abahai became the Great Fortune Jin, her life was not all smooth sailing. The power struggle in the harem is becoming increasingly fierce, and every concubine is trying to win Nurhachi's favor and political influence. In this complex environment, Abahai gradually gained a firm foothold with his wits and skill.
The three sons born to Nurhachi, Azig, Dolgon, and Dord, all of whom Abahai bore for Nurhachi, showed extraordinary talent. Nurhachi handed over the three banners of the Eight Banners, Red, White, and White, to his three sons, a decision that undoubtedly strengthened Alahai's position in the harem. However, this also caused jealousy and resentment among the other concubines.
Among them, Deinze, as a small Fujin, is particularly uneasy about the rise of Abahai. She secretly observes Abahai's every move, looking for a lever to use. By chance, Deinze discovered that Abahai often left the palace late at night to go to Daishan's mansion. This discovery gave Deinze an opportunity to strike at Abahai.
Deinze denounced Nurhachi that Abahai not only often held private meetings with Daishan late at night, but also made eye contact with Daishan during meetings. To make matters worse, she claimed that Abahai had sent food to Dai Shan and the Four Beylor Emperor Taiji. The accusation undoubtedly touched Nurhachi's nerves, as it could suggest that Abahai was planning a coup.
Faced with these allegations, Nurhachi was shocked and outraged. However, given the family's reputation, he did not take immediate action. He secretly sent someone to investigate, and it turned out that Abahai was indeed hiding his belongings. Disillusioned and outraged by this discovery, Nurhachi decided to abandon Abahai on charges of possession of gold and silver.
Aghahai's fall from grace had a huge impact on the entire harem. The other concubines saw the opportunity and began to compete for the vacancy left by Abahai. However, Abahai did not admit defeat. During the year of her absence, she kept a low profile while secretly looking for an opportunity to regain Nurhachi's trust.
A year later, unexpectedly, Nurhachi suddenly recalled Abahai and re-ordained her as his concubine. This decision shocked the entire harem and also sparked a lot of speculation. Some believe that Abahai's sons are behind it, while others speculate that Nurhachi realized Abahai's political value. In any case, Alahai's comeback marks her victory in the power struggle.
After Abahai re-became the concubine, her influence continued to expand. She began to participate in more government activities, no longer confined to the interior of the harem. Historical records show that Abahai attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the city of Tokyo, an event of great political significance. She also went to the front line of Quang Ninh with the army to offer condolences, showing her sense of responsibility as the ruler's spouse.
During this period, Abahai also actively participated in the reclamation of land in Xinjiang. She accompanied Nurhachi to inspect the newly cultivated land, which not only demonstrated her political importance, but also her contribution to the construction of the Later Jin state.
However, Abahai's comeback does not mean that she is at ease in the harem. Other concubines, especially those who had children, remained wary of Abahai. They secretly formed an alliance in an attempt to weaken Abahai's influence. This led to an increasingly fierce power struggle within the harem.
In this complex environment, Abahai had to be vigilant at all times. On the one hand, she has to protect the interests of herself and her children, and on the other hand, she has to balance the relationship with other concubines. This requires a great deal of political wisdom and skill. Abahai organized various court events, such as poetry meetings and tea parties, to ease the tension in the harem, while also taking the opportunity to show his talent and charm.
In September 1626, an unusual piece of news swept through the Houjin court like a hurricane. Nurhachi, who was nearly seventy years old, was seriously wounded in the battle against Ningyuan City of the Ming Dynasty. The news quickly spread throughout the harem, causing a huge shock. Abahai, as the eldest concubine, rushed to Nurhachi's side as soon as possible and took care of it personally.
Nurhachi's condition deteriorated rapidly and he soon lost consciousness. At this critical moment, the power struggle within the harem is becoming more and more intense. Each concubine is planning for the future of herself and her children, secretly forming alliances in an attempt to influence the choice of heirs. Despite her high status, Abahai's sons were too young to have an advantage in the succession battle.
On September 30, Nu Yichi was finally defeated by illness and died in Funing Palace in Shenyang City. This news was like a bombshell, which instantly detonated the entire post-Kim political arena. Baylor, ministers, and harem concubines are all in full swing preparing for the next transfer of power.
At this critical moment, Huang Taiji showed extraordinary political wisdom and skill. He quickly united several other Baylors, especially Daishan and Mang Gultai, to form a powerful alliance. At the same time, he also enlisted the support of several important concubines in the harem, including Abahai.
Abahai plays a delicate but important role in this process. Although her sons could not directly inherit the throne, she was well aware that supporting Huang Taiji was the best choice to protect her own interests and that of her children. Therefore, she actively lobbied for Huang Taiji in the harem and enlisted the support of other concubines.
On October 1, in the game of various forces, Huang Taiji finally ascended to the throne of Khan and became the new lord of Houjin. This result, while expected, still caused some people to be dissatisfied. In particular, Nurhachi's other sons, such as Dai Shan, Mang Gurtai, etc., although they supported Huang Taiji on the surface, their hearts were full of unwillingness.
After Huang Taiji succeeded to the throne, he immediately began a series of power adjustments. He redistributed the management of the Eight Banners and strengthened the centralization of power. These moves, while reinforcing his rule, also provoked some resentment from Baylor.
During this turbulent time, Abahai's situation became more delicate. On the one hand, she needs to maintain her dignity and status as the concubine of the first Khan; On the other hand, she must also establish a good relationship with the new emperor to protect her own interests and those of her children. Abahai employs a series of ingenious tactics to show support for the new emperor without losing his dignity.
Huang Taiji's attitude towards Abahai is also very subtle. He needs Abahai's support to stabilize the harem and fears that Bahhai's sons will become a potential threat. Therefore, on the one hand, Huang Taiji retained Abahai's status as the concubine, and on the other hand, he also began to gradually weaken her influence.
In this complex situation, Abahai's sons also faced serious challenges. Azig, Dorgon, and Dordor, although all talented, became unstable in the new power structure. Although Huang Taiji did not take direct action against them, he was also secretly restricting their development.
In early 1627, Huang Taiji ordered the construction of a mausoleum for Nurhachi. This decision was not only a sign of respect for the first Khan, but also a means of consolidating his rule. In this process, Abahai, as the concubine of the first khan, was given an important role. She oversaw the construction of the mausoleum and presided over a series of rituals.
However, just as Abahai was busy with these matters, a shocking news came. Huang Taiji decided to follow the Jurchen tradition and ask Abahai to be buried with him. This decision was like a bolt from the blue, which not only shocked Abahai, but also caused an uproar in the entire harem.
Faced with Huang Taiji's burial order, Abahai fell into an unprecedented predicament. This decision is not only related to her personal life and death, but also involves the future of her children and the direction of the entire post-Kim political situation. Abahai knows that every step she takes will have a profound impact.
In this critical moment, Abahai first sought the support of her three sons, Azig, Dorgon, and Dordor. The three young Baylors, despite their precarious positions in the new power structure, still had some influence. They sprang into action, secretly contacting the other Baylors and ministers in an attempt to convince Huang Taiji to change his mind.
At the same time, Abahai did not give up on enlisting the support of other concubines in the harem. She skillfully used her status as the concubine of the first khan to convene a secret tea party. During this meeting, Abahai explained to the other concubines the impact of the burial on the entire harem order, and succeeded in winning the sympathy and support of the majority.
However, Huang Taiji doesn't seem to intend to change his mind easily. In his opinion, this decision was not only a sign of respect for the first khan, but also a means of consolidating his rule. In order to put pressure on Huang Taiji, Abahai's supporters began to spread rumors in the court that the decision was against Nurhachi's wishes and could cause discontent among the military and civilians.
In this game, Abahai showed extraordinary political wisdom. She did not directly confront Huang Taiji, but expressed her position through various indirect means. She began to appear frequently in public and participate in various rituals, showing her loyalty to the Khan and her contribution to the Khan. These actions not only won the hearts and minds of the people, but also caused great pressure on Huang Taiji.
At the same time, the sons of Abahai were not idle. Dolgon used his influence in the army to secretly contact some generals in an attempt to create public opinion in the army. Azig used his diplomatic skills to relay messages to the leaders of some neighboring tribes, suggesting that the decision might affect Houjin's relations with neighboring tribes. Although he was the youngest, he was also active in the court and won the support of more ministers.
The game dragged on for months, and the situation became very tense at one point. Although Huang Taiji remained tough on the surface, he actually felt a lot of pressure. He began to realize that if this decision was forced, it could cause even greater turmoil.
Just when the situation was about to spiral out of control, an unexpected event changed the situation. At the beginning of 1628, the Ming army suddenly launched a large-scale attack. This sudden battle put the entire Houjin in a tense state. In this critical moment, Abahai showed extraordinary courage and wisdom. She took the initiative to ask for help, asked to go to the front line to comfort the soldiers, and donated a large amount of gold and silver treasures to support military supplies.
Abahai's move not only won the praise of the generals in the army, but also made Huang Taiji see her value. In this war, the Houjin achieved a major victory, and Abahai's contribution was indispensable. After the war, Huang Taiji finally changed his mind and canceled the order to bury Abahai with him.
The resolution of this crisis marked another peak in Alahai's political career. Not only did she succeed in saving her life, but she also strengthened her position in the post-Kim political arena. However, the fight also took a lot of Abahai's energy, and her health began to deteriorate dramatically.
In 1633, Abahai, who was already in his sixties, fell ill. Her three sons take turns caring for her, but their condition continues to deteriorate. In the last moments of her life, Abahai gathered her three sons and imparted to them the political wisdom she had accumulated over the years, telling them to unite and defend Houjin's interests.
In the spring of 1634, Abahai died peacefully in the Shenyang dormitory. Huang Taiji ordered a grand funeral for her and posthumously named her Empress Xiaolie. Abahai's life has gone through a legendary journey from an ordinary woman to a concubine of the Great Khan, and then to the pinnacle of power. Her death not only marks the end of an era, but also lays new variables for the future of Houjin.
Abahai's death caused a ripple in the post-Jin political arena. Her influence did not dissipate with her passing, but continued to influence the political situation and future direction of Houjin in a new form.
First of all, Abahai's three sons, Azig, Dolgon, and Dordor, have grown up to be important forces in post-Jin politics under their mother's tutelage. They inherited their mother's political wisdom and courage, and gradually occupied important positions in the court. Known for his diplomatic skills, Azig represented the Later Jin in negotiations with the Ming Dynasty and surrounding tribes on many occasions, making important contributions to the Later Jin's foreign relations. Dolgon, on the other hand, showed extraordinary talent in military affairs, leading his army to major victories on several occasions and becoming a rising star in the Later Jin army. Although the youngest Duoduo was young, he excelled in domestic affairs and gradually became an important assistant to the emperor.
The rise of these three brothers has to some extent perpetuated Abahai's political influence. Although they are not the biological children of Huang Taiji, with their own talents and the political resources left by their mothers, they have formed a force to be reckoned with in the court. This power is both an enabler for Huang Taiji's rule and a potential threat that he needs to balance carefully.
Second, the political alliance established during Abahai's lifetime did not completely collapse. The ministers and harem concubines who once supported her, although they have lost their backbone, still maintain some degree of connection. This invisible political network has become an important part of the post-Kim political arena, influencing various policy decisions in the DPRK and China.
In 1635, Huang Taiji decided to change the name of the country to "Qing" and proclaimed himself emperor. Behind this major decision, there is the shadow of Abahai's political legacy. It is rumored that Abahai repeatedly suggested to Huang Taiji to change the name of the country during his lifetime, believing that it was necessary to enhance the country's status and fight against the Ming Dynasty. Huang Taiji's eventual adoption of this suggestion was, to some extent, an affirmation of Abahai's political wisdom.
Culturally, Abahai's influence was equally profound. During her lifetime, she was committed to the preservation and development of Manchu culture, especially in the field of women's education, and made important contributions. The women's school she founded, which continued to operate after her death, produced a group of talented Manchu women. These women later played an important role in the political and cultural life of the Qing Dynasty and became an important force in the inheritance of Manchu culture.
Abahai's death also had an impact on Houjin's religious policies. She had been a devout follower of Buddhism during her lifetime and vigorously promoted Buddhism in the palace. Under her influence, Huang Taiji adopted a more tolerant attitude towards Buddhism. This policy continued after her death, laying the foundation for the religious policies of the later Qing dynasty.
In terms of foreign relations, some of the diplomatic channels and alliances that Abahai established during her lifetime still play a role after her death. In particular, relations with Mongolia ministries were largely due to Abahai's efforts in those years. These relations provided important diplomatic support for the Later Jin's later conquest of Mongolia and the unification of the Central Plains.
In 1636, Huang Taiji decided to move the capital to Shenyang. Behind this decision, there is also the shadow of Abaya. It is said that this was something that Abahai had been advocating since her lifetime, and she believed that Shenyang was strategically located and more suitable as a base for the unification of the Central Plains. Huang Taiji's eventual adoption of this suggestion was, to some extent, a recognition of Abahai's foresight.
Over time, the image of Abahai was gradually deified among the Later Jin people. Many legends began to circulate that portrayed her as an idealized image of wisdom and benevolence. These legends not only enriched the folk literature of the Manchus, but also strengthened the legitimacy of the imperial power to a certain extent.
Until 1644, when the Qing army entered the Central Plains and established the Qing Dynasty, Abahai's influence was still visible. Her son, Dorgon, became regent and led the Qing army to unify China. Along the way, Dorgon said many times that his political prowess and strategic vision were largely due to his mother's teachings.
Overall, despite Abahai's death, her political legacy, cultural influence, and the offspring she nurtured continued to play an important role in the development of the Qing dynasty. Her life is not only a personal legend, but also a microcosm of the rise of the Manchus from a small border country to a large empire.