The Relation Between Su-Shun's Social Network and the Xinyou Coup d'etat

• Main Authors: Ching-Ting Tseng, 曾靖婷
• Other Authors: Mei-Fang Su
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2009
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/85625693708888836618

碩士 === 國立成功大學 === 歷史學系碩博士班 === 97 === summary As one of the major figures in the late Xianfeng reign and the Xinyou Coup d'etat, Su-Shun had been the focus of a series of historical studies. However, historians have not yet noticed the relation between the social network of Su-Shun and the Xinyou Coup d’etat. It thus becomes the focus of this thesis. It was the vivid experience of a chaotic world that created the iron character of Su-Shun. The contacts with the lower society ever since his young; his long career in the inner palace; these experiences not only equipped him with the knowledge to run the empire, but gave him chances to observe serious corruptions in the bureaucratic structure, both in central and local level. He became a man who insisted on harsh penalty as the only means to cure a chaotic world. Therefore, supported by the Xianfeng Emperor, Su-Shun investigated scandals in the civil examine system and the financial sections of government, and put the officials concerned on trial. He also promoted competent Han officials such as Zeng Guo Fan and Zuo Zong Tang, in defiance of the ethnic tradition ever since the Qing government took power of China in 17th century. In diplomatic affairs, Su-Shun was a hawk; he attempted to recover the land losses and reconstruct the image of the Qing Government in the international community. Centered around Su-Shun and his policy was a group of people who has intimate relationships with him and supported his line of politics. As for the ones who stand in the opposite line, they were treated repressively and harshly by Su-Shun and his party. As the central power was divided, peace was superficial and temporary, but conflicts were inevitable. Our narration of Su-Shun has revealed that the temporary success of his line rested in the ultimate support from Emperor Xianfeng. Therefore, as soon as Xianfeng died, potential contradictions deeply rooted in the Xianfeng reign finally materialized. Led by two Empress Dowager and Prince Kung Yixin, the Xinyou Coup d'etat was a successful strike against Su-Shun and his party. This marked the end of Su-Shun’s career and his life. He was executed soon; on the same time, Tz'u-His and Yixin came to power. Su-Shun had long been a person of debate. However, the purpose of this thesis was no to put a final version to the controversies. Instead, the scope of research was limited to the personal network of Su-Shun and his deeds, the role he played in the Xinyou Coup d'etat, and his influence to the late Qing China. While clarifying certain important facts about the life of this controversial politician, the author leave the evaluation of his historical status open to debate.