For nearly a quarter century, Heshen served the Qing Empire - and in the process managed to amass a fortune that nearly rivaled the throne itself. Yet with the death of his patron Qianlong, the one-favored Grand Councilor would find his remaining state tenure as short as the length of silk ultimately left in his cell.
Time Period Covered:
1799-1800 CE
Major Historical Figures:
The Qianlong Emperor (Aisin-Gioro Hongli) [r. 1735–1796, d. 1799]
The Jiaqing Emperor (Aisin-Gioro Yongyan) [r. 1796-1820]
Heshen, Grand Councilor, Chief Grand Secretary, Minister of the Imperial Household, etc., etc. [1750-1799]
