I. Background Introduction

The Gengxu Rebellion was a political coup that occurred at the end of the Ming Dynasty, leading to the downfall of the dynasty. Emperor Jiajing played a significant role in this rebellion. Let's explore Emperor Jiajing's thoughts during the Gengxu Rebellion.

II. Emperor Jiajing's Attitude

Initially, Emperor Jiajing opposed the Gengxu Rebellion. He believed that the Eight Banner Armies were an important force for defending the country, and abolishing them would pose a significant security threat to the nation. Therefore, he repeatedly vetoed proposals to abolish the Eight Banner Armies.

However, as the situation developed, Emperor Jiajing gradually changed his attitude. He believed that the Eight Banner Armies had lost their original purpose and had become a burden on the country. At the same time, he also realized the strength of the Qing Dynasty and his own helplessness, so he began to consider the possibility of peaceful coexistence with the Qing Dynasty.

Finally, after the outbreak of the Gengxu Rebellion, Emperor Jiajing decided to adopt a compromising attitude. He agreed to sign the "Treaty of Xinchou," ceding Taiwan and the Penghu Islands to Japan and paying an indemnity of four hundred million taels of silver. Although these measures were disadvantageous for the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Jiajing believed that it was necessary to safeguard the country's interests and avoid greater losses.

III. Conclusion

Emperor Jiajing's attitude underwent a transformation during the Gengxu Rebellion. Initially opposed, he gradually shifted to a compromising stance. In the end, he agreed to sign the "Treaty of Xinchou," which was disadvantageous for the Ming Dynasty but in his view, necessary to preserve the country's interests. Emperor Jiajing's thoughts reflect the changing political situation and his balancing of national interests.

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