He Shen, a famous powerful minister during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, had a legendary life. However, who was his real opponent during the peak of his power? This article will take you to understand He Shen's life story and reveal the mystery of his opponent behind him.

I. The Rise of He Shen

He Shen (1750-1799), originally named Nalan Xingde and styled Rongruo, was a member of the Manchu Zhenghuang Banner. He came from an ordinary official family and gradually emerged in the officialdom with his outstanding intelligence and agility. Emperor Qianlong highly appreciated him and appointed him as the Minister of the Imperial Household, responsible for managing affairs in the imperial palace. With the support of Emperor Qianlong, He Shen rose rapidly and became a pivotal figure in the political arena of the Qing Dynasty.

II. The Peak of He Shen's Power

During his tenure, He Shen held great power over the finance, military, and foreign affairs of the Qing Dynasty. He abused his power to accumulate astonishing wealth. However, at the peak of his power, there was always someone who stood against him, becoming his real opponent.

III. He Shen's Real Opponent: Liu Yong

Liu Yong (1720-1804), styled Shihan and named Hanxu, was a famous official of the Qing Dynasty during the Qianlong period. He held various positions such as the Minister of War and the Minister of Personnel. Liu Yong was upright, honest, and deeply trusted by Emperor Qianlong. He and He Shen were like water and fire in the officialdom, and they had numerous disputes over national affairs.

IV. The Struggle between Liu Yong and He Shen

The struggle between Liu Yong and He Shen was mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Fiscal Reform: Liu Yong advocated fiscal reform, proposing to reduce the salaries of officials to lighten the financial burden of the country. However, He Shen vehemently opposed this reform plan, believing that it would affect his own interests. The two therefore launched a fierce debate.

2. Military Reform: Liu Yong advocated strengthening military training and management to improve the combat effectiveness of the army. He Shen, however, believed that this would weaken his own influence and therefore strongly opposed Liu Yong's military reform plan.

3. Foreign Policy: Liu Yong advocated strengthening friendly exchanges with neighboring countries to maintain national peace and stability. He Shen, on the other hand, advocated a tough foreign policy to safeguard his own status. The two also had serious differences in foreign policy.

V. Liu Yong's Victory

Although the struggle between Liu Yong and He Shen lasted for a long time, Liu Yong ultimately emerged victorious. After listening to the opinions of both sides, Emperor Qianlong decided to support Liu Yong's reform plan. This greatly affected He Shen's status and ultimately led to his downfall.

Conclusion: He Shen was a famous powerful minister during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, and his life was full of legends. However, during the peak of his power, his real opponent was Liu Yong, an upright official. The struggle between them in finance, military, foreign affairs, and other areas ended with Liu Yong's victory. This once again proves that justice will ultimately triumph over evil.

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