“Utilizing China’s resources to win the nation’s favor”
Among the most infamous figures in Chinese history, Cixi is often regarded as second only to one rare individual who surpasses even her notoriety. Due to her reign, China was forced into signing numerous humiliating and sovereignty-sapping treaties, remaining subservient to foreign powers.
If one were to consider the era as a key reason for China’s decline, then Cixi stands out as the principal force that continuously hindered the country’s progress and revival of its civilization.
Today, it is worthwhile to review the ten greatest traitors in history who caused China to regress by centuries.
Cixi is one among them, and the other nine were equally culpable for the nation’s suffering.
Qianlong
Fragments upon fragments, layer upon layer—snowflakes that disappear even among the reeds.
Qianlong’s poem “Ode to Snow” demonstrates his literary talent, which was once highly praised. Yet, his legacy is more notable for quantity than substance, with his works piling up but lacking progressive vision.
His guilt can be summarized in eight words: lack of ambition and a policy of isolationism.
His successor, Jiaqing Emperor, often unfairly blamed, lacked the courage to overturn Qianlong’s rigid isolation policies, condemning China and the West to travel on diverging paths of development.
Wu Sangui and Qin Hui
Wu Sangui once wielded great power and commanded fear throughout the land. Ancient critics often exaggerated praise before harshly condemning individuals. As the man who opened the Shanhai Pass to the Qing forces, Wu Sangui’s betrayal is unforgivable.
At a time when internal strife plagued the Ming dynasty, Wu Sangui’s decision to invite foreign invaders was baffling. The resulting Qing invasion and massacre remain a dark and painful memory to this day.
Similarly, Qin Hui’s infamous act of trading national sovereignty for personal peace and wealth aligns closely with Wu Sangui’s treachery. Had they lived in the same era, they might have found a disturbing kinship.
“The loyal are honored by the mountains; the traitors are cast in iron.” Qin Hui’s enduring hatred among the people is well deserved.
Emperor Huizong of Song and Shi Jingtang
Compared to Qianlong, Emperor Huizong was even more lamentable. If Qianlong’s arrogance planted the seeds of future tragedy, Huizong’s failures were pure self-inflicted disasters.
Even after his capture and forced relocation to the north, Huizong’s poetic lament “Easily withers, more and more few, heartless wind and rain” reflects his decline.
Historians often argue that Huizong was more suited to be an artist than a ruler, and this is no mere insult.
Shi Jingtang, posthumously titled “Sacred, Literary, Martial, Wise, and Filial Emperor,” is a puzzling figure.
Though brave enough to rebel, Shi lacked the strength to maintain independence, relying on foreign powers and even assuming the title of “Son Emperor.” He stands as one of the most absurd monarchs in China’s 5,000-year history.
“Shi Jin refused to bow, but his father servilely submitted to the Khitan.”
Shi’s baseness exemplifies human weakness in the starkest way.
An Lushan
In his bid for the throne, An Lushan launched the An-Shi Rebellion, a conflict that transformed the Tang dynasty from a period of prosperity into decline. His rebellion not only weakened the dynasty but also affected the inclusive spirit of Chinese culture.
Subsequent emperors grew deeply distrustful of ethnic minorities, fearing the emergence of wolves like An Lushan disguised as allies.
When their power peaked, their treachery would emerge suddenly, catching people off guard.
Jia Nanfeng
The chaos following the “War of the Eight Princes” and the subsequent Five Barbarians’ invasions can be traced back to a few words: “The ugly cause trouble.” It sounds unbelievable, yet Jia Nanfeng’s actions vividly demonstrate how palace intrigue during feudal times could ruin a nation and even an entire ethnicity.
Her rise led to continuous civil war, the destruction of the Jin dynasty, and the people's suffering under dark skies.
Without her interference, even a weakened Jin might not have suffered such humiliation at the hands of northern invaders.
Dong Zhuo and Zhao Gao
Among history’s most infamous figures, Dong Zhuo was a warlord who seized power and intimidated the Han dynasty, while Zhao Gao, a eunuch, manipulated the Qin dynasty’s decline.
Dong Zhuo’s brutality extended beyond his political tyranny; his relocation of the capital from Luoyang to Chang’an displaced countless civilians. More tragically, he destroyed priceless ancient texts, erasing much pre-Han cultural heritage, leaving later generations heartbroken.
His cruelty to common people was so great that when he was executed, no intact body was found, reflecting the deep hatred people held for him.
Zhao Gao, rising from a eunuch to dominate Qin politics, showcased remarkable cunning. However, his reign accelerated Qin’s oppressive rule, hastening the empire’s collapse.
It is no exaggeration to say Zhao Gao bears significant responsibility for the brutal reputation of the Qin dynasty.
Many other traitors exist throughout Chinese history, but these ten stand apart in the magnitude of damage they caused. Their actions not only harmed their country but also stunted the progress of culture.
It is difficult to imagine how Chinese civilization might have flourished had they never existed. Despite being repeatedly obstructed by such figures, the course of history ultimately presses forward.
The likes of Cixi and other infamous characters have long since vanished into the river of time. Today’s Chinese civilization is no longer shadowed by the mistakes of their presence or past deeds.
