Emperor Huang Taiji had died.  At that time, decisions on succession were made by a deliberative council. One brother stood out, Dorgon. Two candidates were being considered.  One was Dorgon. The other was Haoge. He was one of Huang Taiji’s sons.  The council chose Dorgon.  Haoge, however, had the best qualification because he was Huang Taiji’s oldest male heir.  But there is one problem with Hoage. Dorgon did not like him.  

But Dorgon refused to become the Emperor out of respect for his father, and because he believed the Emperor designation should go to one of Huang Taiji’s son, as long as it was not Haoge. A compromise was reached.  Hoage's younger brother, Fulin, was chosen. Dorgon and a cousin were co-regents.  Dorgon was the defacto Emperor until Fulin was old enough to rule himself.

Dorgon’s reign is known for his masterful campaigns through Southern China in the late 1640s. He nearly conquered all of China.  Dorgon was an effective, competent, if not brutal military leader.  He was the chief engineer behind the Qing conquest.

Next episode I will talk about the new Emperor Fulin.