Study Of Manchu And Mongolian Grand Secretary Group During The Reign Of Jiaqing And Daoguang

During the reign of the Jiaqing and Daoguang Emperors,Qing Empire began its decline in prosperity and imperial control.Governing policies of Jaiqing and Daoguang Emperor is the main reason for the decline,however,the qualifications,qualities and politics of bureaucratic group,especially Manchu and Mongolian Grand Secretaries who were not ignoring as well.During Jiaqing and Daoguang reign,the Manchu nobility still dominated the central government agencies.Mongolian secretaries played a more important role than ever before.Most Grand Secretaries took the positions with particular duties,like Bithesi,Imperial Bodyguard,Minister of Inner Court or Minister of Grand Council at the beginning of their political career,which conduced to their future ascent.Manchu and Mongolian ministers that occupied the position of Grand Secretaries during this period were older and served longer than average.Most of them retired from the government because of old age and sickness.On one hand,it helped stabilize Jiaqing and Daoguang’s reigning.On the other hand,it reduced the efficiency of government and increased the ministers’ misconduct and corruption,fueling the downfall of Qing Dynasty.Another,there were three main ways that Manchu and Mongolian Grand Secretaries participated in governance during this period:At first,Taking the position of Secretary of Grand Council.Emperor always placed his close aides in this position and valued their advice.That,combined with their high social status,leaded to Grand Secretaries’ great power,such as Mu Zhange who worked for Dao guang.Secondly,heading central government agencies under imperial orders,it reflected that Emperor attached importance to the territorial affairs.For instance,Chang Ling who succeeded in crushing Jahangir’s revolt was appointed to supervise the Lifan Ministry and assist the Emperor with the aftermath when he was back in Beijing.Thirdly,Being honored with the position of Governor-General and vice versa.For one thing,it indicated that Emperor paid attention to local affairs.For another,it was a reward offered to Governor-Generals who worked outside for a long time.The nomination of Bao Ning was a good example.Nevertheless,these ministers only had power in the region they supervised,almost no impact on central government,not to mention doing the same work as senior cabinet minister.