HO-SHEN

born 1750, China died Feb. 22, 1799, Peking Pinyin Heshen infamous Chinese courtier whose influence with the aged Ch'ien-lung emperor (reigned 173596) allowed him to monopolize major governmental posts and oppress the people. At the age of 25, Ho-shen was an Imperial bodyguard. His handsome features, affable manner, and clever wit made a great impression on the 65-year-old emperor; within a year Ho-shen had assumed the highest ministerial positions in the empire and had gained control of the disbursement of revenue and the recruitment of personnel. His son was married to the Emperor's youngest and favourite daughter. When the Pai-lien chiao (White Lotus Society) revolted in central and western China in 1796, Ho-shen was put in charge of suppressing the rebels. Together with several of his friends, he prolonged the campaign and channelled much of the money for the war effort into their own pockets. As a result, the troops took to looting the populace, and the authority of the dynasty was severely undermined. With the death of the Ch'ien-lung emperor in 1799, Ho-shen was removed from power, capable generals were appointed, and, in 1804, after five more years of fighting, the rebellion was brought to an end. Ch'ien-lung's successor, the Chia-ch'ing emperor (reigned 17961820), had Ho-shen arrested and forced him to commit suicide. The official records, which may have been somewhat exaggerated by Ho-shen's enemies, claimed that the wealth confiscated from his estate included 60,000,000 ounces of silver, 75 pawnshops, 70,000 furs, and a gold service of 4,288 pieces.