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Hello and welcome to the history of China.

Episode 305, Hushan must die.

The commanders in chief do not seem to be in the least anxious to put down the rebellion,

since they are able to enrich themselves and wax fat at the expense of the disturbed districts.

They report mythical victories and are lost to all sense of shame. Manchu bodyguardsmen

and secretaries are all only too glad to proceed to the seat of trouble, but their zeal is not due to

any patriotic motive. Peniless officials come back from service at the front with amply lined

pockets. On their return to Beijing, they apply at once for leave to

revisit their family tombs, not from a sense of filial respect, but in order to invest their

ill-gotten gains in the purchase of land. All this money comes ultimately from the unfortunate

people, plundered to satisfy their insatiable greed. No wonder, then, that more and more recruits join the rebels, and that none can force

an end to the troubles.

Not only are the rebels' numbers as great as ever, but their ranks are steadily increasing.

My late father lost both sleep and appetite because of his anxiety at the spread of the rebellion.

And with his last breath, he asked whether there was any news of a victory at the front.

In his valedictory mandate, he left behind no instructions concerning other matters, presumably

because he left me with full authority to deal with them in my discretion.

Until these lawless sex have been suppressed, I shall feel myself

unfilial towards my late father's memory. If my grand counselors and generals in the field are all

disloyal to the throne, how can I comfort the soul of my father in heaven? Is it the fact that

they are indifferent to the fate which is about to visit them, and are content to be disloyal

...