Unyielding Loyalty: The Legacy of Shi Kefa
An academic exploration into the life, leadership, and enduring legacy of a pivotal Ming Dynasty official and general, whose unwavering commitment defined the tumultuous Ming-Qing transition.
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Introduction
A Figure of Integrity
Shi Kefa (1601–1645), also known by his courtesy names Xianzhi and Daolin, was a distinguished government official and calligrapher during the twilight years of the Ming dynasty. Born in Xiangfu (modern-day Kaifeng, Henan) with ancestral roots in Daxing County, Shuntian Prefecture (present-day Beijing), Shi Kefa rose through the ranks under the mentorship of Zuo Guangdou. His career culminated in his role as Minister of War in Nanjing, a position that placed him at the forefront of the Ming loyalist resistance against the encroaching Qing forces.
Posthumous Honors
Shi Kefa is primarily revered for his valiant defense of Yangzhou against the Qing dynasty. Following his death during the city's fall in April 1645, the Southern Ming regime bestowed upon him the posthumous name "Zhongjing" (忠靖), signifying "loyal and peaceful." Nearly a century later, even the Qing dynasty's Qianlong Emperor recognized his unwavering loyalty, granting him a second posthumous name, "Zhongzheng" (忠正), meaning "loyal and upright." His collected works, compiled by his descendants, are known as Lord Shi Zhongzheng's Collections.
Key Dates
Understanding Shi Kefa's life is crucial for grasping the broader historical context of the Ming-Qing transition. Here are some pivotal dates:
- February 4, 1601: Born in Xiangfu (Kaifeng, Henan).
- 1628: Obtained a jinshi degree in the imperial examination.
- 1643: Appointed Minister of War in Nanjing.
- April 1645: Yangzhou falls; Shi Kefa is killed.
- May 20, 1645: Date of death.
- 1646: His godson, Shi Dewei, buries his headdress and garments at Plum Blossom Ridge.
Early Career
Academic Foundations
Shi Kefa embarked on his official career after successfully passing the imperial examination in 1628, earning the prestigious jinshi degree. This academic achievement marked his entry into the Ming bureaucracy, where he would serve with distinction during a period of increasing internal strife and external threats. His early appointments laid the groundwork for his later, more prominent roles in the defense of the dynasty.
Administrative Ascendancy
His initial posting was as an official in Xi'an, a significant regional center. He subsequently held positions as a yuanwailang and langzhong within the Ministry of Revenue, indicating his early involvement in fiscal and administrative matters. In 1635, he joined General Lu Xiangsheng in efforts to suppress widespread peasant revolts, gaining valuable experience in military administration and crisis management. Two years later, through the recommendation of Minister Zhang Guowei, he was promoted to yushi (censor) and appointed as xunfu (regional governor) over a critical area encompassing Anqing, Luzhou (Hefei), Taiping (near Wuhu City), Chizhou, and various counties across Henan, Jiangxi, and Huguang provinces. This extensive portfolio underscored his growing importance and administrative capabilities.
Strategic Responsibilities
By 1641, Shi Kefa was entrusted with the crucial Caoyun system, responsible for the vital grain transport network that supplied the capital and other key regions. This role was paramount for the stability of the empire, especially amidst widespread unrest. In the seventh month of 1643, his career reached a significant milestone with his appointment as the Minister of War in Nanjing, positioning him at the heart of the Ming's southern defense efforts as the dynasty faced imminent collapse in the north.
Southern Ming
Fall of Beijing & Succession Crisis
The third lunar month of 1644 witnessed a catastrophic turning point for the Ming dynasty: rebel forces under Li Zicheng captured Beijing, leading to the suicide of the Chongzhen Emperor. The subsequent month saw Wu Sangui's defection to the Qing dynasty, opening Shanhai Pass and allowing Qing armies to seize Beijing from Li Zicheng, rapidly overrunning much of northern China. News of the emperor's death plunged Nanjing into a leadership vacuum, sparking intense debate over the imperial succession. Despite his de facto leadership among Ming loyalists in Nanjing, Shi Kefa found himself unable to decisively resolve the issue.
Political Factionalism
In the fifth lunar month, the Viceroy of Fengyang, Ma Shiying, along with other influential figures, successfully championed Prince Zhu Yousong for the throne. Zhu Yousong ascended as the Hongguang Emperor, establishing the Southern Ming dynasty. This political maneuver significantly elevated Ma Shiying, who effectively supplanted Shi Kefa as the head of government. Faced with the dual threats of Li Zicheng's rebels and the formidable Qing armies, Shi Kefa advocated a pragmatic strategy: ally with the Qing to first eliminate the rebels, then turn to repel the Qing forces northward. However, the Southern Ming imperial court was plagued by disunity, with officials prioritizing personal interests over collective defense. This internal political struggle, coupled with the resignation of several key officials, progressively weakened the Southern Ming's ability to mount an effective resistance.
Northern Defenses
Marginalized within the imperial court, Shi Kefa requested a posting to the northern border to oversee defenses. Yet, internal conflicts among the Ming generals stationed there severely hampered his efforts to establish a cohesive and robust defensive line. In the fourth lunar month of 1645, a new internal threat emerged as Zuo Liangyu led an army from Wuhan to attack Ma Shiying and Ruan Dacheng. Ma Shiying redirected Shi Kefa to defend the northern border against Zuo Liangyu from the east. Ultimately, Zuo Liangyu was defeated by Huang Degong, and his army surrendered. Simultaneously, the Qing forces advanced, capturing Xuyi and Sizhou (present-day Tianchang). With the northern defenses crumbling and internal strife rampant, Shi Kefa retreated to Yangzhou, resolute in his determination to resist the Qing invaders from that strategic city.
Defense of Yangzhou
The Siege Begins
In the fifth lunar month of 1645, the city of Yangzhou found itself under siege by Qing forces, led by the Manchu prince Dodo. Shi Kefa, facing overwhelming odds, desperately dispatched messengers to request reinforcements. Tragically, his subordinate Liu Zeqing fled north to Huai'an, leaving Yangzhou largely isolated. Only Liu Zhaoji arrived to aid Shi Kefa, a testament to the fragmented loyalty and dire circumstances of the Southern Ming.
A Refusal to Yield
The Qing regent Dorgon, recognizing Shi Kefa's strategic importance and moral authority, sent a letter demanding his surrender. Shi Kefa's response, titled Reply to Dorgon's letter, became a celebrated piece of literature, admired for its dignified and unyielding tone. It circulated widely among later generations as an exemplar of loyalty and defiance. Prior to the city's inevitable fall, Shi Kefa entrusted his adopted godson, Shi Dewei, with his final wishes, expressing his desire to be buried at Plum Blossom Ridge after his death, a poignant premonition of his fate.
The Fall and Sacrifice
On the 24th day of the siege, Qing armies unleashed a devastating cannon bombardment, and Yangzhou fell that very night. In a desperate act of defiance, Shi Kefa attempted suicide by slitting his throat, but failed. He then commanded Shi Dewei to kill him, but his godson, overcome with grief, tearfully refused. Shi Kefa, shouting, "I'm Military Inspector Shi. Quickly kill me!" was subsequently captured. Dodo, impressed by his resolve, attempted to persuade Shi Kefa to switch allegiance, stating, "Previously we sent you a letter politely asking for your surrender, but you refused. Now that you've fulfilled your loyalty and righteousness, you should take on a new important responsibility – help me conquer Jiangnan." Shi Kefa's unwavering reply echoed his earlier defiance: "I fall together with the city. My decision will not change. Even if I'm torn to pieces, my feelings will be as sweet as maltose. But do not harm the thousands of lives in Yangzhou!" He was then executed.
Aftermath and Memorial
Infuriated by the heavy casualties his forces sustained in taking Yangzhou, Dodo ordered a brutal massacre of the city's inhabitants, an event tragically known as the Yangzhou massacre. Twelve days after Shi Kefa's death, his remains could not be found amidst the devastation. A year later, in 1646, Shi Dewei, honoring his godfather's last wish, buried Shi Kefa's headdress and garments at Plum Blossom Ridge, just outside the Tianning Gate of Yangzhou. The Qing writer Quan Zuwang later immortalized these events in his work, Tale of Plum Blossom Ridge. Today, the Shi Kefa Memorial in Yangzhou stands as a solemn shrine, dedicated to the memory of this steadfast loyalist.
Calligraphy
Expressing Inner Qualities
Beyond his military and administrative prowess, Shi Kefa was also a noted calligrapher. His artistic expression was said to be a direct reflection of his personal character: an individual of immense energy and unwavering integrity. These profound qualities were visibly manifest in his calligraphy, which often showcased a dynamic and expressive style.
Style and Preference
Shi Kefa's calligraphy frequently employed both cursive and semi-cursive scripts, styles that allowed for fluidity and a personal touch, contrasting with the more rigid formal scripts. His work is characteristic of the late Ming period literati, who often favored long compositions executed in a flourishing manner. This preference for extended pieces allowed him to convey complex emotions and narratives, making his calligraphy not just an aesthetic pursuit but also a powerful medium for personal and political expression.
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References
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