Product Code Database
Geng Zhongming (; 1604–1649) was a Chinese military general who lived through the transition from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644) to the Qing dynasty (1644–1912) dynasty, during which he served both sides. His grandson Geng Jingzhong was one of the Three Feudatories who rebelled against Qing rule in the 1670s.
In April 1644, bandit leader Li Zicheng captured the Ming imperial capital of Beijing and forced the Chongzhen Emperor (r. 1627–1644) to commit suicide. Under the leadership of Prince Regent Dorgon, the Qing pretended to take revenge on Li and attacked China. In late May 1644, Dorgon and his new ally, Ming general Wu Sangui, defeated Li at the Battle of Shanhai Pass and soon took Beijing from rebels. Geng Zhongming was sent to accompany Prince Dodo in pursuit of Li, who had retreated to his former headquarters in Xi'an (Shanxi).. After Li's defeat, Geng participated in the Qing conquest of Jiangnan, then fought against the forces of the Southern Ming Prince of Gui (1644–1662), a loyalist movement attempting to restore the fallen Ming dynasty. When he returned to the capital in 1648, his title was changed to "Prince Who Pacifies the South" (靖南王 Jingnan wang).
Given sole command of a campaign to attack Guangdong, Geng had reached Jiangxi when he heard that he was being accused of protecting a subordinate who had harbored runaway slaves. He found three hundred slaves in his camp, sent them back to the capital in chains, and, without waiting for a verdict, committed suicide in Ji'an, Jiangxi, on December 30, 1649. His troops, now led by his son Geng Jimao (d. 1671), continued to fight the Southern Ming..
The "Dolo efu" 和碩額駙 rank was given to husbands of Qing princesses. Geng Zhongming, a Han bannerman, was awarded the title of Prince Jingnan, and his son Geng Jingmao managed to have both his sons Geng Jingzhong and Geng Zhaozhong 耿昭忠 become court attendants under the Shunzhi Emperor and marry Aisin Gioro women, with Prince Abatai's granddaughter marrying Geng Zhaozhong 耿昭忠 and Haoge's (a son of Hong Taiji) daughter marrying Geng Jingzhong. A daughter of the Manchu Aisin Gioro Prince Yolo (Prince An) was wedded to Geng Juzhong who was another son of Geng Jingmao.
|
|
