Qin Hui vs Xu Jie

Qin Hui was appointed as chancellor of the Southern Song dynasty under Emperor Gaozong. He became the leading advocate for peace with the Jin dynasty, favoring diplomatic settlement over continued military campaigns to recover northern territories.

Qin Hui negotiated the Treaty of Shaoxing, which ended hostilities between the Southern Song and Jin dynasties. The treaty required the Song to pay annual tribute and cede northern territories, securing peace but at the cost of national pride and territorial loss.

Qin Hui, with Emperor Gaozong's approval, ordered the arrest and execution of General Yue Fei on false charges of treason. Yue Fei was a popular military hero who opposed the peace treaty. This act made Qin Hui infamous in Chinese history as a traitor.

Qin Hui died in office. In later centuries, his reputation was permanently tarnished as a traitor who betrayed Yue Fei. His kneeling iron statues were placed at Yue Fei's tomb in Hangzhou, where visitors curse and spit on them, symbolizing eternal disgrace.

Xu Jie was appointed to the Grand Secretariat. He initially maintained a low profile to survive the dominance of Yan Song, carefully building his own network of allies within the Ming court.

Xu Jie orchestrated the downfall of Grand Secretary Yan Song. He manipulated court politics to turn the Jiajing Emperor against Yan Song, leading to Yan's dismissal and the execution of his son. Xu Jie then became the leading Grand Secretary.

After the death of the Jiajing Emperor, Xu Jie used his influence to implement reforms. He reversed some of the previous regime's excesses, reduced government spending, and promoted capable officials, helping to stabilize the Ming state.

Xu Jie retired from his position as Grand Secretary. His retirement was prompted by conflicts with the new Longqing Emperor and rival officials. He returned to his hometown, where he lived until his death in 1583.