Sun Zhixie and the Haircutting Order: The Fate of the Promoter

During the early Qing Dynasty, the Hair-cutting Decree was a controversial policy that required all Han Chinese men to shave their front hair and wear a queue, symbolizing obedience to the new regime. Sun Zhixie, an official who surrendered to the Qing Dynasty during the late Ming Dynasty, played an active role in promoting the Hair-cutting Decree. This article will explore why Sun Zhixie strongly advocated for the Hair-cutting Decree and what his ultimate fate was.

Sun Zhixie's strong advocacy for the Hair-cutting Decree may be related to his personal experiences and political stance. As an official who had lost his original country's foundation, Sun Zhixie may have believed that by actively promoting the Hair-cutting Decree, he could gain the trust and reuse of the new regime. At the same time, he may have also seen the role of the Hair-cutting Decree in consolidating the Qing Dynasty's rule and hoped to demonstrate his loyalty through this means.

However, Sun Zhixie's actions aroused widespread resentment and resistance in the Han society at that time. Many Han Chinese people viewed shaving their hair as an insult to traditional culture and a deprivation of personal identity, so they harbored enmity towards officials like Sun Zhixie who promoted the Hair-cutting Decree. Sun Zhixie's image among the people was severely damaged.

Regarding Sun Zhixie's ultimate fate, historical records indicate that he died during the Shunzhi reign. Although he had strived to serve the Qing Dynasty during his lifetime, his name is often associated with the controversial Hair-cutting Decree in history. In folk legends, Sun Zhixie's image is not glorious and is seen as a symbol of betrayal of national interests.

In summary, Sun Zhixie, as a historical figure, reflects the complex political and social background of that era through his life and actions. His decision to strongly advocate for the Hair-cutting Decree may have been based on personal political considerations, but this decision has negatively impacted his historical evaluation. Sun Zhixie's story reminds us that in the long history of mankind, individuals' choices and actions are often subject to rigorous judgment by later generations.

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