Shi Dakai marches back to the Heavenly Capital during the Taiping Rebellion (1856)

Shi Dakai, a prominent Taiping leader, managed military affairs in Anqing before the 1856 Tianjing Incident. Following the massacre of East King Yang Xiuqing, Shi initially fled but returned to Tianjing in November 1856. He took charge of the administration, restoring order and rebuilding morale, though his growing public support caused Hong Xiuquan to harbor deeper suspicion against him.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Shi Dakai, known as the Wing King, was a highly acclaimed leader in the Taiping Rebellion. He spearheaded battles that secured Nanjing for the Taiping, establishing it as the Heavenly Capital. In 1854, he arrived in Anqing to manage military and civil affairs, demonstrating his strategic importance within the rebel hierarchy.

Tianjing Incident and Return. In 1856, civil war broke out between East King Yang Xiuqing and North King Wei Changhui, known as the Tianjing Incident. Hearing of the massacre, Shi returned to Tianjing attempting to mediate but was forced to flee. His family was murdered by Wei Changhui. Shi escaped to Anqing, summoned forces, and later redeployed them to help the Kingdom's defense against Qing armies.

Administration and Suspicion. In November 1856, Hong Xiuquan ordered Wei Changhui's execution and requested Shi to return to Tianjing to take over administration. Shi obeyed, restoring order to the city and rebuilding Taiping's broken morale. However, the public support for Shi caused Hong Xiuquan to harbor deeper suspicion against him, leading to political tensions.

People involved

Sources

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