Qin Hui

Directed the Song–Jin Treaty of Shaoxing and had Yue Fei killed on the charge of "perhaps there was."

Life

Taken captive to the north

Qin Hui earned the jinshi degree. During the Jingkang Incident he opposed enthroning someone of another surname, and was carried north by the Jin together with Emperors Huizong and Qinzong. In 1130 he returned to the Southern Song with his family, claiming he had killed his guards and escaped, which many at the time doubted.

Chief minister for peace

He pressed for peace with the Jin, proposing that "southerners return to the south and northerners to the north," and won the deep trust of Emperor Gaozong of Song. In 1138 he became chancellor again and then monopolized the government for 17 years.

Treaty of Shaoxing

In 1141, to smooth the way to peace, he stripped Han Shizhong, Zhang Jun and Yue Fei of their commands, and had Yue Fei imprisoned and killed on the charge of "perhaps there was." That same year Song and Jin concluded the Treaty of Shaoxing, under which the Southern Song declared itself a vassal of the Jin, paid tribute and ceded territory. He died in 1155.

Legacy

For framing Yue Fei, Qin Hui became the most notorious traitorous minister in Chinese history, and iron statues of him still kneel before Yue Fei's tomb.

Major works & achievements

• Concluded the Treaty of Shaoxing

Did you know? The words "Perhaps there was" were his reply when Han Shizhong challenged him.

Key dates

• 1127Taken captive to the north with the two emperors
• 1130Returned south
• 1138Became chancellor again
• 1141Had Yue Fei killed; signed the Treaty of Shaoxing
• 1155Died