Veritable Records of Emperor Taizong of the Qing: Hong Taiji

The Veritable Records of Emperor Taizong Wen of the Qing: Hong Taiji consists of sixty-five volumes and systematically documents the history of Emperor Taizong Hong Taiji's reign from 1626 to 1643. These records detail how Hong Taiji carried on Nurhaci's legacy, deepened internal reforms, improved the Eight Banners system, established the Six Boards, changed the name of the people to "Manchu," and adopted "Great Qing" as the country's name, among other measures that laid the foundations of the state. They also focus on his foreign campaigns, including two invasions that brought Korea into submission, the ongoing war against the Ming, and the decisive victory at the Battle of Songjin, which cleared the way for Qing forces to conquer the Central Plains. As an officially compiled history, these records provide not only an authoritative chronological account of major military and political events during Taizong's reign, but also highlight Hong Taiji's pivotal role in bridging the past and future: he successfully transformed the regime from a tribal confederation into a feudal empire. Meticulously compiled and based chiefly on records from the time, this is a core source for research into early Qing institutions, military and diplomatic affairs, and the transformation of Manchu society.