Hooge, Prince Su

Hooge (, 和碩肅親王 heshou su qinwang; lit. strict prince).

He joined military campaigns against the Mongols, Korea and Ming. After Huang Taiji's death in 1643, Hooge and Dorgon fought over the ascension to the throne. The situation of the throne during the conflict was in favor of Hooge because the 3 Banners under Huang Taiji's control were passed on to Hooge. As a result, Hooge received the loyalty of 3 Banners. Dorgun had the support of his brothers and therefore had the 2 White banners supporting him. This meant the remaining 2 Red banners controlled by Daishan and his son and the remaining Striped Blue Banner controlled by Chiurhala were crucial. After much conflict, Daishan started to favor Hooge. Feeling that he has wrapped up the crown, Hooge purposely refused the crown so that the others will make him emperor. This way, Hooge could be pushed onto the throne rather than seem rude and hungry of power. Unfortuntely, this was a mistake as Dorgun and his brothers would give way and the conflict continued without a solution. Their power struggle ended with a compromise in order to avoid internal strife -- Dorgon nominated Fulin, Huang Taiji's ninth son born to Concubine Zhuang, who was later known as the Grand Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang.

After Fulin's succession, Hooge repeatedly came into collision with Dorgon. After campaigns on western China, Hooge was imprisoned and died there. He was posthumously rehabilitated in 1650.