In 1840, Emperor Daoguang, with unprecedented determination, banned opium, which offended Britain and led to the Opium War. Due to the disparity in national power and military strength, and the influence of the court’s pro-relaxation faction, the ban failed, and the war ended in defeat. Nevertheless, Daoguang is remembered in history. Mao admired Emperor Daoguang and, in comparison, reflected on his own actions a century later—enforcing opium cultivation within his jurisdiction—and felt ashamed. He wished to reflect on his mistakes, but he had no clear idea how to do so. Therefore, he sought advice from Emperor Daoguang and submitted a request to the Jade Emperor.

The two met as arranged. Mao began straightforwardly: “I admire Your Majesty’s resolute decision to ban opium, even at the risk of offending the British Empire and triggering war. A hundred years later, I enforced opium cultivation in my territory. My suffering in the Eighteen Levels of Hell has been unbearable, and I wish for a change of environment. I am prepared to examine my errors before the people, to seek the Jade Emperor’s mercy—even if it means being reborn as a pig, it would be better than remaining in hell. But I do not yet know how to conduct this self-examination, so I have come to Your Majesty for guidance.”

Daoguang replied: “I resolutely ignored the opposition of the pro-relaxation faction and decisively banned opium because its harm to the people and the nation was obvious. If left unchecked, it would weaken the people and impoverish the state. To reverse the decline, I dared to confront Britain in war. Unfortunately, our military strength was insufficient, and we ultimately failed—but though defeated, my resolve remains honorable. You, however, acted contrary to the Way, pursuing personal and party interests at the expense of the people and the nation. You not only failed to ban opium, you cultivated it, trafficked drugs, and concealed your crimes. Now they are exposed, and the people are outraged. You must reflect from the root cause to earn the Jade Emperor’s forgiveness.”

Mao asked: “Your Majesty, how should I reflect from the root cause?”

Daoguang said: “The root lies in satisfying selfish desires, ambitious power grabs, inciting rebellion, cultivating opium for quick profit, and building military and political influence.”

Mao responded: “I expanded my influence to build the New China!”

Daoguang said: “If your rebellion had been aimed at overthrowing a corrupt dynasty, it might have been understandable. But you were more corrupt than those you opposed. You denied freedom and democracy, and the ‘New China’ you established is worse than the old. You imitated Stalin’s brutality, followed the Russian path, completely mistaken. Russia was newly civilized, had a mere thousand-year history, and had suffered nearly a century under Mongol rule. How could it compare to my five-thousand-year civilization? Even the Russian emperor sought guidance from France. You overthrew your ancestors, bowed to the Soviets, called Stalin your boss, promoted communist revolution, destroyed ancestral civilization, and caused Chinese civilization to regress. Truly, you are a traitor to the nation.”

Mao admitted: “Your Majesty’s analysis enlightens me. I understand seventy percent. My violent rebellion from the root was wrong, which led to the cultivation and trafficking of opium.”

Daoguang said: “If your intentions were truly for the people and the nation, you would not have cultivated or trafficked opium. Ask the common people—where was their benefit? To seek the Jade Emperor’s forgiveness, you must reflect and repent from the root.”

Mao replied: “I understand. Your Majesty wants me to reflect from the root. I should not have incited violent rebellion, nor followed the newly civilized Stalin, nor destroyed my nation’s civilization.”

Daoguang continued: “After me, the Qing Empire saw Empress Dowager Cixi promote reforms and Westernization, implementing decades of improvement with significant achievements. Plans for constitutional governance were drafted. Yet revolutionary forces like Sun Yat-sen overthrew the dynasty, and Yuan Shikai failed to consolidate power. The Republic fell into chaos, with constant internal strife and suffering among the people. Your revolutionary party compounded this error, forgetting your ancestors, following the most brutal foreign elements, plunging the country into chaos and causing untold suffering. Your crimes are immense.”

Mao said: “I understand. I must not only reflect on the opium cultivation but also on the entirety of my rebellion and seizure of power.”

Receiving Emperor Daoguang’s honest counsel, Mao felt enlightened and resolved to repent from the root. He stood, bowed to the emperor, expressed his gratitude, and quietly departed.

NEXT: 6. Empress Dowager Cixi (1835–1908)