# Translation

During the middle and later periods of the Qianlong reign in the Qing Dynasty, severe land consolidation, heavy taxation, corrupt governance, and frequent disasters had accumulated widespread discontent among the people. Qianlong needed to divert attention and intimidate potential rebels. The court fabricated rumors of "soul-stealing sorcery" and launched massive arrests, creating an atmosphere of "universal fear." The common people's discontent with the court's economic oppression was redirected toward fear of "sorcerers cutting off queues," leading to mutual surveillance and denunciation (similar to an informant-encouragement system). This was more insidious than direct suppression—the populace directed their fear toward "external demons" rather than the court itself. During this period, Qianlong's literary inquisition peaked (over 130 cases), and the soul-stealing cases coincided precisely with book bans. Many local officials were doubly prosecuted for "harboring seditious books" or mishandling soul-stealing cases, and the bureaucratic system itself was engulfed in terror. Qianlong used this case to reinforce imperial authority, reorganize the bureaucracy, and manufacture fear to maintain stability. While this effectively suppressed popular discontent in the short term, it exposed the absurdity and cruelty of authoritarian rule. History often repeats itself—manufacturing fear and redirecting conflict are extremely effective tactics. If you daily encounter reports of many dangerous incidents around you, all seemingly caused by "outsiders" entering, or if you're encouraged to report bad people nearby, then you've fallen into the trap.