leading Ming dynasty (1368–1644) official who became an important minister of the Qing (Manchu) dynasty (Qing dynasty) (1644–1911/12) after he was captured by Manchu troops in 1642. Hong served the new government as grand secretary, the top ministerial position. He was responsible for influencing many of the Chinese gentry to accept the new dynasty, and he played a leading role in raising funds and providing food for the Qing armies in their campaigns to crush the continued resistance of Ming forces in South China. Although the Manchu were continually suspicious that he had secret relations with the Ming forces, Hong held his post for almost 15 years.

In 1659 troops under Hong's command crushed major Ming resistance in the South and drove the Ming prince and claimant to the throne, Zhu Youlang, out of South China into Myanmar (Burma). Hong refused to pursue the prince further and was granted permission to retire from the campaign. He continued to serve as grand secretary for one more year before being allowed to withdraw from public life.