Why Is Emperor Kangxi Considered One Of The Four Greatest Emperors Of China In Eternity?

Welcome to Bob the Cry's Chinese History. One of the four greatest emperors in Chinese history, he ruled the Qin Dynasty for 61 years, ushering in the Kangtian Golden Age. Emperor Kangxi implemented progressive policies that were deeply loved by the people. He is remembered as a brilliant, talented, and rare wise ruler in Chinese history. He is also known as the longest-reigning monarch in history. Over 61 years, Kangxi made immense contributions to the unification of China, while implementing policies that earned the people's support. The Downfall of Oboi When Kangxi ascended the throne, he was too young to handle state affairs alone, leaving major decisions in the hands of his regents. Among them was the powerful Regent Oboi, a founding official who wielded immense influence. Of the four regents, Oboi held the most merit. And fueled by his status, he grew arrogant, showing contempt for the young emperor. Sunni was elderly and sickly, often avoiding court conflicts. Ebelin was timid and sought to avoid confrontation. Only Suxaha dared to debate him. And he frequently opposed Oboi's decisions. Consequently, Suxaha became a thorn in Oboi's side. The tensions reached a boiling point when Oboi executed Zhu Chongzhu, the governor of Zhili, and governor Wang Dinglian in 1666. In reality, it was clear this was an uneven struggle. Suxaha stood alone, not only opposing Oboi, but also clashing with Sunni, leaving him isolated. Lacking political experience, he was framed by Oboi and forced the emperor to sign his death warrant. Soon, all three regents had passed away, leaving only Oboi in power. This emboldened his tyranny and disregard for the young monarch. He insisted on reserving high offices only for the Manchus. While marginalizing the Han, Emperor Kangxi was deeply displeased. Oboi's arrogance drove Emperor Kangxi to resolve to eliminate him. At 14 in 1667, Kangxi began plotting to overthrow the treacherous Oboi. He started taking personal control over court affairs. Realizing his own weakness against Oboi's influence, he acted submissive to avoid suspicion. Sliding the emperor, Oboi often feigned illness to skip court sessions. Emperor Kangxi visited his home multiple times to check on him. During one visit, he discovered that Oboi was not sick at all. His guard, Huatua, approached Oboi's quarters and discovered a hidden dagger. Yet, Emperor Kangxi kept his composure. This deception made Oboi feel completely at ease. By then, Emperor Kangxi began his move, devising a strategy to take Oboi down. Under the guise of playing chess, he summoned Song Gotu, Sony's son, to the palace. Outwardly, they were just playing. But they were secretly plotting Oboi's capture. Using martial arts practice as a pretext, he recruited loyal sons of officials to serve as his personal guards, while simultaneously sending Oboi's allies away from the capital. To avoid suspicion, Kangxi named Oboi a first-rank noble. This caused Oboi to lower his guard. In 1669, when Oboi entered the palace, Kangxi had guards seize him. He exposed Oboi's crimes and revealed his true colors. Kangxi promptly stripped Oboi of his title and rank. He spared Oboi's life, honoring his past service to Emperor Taiji. Instead, he imprisoned him and purged his entire faction. Shortly after, Oboi died in prison. Kangxi reclaimed power, taking direct control of state affairs. He was only 16 at the time. Unifying China and quelling the Three Feudatories were among his greatest achievements. Eliminating Oboi earned the young emperor the court's deep respect and trust. Internal peace was restored, but the realm remained divided by the Three Feudatories. They were Wu Sangui, Xiang Qishi, and Geng Jingzhong. Furthermore, border incursions by the Russian Tsardom escalated the instability. Kangxi set his own clear goals, quell the Feudatories and stabilize the borders. These were the primary concerns of the Qing court at the time. With his strategic brilliance, Kangxi defeated the Three Feudatories by 1681. He then took Taiwan, resettled the land, and made it a Qing province. He expanded the empire and bridged the divide between the Manchu and Han people. His reign marked China's peak, with vast territory and effective multi-ethnic governance. In 1720, for his 66th birthday, the court held a three-day feast to celebrate Manchu-Han unity. The Manchu-Han banquet became a significant historical event. It remains one of the most famous banquets in Chinese history. Developing the Nation Renowned as a wise ruler, he excelled at employing talent and loving his people as his own. During his reign, Emperor Kangxi consistently prioritized the people and valued gifted individuals. He believed that economic and agricultural development were vital for national progress. Policies promoting farming, population growth, and stable taxes were implemented, winning popular support. For 10 years, he personally oversaw Yellow River flood control to spare his people from suffering. He also reduced penal sentences, offering those who faltered a chance at redemption. Records show that in his 22nd year, fewer than 40 death sentences were issued nationwide, a historic low. Beyond his own benevolence, he demanded that all officials show equal care for the populace. In selecting officials, he adhered to his own strict standards. To him, a true talent must possess virtue, character was paramount, and skill secondary. He regarded those with talent but no virtue as mere petty men. His governance was considered both reasonable and firm, maintaining necessary authority. Yet, he was sufficiently flexible to earn the genuine respect of his subjects. He consistently honored and promoted honest, incorruptible officials. Simultaneously, he meted out severe punishments to the corrupt, from unifying the territory to maintaining peace throughout the realm. Emperor Kangxi is viewed as a shining example in imperial history, both in his policy implementation and his personal character. Once a son himself, he became a monarch and a father. Emperor Kangxi understood his dual responsibility to his children and the future of the nation. Thus, the education of his princes became a matter of immense importance. The Kangxi teachings serve as a prime testament to his approach to royal upbringing. He personally authored this work to help his sons grasp their roles and responsibilities, as well as the necessity of distinguishing right from wrong. Kangxi's teachings reflect the core wisdom he gained throughout his journey from ascension to his peak of success. Enthroned at 8, he ousted a regent at 14, and held full power by 16. Ruling China's vast territory for 61 years was a feat few emperors ever achieved. Thus, his guidance was intended not only for his princes, but for all officials in power. While these citizens make a strong state, heaven rewards the virtuous. These were the invaluable lessons Kangxi imparted to his court and heirs. The succession was complex, as he initially appointed Yingring as crown prince. However, due to the prince's incompetence and poor conduct, he was deposed. This vacancy ignited a fierce rivalry among the emperor's sons. This power struggle is known in Chinese history as the Nine Princes War. Among his many sons, the final contest came down to Yingjun and Yingjun XIV. Yet, the identity of the successor remained uncertain. On December 20, 1722, Emperor Kangxi passed away at Chongqing Garden, aged 69. His 61-year reign remains the longest in imperial Chinese history. Following his death, Yingjun ascended the throne per his final decree. His passing and the subsequent succession remain shrouded in mystery. Many claim Kangxi was poisoned and that Yingjun altered the imperial will. However, these accounts remain mere folk tales. Despite the controversies, Yingjun, later Emperor Yongzheng, proved to be an exceptionally capable and wise monarch, like his father. Beyond his brilliance, Kangxi was also known for his romantic life, with a number of concubines that defies exact calculation. The sheer number of his offspring highlights his vitality. Placing him among the most prolific rulers in Chinese history, records show Kangxi fathered 55 children, 35 princes, and 20 princesses. Regardless of infant mortality, this number confirms his massive harem. In his later years, he even summoned beauties from Jiangnan to serve him. Such actions reveal the amorous nature of this famous Qing monarch. Yet despite his reputation, Kangxi remained deeply devoted to his first wife, Empress Xia Kangren. She married him when he was merely 12 years old. The empress was graceful and talented, expertly managing his inner court. Naturally, the couple shared a profound and genuine bond. Tragically, she died at 21, shortly after giving birth to their second son. Her passing left him deeply heartbroken, and he refused to appoint another empress. He personally raised their second son, eventually naming him crown prince. Most amorous rulers fall into corruption, but Kangxi was a rare exception. He never let his personal desires interfere with his duties or state affairs. He punished those who used beauty to bribe him and suppressed corrupt court schemes. This discipline cemented his legacy as a wise ruler who balanced duty with his love for beauty.