Kangxi Empire

Author: Zhu Sujin / Hu Jianxin
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2001-09-01
Features: In the 18th year of the reign of Emperor Shunzhi, the deadly smallpox struck the imperial palace, claiming the life of the emperor's favorite concubine. Overwhelmed with grief, Shunzhi resolved to renounce the world and enter monastic life. In a critical moment, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang saved the situation by ordering a switch from "vermilion seals to blue seals" and placing the eight-year-old Xuanye, newly recovered from illness, on the Dragon Throne, thus becoming Emperor Kangxi.
After Kangxi ascended the throne, powerful ministers like Ao Baai relentlessly pressured him. Even Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang had to compromise and execute loyal officials. Kangxi regained imperial power, but the towering minister plotted to ( means "abolish the emperor and usurp the throne"). Forced into a desperate struggle, Kangxi cunningly captured Ao Baai and purged his political rivals.
Wu Sangui and the "Three Feudatories" (the Manchu's "three rebellious generals") seized military power, dominating regions independently. Young and ambitious, Kangxi ordered the recall of the Three Feudatories, triggering the Rebellion of the Three Feudatories. The imperial army was repeatedly defeated by Wu Sangui, and the "descendant of Ming" Zhu San rose up with the banner of "reclaiming Ming and overthrowing Qing," while eunuchs rebelled, plunging the court into chaos. Despairing, Kangxi considered abdicating. Under Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang's scolding and encouragement, Kangxi regained his resolve, promoted the Han official Zhou Peigong, and fought to the death against Wu Sangui, ultimately securing a decisive victory.
By the mid-career of Kangxi, the nation was prosperous, and a golden age had dawned. Zheng Chenggong's descendant Zheng Jing refused to submit, establishing himself as ruler of Taiwan. Meanwhile, Galdan of the Mongols sharpened his blades, vowing to return and sack Beijing. Kangxi pacified Galdan by marrying his daughter to him, easing tensions in the northwest. He then promoted the Ming general Shi Lang to reclaim Taiwan and turned his army of 200,000 to confront Galdan on the vast grasslands in a brutal battle. Finally, he completely destroyed the remnants of Galdan's forces, completing the unification of the Chinese nation's territory.
After his triumphant return, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang passed away. The crown prince allied with powerful ministers, plotting to usurp the throne early. Kangxi abolished the crown prince, sparking the struggle for succession. At the "Gathering of a Thousand Elders," Kangxi was about to announce the heir, but suddenly died on the Dragon Throne. The edict drifted away with the wind, its secrets forever lost.