Evening bell, morning drum

Author: Ling Li
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: "The Bell of Dawn and the Drum of Dusk: Young Kangxi" is grand in scale, with a dramatic and vivid portrayal of the court life and social customs of Kangxi's early years.
"The Bell of Dawn and the Drum of Dusk: Young Kangxi" Summary: At the age of seven, Kangxi ascended the throne, and the Four Grand Ministers held political power. Under the guise of restoring ancestral traditions, they nearly overturned all of the reforms implemented by Emperor Shunzhi. Especially, the Grand Minister Ao Ba, who formed factions and acted arrogantly, killed his opponents, and coveted the throne, caused political chaos and widespread public discontent. Kangxi studied history diligently, worked hard to govern, and gradually grew dissatisfied with the Grand Ministers' retrogressive actions and his puppet status. Under the guidance and assistance of his grandmother, the Grand Empress Dowager, Kangxi adopted various methods to engage in a complex and sharp struggle with Ao Ba. In the third year of his personal rule, at the age of merely sixteen or seventeen, Ao Ba's plot to assassinate the emperor was exposed, and Kangxi captured him in one fell swoop, completely regaining imperial power.