Yongzheng Portrait

Author: Chen Jinxian
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-04-01
Features: The Yongzheng Emperor of the Qing Dynasty was a controversial ruler. Since his accession to the throne, unfavorable rumors about him have continued to circulate. Even today, many still view him as a cruel tyrant, an unpredictable dictator, and a cold-blooded killer. He was fond of auspicious signs, preferred immortals, and favored high-level memorials, while brutally eliminating political opponents—essentially, he had no redeeming qualities. However, recent scholars and experts who have studied the Yongzheng Emperor have found that reliable historical records prove he was not as bad as the legends claimed. On the contrary, he had many advantages over emperors of previous dynasties in China: his learning and talent were outstanding, and his beliefs and style were rare among rulers. His personality was distinct, and his achievements in political affairs were undeniable. In areas such as implementing the "costs returned to the people" policy, establishing the integrity system, promoting the "equal taxation per acre" policy, abolishing the tax burden on the people, strengthening centralization, reforming the Eight Banners system, and reinforcing the baojia system, he should be given positive evaluation.
The common perception of the Yongzheng Emperor in the past is largely related to his succession issue. This book analyzes his personality, character, and successes and failures in governance based on credible historical materials, allowing readers to understand the true nature of the Yongzheng Emperor and the Qing Dynasty during his reign.