Kangxi Emperor - Biographies of World Great Figures

Author: Dan Feng
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: He was a young emperor who took power early and achieved significant accomplishments, and also the longest-reigning emperor in Chinese history. He outsmarted Zhixin Aboqai, suppressed the "Three Feudatories," and resolved one conflict after another. He governed the Yellow River to prevent floods, reduced taxes to boost production, and created the Kangxi (Kangxi Era of Prosperity).
Emperor Kangxi, named Aisin Gioro Xuanye (1654-1722), "Kangxi" was his reign name. He was the second emperor of the Qing Dynasty after it moved its capital to Beijing. He ascended to the throne at the age of 8 and began personally governing the state at 14, ruling for 64 years. Xuanye's political talents were not innate but rather the result of his eagerness to learn and diligence in state affairs. At the age of 5, he began studying under the guidance of his grandmother. After taking power, he would "spend his spare time reviewing classics in the palace, finding endless joy and satisfaction in it." He diligently studied astronomy, geography, mathematics, music, military strategy, horsemanship, law, medicine, agriculture, water conservancy, Mongolian, Latin, and English. His broad knowledge broadened his horizons and provided a solid basis for his decisions. He demonstrated extraordinary courage and demeanor.