Emperor Kangxi, born Aisin Gioro Xuan Ye, ascended the throne at the age of eight and reigned for 61 years, from 1661 to 1722. His chosen reign name, “Kangxi,” which means “peaceful harmony,” represented his desire for the well-being and benevolence of his people.
Under his rule, China became the largest country in terms of territory, the most populous, the wealthiest in terms of economy, the most culturally prosperous, and the most powerful nation in the world at that time. He ushered in a period known as the “Kang-Qian Golden Age” and was regarded as an exemplary ruler rarely seen throughout history.
Uniting the country with benevolence and tolerance
When Kangxi ascended to the throne, there were internal and external troubles. The unification of the country was still incomplete at that time, and the people suffered. Kangxi embraced a broad mind and believed that “only the benevolent are invincible.”
At 16, he used extraordinary wisdom and courage to eliminate the oppressive regent named Oboi. He subsequently suppressed the Three Feudatories Rebellion, pacified Taiwan, launched two expeditions against the Dzungar Khanate, repelled Russia from the north, and established firm control over the entire nation, achieving the grand unification of the Chinese country.
With regard to the Three Feudatories Rebellion, Kangxi repeatedly expressed his determination to defend the country’s territory. He hoped the rebels would prioritize national interest by ceasing their rebellion, promising not to hold them accountable for their past actions. After achieving victory over the revolution, he requested that the matter be handled with leniency, avoiding implicating more people.
In governing Mongolia, Kangxi adopted a policy of appeasement. Tuxietu Khan, one of the tribal leaders of Outer Mongolia, instigated internal disputes, allowing Galdan to take advantage and invade. Kangxi personally traveled to the frontier and presided over a grand alliance assembly. During the meeting, Kangxi rebuked leader Tsewang Rabtan for his faults, but expressed reluctance to impose severe punishment on him, given the significance of the alliance. Given the situation, Kangxi decided to publicly pardon him.
Kangxi resolved tribal disputes through instruction and education, strengthening Mongolia’s unity. The Mongolian tribes willingly submitted to Kangxi, offering the Three Kowtows and Nine Prostrations in reverence to him, and Kangxi officially accepted the submission of all the Mongolian tribes.
When conquering Galdan, Kangxi told his ministers: “The world should be influenced by benevolence, and it should not rely solely on force to compel obedience. Although Galdan is brutal, I will treat him with benevolence. Although Galdan is cunning, I will show him sincerity.”
The people are the foundation of the nation
Kangxi prioritized the well-being of the people, and throughout his political career, his thoughts and policies were filled with love, care, and consideration for the people. He focused on restoring and developing productivity, allowing people to rest and recuperate.
He issued orders to stop land enclosures, declaring that “population growth will never be heavily taxed,” thus stabilizing the population tax burden across the nation, and relieving the burden on farmers. He placed great importance on managing the Yellow River and personally dedicated decades to river management, alleviating the people’s suffering from flooding.
During one of his inspections in the frontier region, Kangxi discovered a man lying motionless by the roadside. He inquired and learned that the man’s name was Wang Sihai, a laborer who had fallen on his way home due to hunger. Kangxi immediately ordered him to be fed with hot porridge. Once Wang regained consciousness, Kangxi brought him to the palace and provided him with money before sending him home with an escort.
Kangxi implemented a policy of lenient punishment during his time on the throne. In the 22nd year of his reign, the number of people sentenced to death during the autumn trials nationwide totaled less than 40.
Not only did Kangxi show compassion for the people, but he also demanded that officials love the people as if they were their children. While he was open to unconventional talent selection, his standards for talent were stringent.
His consistent criterion for employing individuals was based on “virtue and ability as the foundation, and talent and skill as secondary,” stating that “excellence in both virtue and talent is desirable, but if one has talent without virtue, it is better to have virtue without talent.” He also said: “When considering talent, virtue must be the foundation. Thus, a person with virtue surpassing talent is called a noble person, while a person with talent surpassing virtue is called a petty person.”
To appease Han Chinese officials, Kangxi reiterated that “both Manchus and Hans are my subjects,” emphasizing “unity between Manchus and Hans.” He regarded all officials in his court, regardless of rank, as trusted individuals close to his heart. As a result, many scholars who had secluded themselves in the mountains and forests returned to serve, and the barriers between the Manchu, Han, and other ethnic groups gradually dissolved, until they finally merged.
To cultivate a culture of integrity among officials, Kangxi repeatedly issued edicts that allowed officials to recommend honest officials, and he praised a group of upright officials. The Kangxi era became renowned for producing a steady stream of virtuous officials.
Kangxi paid great attention to punishing corrupt officials and believed that severe punishment must be given to them. He stated that their crimes should not be treated lightly compared to others; otherwise, it would fail to serve as a deterrent. He held higher standards for officials in the border regions, and during one autumn trial, he executed a group of corrupt offenders as a warning to others. Over a 25-year period, beginning in 1681, his efforts effectively curbed immoral behavior.
Morality is paramount and self-discipline is essential
Kangxi held himself to strict standards. From the tender age of five, he devoted himself to rigorous study, often neglecting sleep and meals in favor of learning. His love for calligraphy led him to write over a thousand words daily without interruption. He engaged deeply with the “Four Books” – Da Xue, Zhong Yong, Lun Yu, and Meng Zi.
Throughout his travels, he maintained his scholarly habits, regularly reading books, composing poetry, and writing essays, whether late at night on a boat or while residing in a palace. Even in his old age, Kangxi remained an ardent learner, never straying far from his books. His expansive knowledge, spanning disciplines such as literature, history, geography, mathematics, and medicine, was said to surpass that of many scholars.
He organized people to compile works such as the History of Ming, Complete Tang Poems, and the Kangxi Dictionary, leaving behind valuable cultural treasures for future generations. From the day he took complete control of the government until his passing, Kangxi insisted on presiding over court affairs in the imperial hall every day throughout the year, without interruption, regardless of extreme weather conditions. Apart from illness, major festivals, and significant emergencies, there were hardly any days when he didn’t attend to state affairs.
Kangxi upheld frugality. He said of his attire: “Since ascending the throne, I have advocated frugality in all matters. My clothes are ordinary, and the socks on my feet are common.”
Joachim Bouvet, a Frenchman in China, wrote in a letter to the King of France: “His simplicity and plainness are truly unparalleled. He has the most ordinary meals, two meals a day. His attire, by Chinese standards, is the most common clothing. On rainy days, people sometimes see him wearing a felt overcoat, considered coarse attire in China. In the summer, we see him wearing an ordinary linen short jacket, which ordinary people often wear. Except for the days of festive ceremonies, the only luxurious item we found on him is a large pearl. He has no desires or demands. His detachment surpasses people’s imagination, seen in his clothing and daily necessities.”
Kangxi faithfully observed filial piety throughout his life, showing great respect to his grandmother and mother. He visited the Cining Palace daily to inquire about their well-being. He walked to the Temple of Heaven several times when Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang fell ill so that he could pray for her.
Kangxi dedicated himself to the welfare of the people, and we can see the prominent virtue of “de” (goodness) consistently reflected in his governance, administration, military affairs, judicial system, and river management. Even later generations praised him, saying: “His virtue flourishes, his benevolence reaches perfection, and the people cannot forget!”
Translated by Joseph Wu
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