Historical records reveal that Emperor Kangxi’s decision to pass the throne to the fourth prince, Yinzhen, instead of the crown prince, was influenced by his special affection for his great-grandson, Hongli.
In that year, the fourth prince, Yinzhen, brought his son, Hongli, to the palace to pay respects to the emperor. When Emperor Kangxi laid eyes on the young Hongli, he was struck with awe and admiration. He paused, captivated by Hongli’s countenance, even dropping the jade wine cup he was holding.
Following this encounter, Kangxi grew fond of this bright and intelligent great-grandson. He personally took charge of Hongli’s education, ensuring he received a thorough and careful upbringing. The succession of Yinzhen as the Emperor Yongzheng was also believed to be a move to pave the way for Hongli’s smooth accession to the throne.
The Emperor Personally Oversaw Hongli’s Education
Hongli, later known as Emperor Qianlong, was born into a fortunate family and received a well-rounded education in both literary and martial arts from a young age. When he met Emperor Kangxi at the age of twelve, he displayed composure, graceful manners, and articulate speech. Notably, he was the only one to express sincere affection for the emperor, something Kangxi deeply valued in his descendants.
Not long after, Kangxi inquired about Hongli’s birth details and was delighted upon seeing his great-grandson’s birth chart. During his excursions, he would summon Hongli to accompany him, taking the opportunity to teach him about governing the nation and navigating the world.
During a period of palace intrigue and power struggles among the princes, known as the “Nine Princes’ Struggle for the Throne,” Yinzhen (later Emperor Yongzheng) initially belonged to the weakest faction with little chance of ascending the throne.
Emperor Kangxi Took Hongli on Excursions, Teaching Him About Governance
Yinzhen’s unassuming nature prevented him from making fatal mistakes. He calmly observed the infighting among the factions, and eventually, only the Fourteenth Prince, Yinzhen, who held military power at a young age, remained a contender.
Yinzhen, then the General of Fuzhou, had been granted permission by Emperor Kangxi to lead military campaigns in his stead, putting him in a strong position to become the next emperor. However, the balance shifted when Kangxi met Qianlong. The emperor’s encounter with Qianlong played a pivotal role in paving the way for Yinzhen’s smooth succession to the throne.
In 1735, when Emperor Yongzheng passed away, Qianlong ascended the throne at the age of twenty-five. At this time, the Qing Dynasty was in a prosperous state due to Yongzheng’s rule, and Qianlong continued to build on this foundation, leading the country to further success.
In the annals of Chinese history, Emperor Qianlong stands out for having the longest lifespan among emperors. His reign witnessed remarkable economic and social progress, marking a golden age known as the “Prosperity of Kangxi and Qianlong.” He is also regarded as one of the luckiest rulers in history.
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