ancient china, chinese emperors, chinese history, cultural traditions, emperor, emperor kangxi, historical governance, kangxi, merit-based selection, palace intrigue, political strategy, qing dynasty, successor

The Emperor’s Dilemma: Selecting a Successor in Ancient China

In ancient times, an emperor’s selection of a successor was a matter of paramount importance, a decision that could not be taken lightly. The future of the “realm” rested on this choice: Which son would inherit the throne? Who possessed the capability and wisdom to sustain a nation? With only one crown for the taking, ...

Michael Segarty

'The Kangxi Emperor's Southern Inspection Tour.'

Ethical Emperor Kangxi Takes Responsibility for the Death of a Guard

Emperor Kangxi, named Xuan Ye, was the most legendary Emperor of the Qing Dynasty. This majestic Qing Emperor once issued a “self-crime edict” for the death of a guard. Does the following story highlight what happened? Xuan Ye came to the throne at age 8, took office at age 14, and established the territory of ...

Michael Segarty

Emperor Kangxi.

The Story of China’s Famous Kangxi Emperor

China’s famous Kangxi emperor was the second emperor during the Qing Dynasty, and his 61-year reign represents one of China’s most glorious eras. He began his reign at just 7 years old, on February 7, 1661. History books still praise his accomplishments to this day. Kangxi called three different ethnic heritages his own His father ...

Nspirement Staff

A portrait of the Kangxi Emperor.