Emperor of China - Qing Dynasty - Page 1

Xuanye (1654-1722, Reign-title, Kangxi), the second Emperor of the Qing dynasty, ruled during the years 1661-1722, longest reign on the throne in China's history, 61 years. He was the third son of Fu-lin. His mother, Empress Xiao-k'ang (1640-1663), a consort of Fu-lin, was a daughter of Deng Kuo-kang. In 1661 on February 17, twelve days after his father's death, he was proclaimed Emperor of China. After his mother's death in 1663 he was, for the most part, reared by he Dowager Empress, Xiao-chuang.

The rule of Xuanye was for the most part tolerant and conciliatory. In comparison with the emperors of the late Ming period he was frugal, practical, and conscientious in the discharge of his responsibilities. During his reign the empire increased in wealth and most of the time enjoyed peace and prosperity. In the course of his six tours to South China (in the years 1684, 1689, 1699, 1703, and 1707) he took pains personally to inspect conservancy projects and so spurred the officials in charge to more efficient and conscientious labors. Although he did not vigorously enforce the laws governing corrupt officials, he frequently singled out for promotion those who were reported as incorrupt. It is true that during his reign high officials often organized themselves into fractions, but he was usually able to check their activities through reports of the censors.