Yongzheng Emperor

The Yongzheng Emperor, born on December 13, 1678, and died on October 8, 1735, was the fourth emperor of the Qing dynasty, reigning from 1723 until his death. His personal name was Yinzhen, and he is also known by his temple name Emperor Shizong of Qing. He was the third Qing emperor to rule over China proper.

Yinzhen was the eleventh recorded son of the Kangxi Emperor and the fourth prince to survive into adulthood. His mother, known historically as Empress Xiaogongren, was originally a court attendant from the Manchu Uya clan. During his childhood, Yinzhen was primarily raised by Noble Consort Tong, daughter of Tong Guowei, an early influential official. She died when he was nine years old. Following her death, his mother was promoted through the court ranks and became known as Virtuous Consort (defei).

The Kangxi Emperor provided his sons with a comprehensive education, exposing Yinzhen to inspection trips and military campaigns, including leading him as honorary leader of the Plain Red Banner during the Battle of Jao Modo against the Mongol Dzungar Khanate. Yinzhen was granted the title "beile" in 1689 and promoted to a second-rank prince ("junwang") in 1698 as Prince Yong of the First Rank.

In 1709, the Kangxi Emperor removed his second son Yinreng from the position of crown prince. That same year, Yinzhen was promoted to first-rank prince with the title "Prince Yong." He maintained a low profile during the early succession disputes following Kangxi's preference for other candidates, including supporting Yinreng and supporting the appointment of various princes based on court nominations.

During his reign, Yinzhen demonstrated skills in Confucian rituals and governance, advocating a "moral government" based on loyalty, fairness, sincerity, and capability. He sought to stabilize the empire after periods of political chaos, establishing the Grand Council in 1733 to streamline communication and administration, which played a significant role in the empire's domestic governance.

Yinzhen initiated several reforms, including crackdowns on corruption, reorganization of personnel appointment systems, land and tax reforms, and efforts to improve financial transparency. His policies aimed to reduce official corruption, improve fiscal stability, and promote social welfare through projects like irrigation, relief during famines, emancipation of slaves, and the construction of schools and orphanages.

He also expanded Qing influence militarily through campaigns in Outer Mongolia and Tibet, notably reconquering Lhasa in 1728 and suppressing Tibetan rebels. His reign saw increased efforts to integrate diverse ethnic groups and to promote stability across frontier regions.

Yinzhen succeeded Kangxi in 1722, adopting the era name "Yongzheng" in 1723. His accession was characterized by political maneuvering and disputes among imperial princes over legitimacy, with some historical accounts suggesting he forged certain succession documents. His death in 1735 was attributed to natural causes, though legends and theories about poisoning have persisted.

He was succeeded by his fourth son, Hongli, known as the Qianlong Emperor, who later restored many figures purged during Yongzheng’s reign. The Yongzheng Emperor was interred at the Western Qing tombs in the Tai mausoleum complex.