Preface

In Chinese history, Kangxi and Qianlong were two highly praised emperors who ruled over two of the most prosperous periods in Chinese history. However, some people believe that Qianlong is actually far inferior to Kangxi.

This statement has sparked numerous discussions and controversies. As a professional emperor, Qianlong was accused of being truly arrogant. What kind of situation is this? What is the difference between Kangxi and Qianlong?

1. Decisive Change: Qianlong's Determination to Deal with the Crisis

Rebellion of the Three Feudatories: Emperor Qianlong's wise decision

The rebellion of the three feudatories was the most serious crisis in the early Qing Dynasty. At the time, there was a fierce debate within the imperial court about how to deal with the crisis. One faction advocates "withdrawing the feudal domain" and the other faction advocates "not withdrawing the feudal domain." In this case, Emperor Kangxi appeared to be a little hesitant and needed to consult with his ministers repeatedly.

This practice exposed some of Emperor Kangxi's weaknesses in handling major state affairs. As a generation of Ming monarchs, he does not seem to have fully grasped his imperial power, but needs to rely on the opinions of his courtiers. Although this approach can reflect Emperor Kangxi's humility and seeking common ground, it also exposes his shortcomings in decisive decision-making.

However, when Emperor Qianlong succeeded to the throne, he showed a decisive and decisive side in the face of similar crises. Emperor Qianlong knew that the immediate crisis was related to the survival of the country, so he did not hesitate to order the pacification of the three feudatories and personally supervise the war. This decisive decision reflects the unique charm of Emperor Qianlong as a professional emperor.

Under the wise decision of Emperor Qianlong, the rebellion of the three feudatories was finally put down. This not only consolidated the dominance of the Qing Dynasty, but also laid a solid foundation for its subsequent development. In contrast, Emperor Kangxi's hesitation and passivity in dealing with this crisis made people feel that his imperial power was not fully in his own hands.

Jungar Rebellion: Emperor Qianlong's thunderous means

The Junggar Rebellion was another major crisis during the reign of Emperor Qianlong. At that time, Galdan had already led his army to the east, and the situation was extremely critical. However, Emperor Qianlong did not respond passively like Emperor Kangxi, but immediately took thunderous measures.

Emperor Qianlong ordered the mobilization of a large army, personally commanded it, and smashed the Galdan base camp. He knew that only by taking decisive measures could he completely put down the rebellion and maintain the ruling position of the Qing Dynasty. Under the resolute command of Emperor Qianlong, the Qing army finally completely defeated the Junggar rebels and completely put down the rebellion.

This victory not only consolidated the Qing Dynasty's rule in the northwest region, but also further enhanced the prestige of the Qianlong Emperor in the court and the opposition. In contrast, Emperor Kangxi's passive response to similar crises made people feel that his imperial power was not entirely in his own hands.

It can be said that Emperor Qianlong's decisive decision in dealing with national affairs is a major characteristic of him as a professional emperor of a generation. Not only was he able to accurately grasp the situation and make the right decisions, but he was also able to execute them decisively, which ultimately led to victory. This kind of courage and decisiveness is beyond the reach of Emperor Kangxi.

2. Secret Reserve: Emperor Qianlong Avoided "Cannibalism"

Emperor Kangxi's missteps

During the reign of Emperor Kangxi, there was a distressing incident - "nine sons seizing the heir". This tragedy of "nine sons seizing the heirs" brought great turmoil and crisis to the rule of the Qing Dynasty.

The reason for this is mainly due to some of Emperor Kangxi's own mistakes. Emperor Kangxi's early crown prince Yinren was later deposed by him, which gave hope to other princes. As a result, princes from all walks of life stood in line and intrigued with each other, which eventually led to the tragedy of "fratricide".

This practice exposed some of the flaws of Emperor Kangxi in dealing with the issue of succession to the throne. As a generation of Ming monarchs, he does not seem to have fully grasped his imperial power, but has made wrong decisions at some critical moments. This misstep not only brought turmoil to the rule of the Qing Dynasty, but also made people feel that the imperial power of the Kangxi Emperor was not completely in his own hands.

Emperor Qianlong's foresight

Having learned the lessons of Emperor Kangxi, Emperor Qianlong showed far-sighted wisdom on the issue of establishing a prince. He did not set up a reserve in advance like Emperor Kangxi, but adopted the practice of "secretly establishing a reserve". Emperor Qianlong treated all princes equally, did not give any prince special treatment, and did not secretly determine the eldest son Yongyan as the prince until the end.

This practice reflects the unique charm of Emperor Qianlong as a generation of professional emperors. He knew very well that if he established a prince in advance like Emperor Kangxi, it would inevitably lead to the intrigue of princes from all walks of life, and eventually lead to the tragedy of "fratricide". Therefore, Emperor Qianlong chose the method of "secret reserve" to avoid this situation.

It can be said that Emperor Qianlong handled this issue quite thoroughly and wisely. He not only learned the lessons of the previous dynasty, but was also able to make the right decisions based on the actual situation at that time. This kind of far-sighted wisdom is also beyond the reach of Emperor Kangxi.

Through analysis, we can see that Emperor Qianlong showed far more wisdom and decisiveness than Emperor Kangxi when dealing with the issue of succession to the throne. He was not only able to accurately grasp the situation and make the right decisions, but also was able to implement them decisively, thus avoiding the tragedy of "fratricide".

3. Disaster relief for the people: Emperor Qianlong's feelings for the people's livelihood

Emperor Kangxi's disaster relief

As a generation of Ming monarchs, Emperor Kangxi also made a lot of efforts in disaster relief. Every time there is a natural disaster or a man-made disaster, Emperor Kangxi will send people to investigate and mobilize money for relief. This practice reflects Emperor Kangxi's concern and attention to the lives of the people.

Under Emperor Kangxi's disaster relief policy, the people in the affected areas received timely assistance, and their lives gradually got on the right track. This not only strengthened the people's trust and support for the Qing regime, but also laid a solid foundation for the stable development of the Qing Dynasty.

It can be said that Emperor Kangxi's efforts in disaster relief are the responsibilities and obligations of a generation of Ming monarchs. He was not only able to find problems in time, but also to take effective measures to rescue, which also reflected his people's livelihood feelings as a generation of Ming Jun.

Emperor Qianlong's innovative strategy

However, Emperor Qianlong had further innovation and development in this regard. He will not only open warehouses to release grain, but also pay special attention to stabilizing grain prices to ensure food and clothing for the victims. In addition, Emperor Qianlong also implemented a policy of "cash-for-work", allowing those who had no land to cultivate to make ends meet through crafts.

This approach reflects Emperor Qianlong's in-depth thinking and innovation on people's livelihood issues. He is not only able to detect problems in time, but also be able to take targeted measures to rescue according to the actual situation. This kind of attention and innovation to people's livelihood issues is beyond the reach of Emperor Kangxi.

It can be said that Emperor Qianlong not only continued the fine tradition of Emperor Kangxi in disaster relief, but also had his own innovations, which were closer to the people's livelihood and reflected the people's livelihood feelings of a generation of Ming monarchs. This kind of concern and attention to the lives of the people is beyond the reach of Emperor Kangxi.

Through analysis, we can see that Emperor Qianlong's performance in disaster relief is the responsibility and obligation of a generation of Ming monarchs. He was not only able to discover problems in time, but also was able to take effective measures to rescue, which not only reflected his importance to people's livelihood issues, but also laid a solid foundation for the stable development of the Qing Dynasty. In contrast, Emperor Kangxi's performance in this regard, although it can be regarded as a generation of Ming monarchs, is still slightly insufficient.

Fourth, the way of employing people: the unique views of Emperor Qianlong

Emperor Kangxi's concept of "trust".

In terms of employing people, Emperor Kangxi held a concept of "trust". He believes that as long as you trust a person enough, then that person will definitely repay him with the same effort. This practice reflects some of the characteristics of Emperor Kangxi as a generation of Ming monarchs.

As a monarch, Emperor Kangxi clearly wanted to be able to establish a benign interactive relationship, so that those he trusted could also serve him wholeheartedly. This practice also reflects some characteristics of Emperor Kangxi in dealing with personnel issues.

However, this concept of "trust" often does not work in reality. Even a monarch will inevitably encounter some incompetent or disloyal officials. If you rely only on "trust" to manage these people, I am afraid that it will be difficult to achieve the desired results.

Emperor Qianlong's way of "recognizing talents".

In contrast, Emperor Qianlong had a unique view on employing people. He believes that everyone's strengths should be discovered and put into practice. To this end, Emperor Qianlong even specially formulated a set of "debate" mechanism to assess the ability of talents in all aspects, so as to better use them where they are needed.

This practice reflects the unique charm of Emperor Qianlong as a generation of professional emperors. Not only is he able to accurately grasp each person's strengths, but he is also able to effectively apply them where they are needed, thus avoiding the waste of talent. This kind of "recognizing talents" is something that Emperor Kangxi did not have.

epilogue

Through analysis, we can see that Emperor Qianlong has shown extraordinary wisdom and ability in dealing with major national affairs, establishing reserves, providing disaster relief for the people, and employing people. Compared with his grandfather, Emperor Kangxi, Emperor Qianlong was more decisive, thoughtful and wise.

Therefore, it is really biased to simply evaluate Emperor Qianlong as "arrogant and domineering". As a generation of professional emperors, Emperor Qianlong's performance is worthy of recognition. He not only continued the fine tradition of Emperor Kangxi, but also had his own innovations, pushing the Qing Dynasty to another peak.