Emperor of China: Self-Portrait of K’ang-Hsi
China has a lot of history that many illustrious and prolific historians like Jonathan Spence have tried to explain in their books. Jonathan Spence is the author behind the fiction named the Emperor of China: Self-Portrait of K’ang-Hsi. This is a very exciting fiction was written in the year of 1974. Jonathan has used the letters and historical records that K’ang Hsi had written in describing the later years of K’ang-Hsi, who is considered the great leader of that time. The book has been divided into chapters. ‘In Motion’ is the first chapter; this chapter depicts K’ang-Hsi as a general, hunter, and a worrier. ‘Ruling’ which is the second chapter expresses the opinion of K’ang-Hsi on how the country should be ruled. ‘Thinking,' this is the third chapter, it compares the ideologies and culture between China and the Western States. ‘Growing Old,' as a fourth chapter shows K’ang-hsi’s medical knowledge. ‘Sons,' which is the last chapter, chronicles the steady and very slow disintegration of the household of K’ang. The extended period under which Kangxi reigned in China portrayed him as a leader who had a better experience in leading in the right way.
Emperor Kangxi had many experiences that had emanated from the teaching he had gained from his grandfather and grandmother. From Sumalagu, this great leader had also learned the Mongolian language. In addition, Kangxi had learned archery and horseback riding from Confucian education and a well-known Manchurian master. According to him, whatever he learned was not because he wanted to pass time, but because he had an understanding that this would later help him rule the country in the right way.
According to Jonathan, Empire Kangxi was very different compared to the leaders that ruled during those centuries. This leader was a God fearing person, spent much of time in the ritual activities: praying while in the Temple of Heaven, performing sacrifices to the ancestors (Manchu ancestors) and attending lectures (Spence, 2013). This behavior portrays him as a wise man because from here, he could seek advice on the matters that affected him.
The first experience that Kangxi had is that of hunting. He found it very enjoyable when it came to shooting anything flowing or moving. These skills of hunting were very helpful to him. He used these hunting skills to train his military so that they could be prepared to face any enemy. Because of this training, Kang-Hsi was able to achieve his goal, which was that of boarder warfare and of expanding the territory. For instance, K’ang-Hsi’s troops were able to capture the Taiwan Island in the year of 1863. In addition, they were able to defeat the Russian forces (Spence, 2013).
Kangxi had experienced major illnesses during his lifetime. Because of this, he had a lot of interest in medicine. He was even open about his mental and physical weaknesses to the people so that they could help him during the time when he was stressed. This also enabled him to make sure that the society was very keen in respecting the aged people. This behavior of being open to those that Kangxi was ruling was very good because people had more trust in him and could therefore not question any decision that he made.
During the reign of Emperor Kangxi, the government system was very distinct. The provincial division and the metropolitan division are the two divisions that made the central bureaucracy. Some Grand Secretaries supervised the division of metropolitan ranged from four to six. In addition, vice presidents and presidents of the ministries directed this division of the Metropolitan. They included the Civil Office Board, the Revenue Board, the Rights Board, the Punishment Board, the Public Works and War. There was another separate imperial bureaucracy for the Empire. This Imperial bureaucracy was used in the administration of the Empire’s bodyguard, estates, and palaces and was made of the Manchus, eunuchs, and the bondservants.
According to Spence (2013), the provincial officials’ activities were supervised by the Metropolitan Division. Governors directed eighteen of the provinces that existed during the period when Kangxi was reigning. The provinces that existed during that time were divided into prefectures that had also been divided into counties that magistrates were held under control (Spence, 2013).
However, because the court officials were not trustworthy during the era of Kangxi. Kangxi had an understanding that these officials could manipulate the messages if he could have sent to people through them. To prevent this, Kangxi sent his messages and the directives directly to people. He sent these guidelines and messages through the locked boxes that he possessed. This behavior, therefore, portrays Kangxi as a leader who loved his nation. He did not want his people to be oppressed by the individuals who he knew that if given a chance could do so.
Reference
Spence, J. D. (2013). Emperor of China: Self-portrait of k'ang-hsi. New York: Vintage Books.
