Kangxi Emperor Ascends

February 1661

The seven-year-old Xuanye succeeded his father Shunzhi and ruled at first through four regents. In 1669, he would seize personal power by arresting the dominant regent Oboi and begin the reign that made the Qing dynasty secure, prosperous, and intellectually vigorous. He would rule until 1722, presiding over one of the longest and most culturally productive reigns in Chinese history.