Emperor Yongzheng is Emperor Kangxi's fourth son. He was born in 17th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign (1678 AD), died in 13th year of his reign (1735 AD).
Qing Emperor Yongzheng (Aixinjueluo Yinzhen)
Emperor Yongzheng is Emperor Kangxi's fourth son. He was born in 17th year of Emperor Kangxi's reign (1678 AD), died in 13th year of his reign (1735 AD).
Before his enthronement, he intrigued against each other with his brothers. During his early reign, he beat his political opponents in order to consolidate his imperial power. He set up the military affairs department to make it easier to report military affairs to the central government. In fact, establishing this department also helped consolidate the imperial power.
&Because he had intrigued against each other with his brothers before ascending to the throne, he thought it's bad for the dynasty, so he set up the rule of choosing successor secretly. The rule was: the emperor wrote his successor's name on two pieces of paper, then put one piece of paper in a box and had the box stored behind the stele in Qianqinggong Palace. The emperor had the other identical copy with him or hidden somewhere. Upon the emperor's passing, the ministers would take out the paper in the box and compare it with the copy with the emperor. If they were deemed identical, the person whose name was on the paper would be the new emperor. Since that, there was no contention for imperial throne.
During his reign, he measured off border with Russia, strengthened imperial power, and greatly increased fiscal income, setting up the base of prosperity during Emperor Qianlong's reign.