Emperor Kangxi, the fourth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, was praised by later generations as the "First Emperor of the Ages" for his outstanding governing skills and far-reaching political influence. However, the wise and martial emperor experienced eight misfortunes during his childhood, which not only tempered his will, but also shaped his unique political style.
1. Separation of mother and son, early loss of family affection
Emperor Kangxi, named Xuanye, was separated from his biological mother due to the court system of the Qing Dynasty from the day he was born. He was raised by a nurse and nanny, and rarely saw his mother, and lost the parent-child joy of ordinary people's families. This lack of early family affection undoubtedly left a deep imprint on his soul.
2. Avoid acne outside the uterus and grow alone
The young Xuan Ye was sent outside the palace to avoid acne due to smallpox, and he was only accompanied by nurses, nannies and others. This lonely experience not only tested his ability to survive, but also made him feel the impermanence of the world and the hardships of life in advance.
3. The family is complex and has constant disputes
Emperor Kangxi's father, Emperor Shunzhi, had complex family relationships, including 19 concubines and complex family disputes. These family conflicts undoubtedly brought a lot of psychological pressure to the young Xuan Ye, and also exposed him to the cruelty and ruthlessness of the court earlier.
Fourth, there is a lack of father's love and education
During the critical period of Xuan Ye's growth, his father, Emperor Shunzhi, was busy with the tragicomedy of love with Concubine Dong E, and had no time to take care of his education and growth. This lack of fatherly love made Xuan Ye lack the necessary guidance and support during his growth.
Fifth, the pox is nine deaths and a life, a test of life and death
Smallpox was a disaster for the court at the time, and the young Xuan Ye was not spared. He died in this test of life and death, and finally survived with his own resistance and the careful care of nannies and eunuchs. This illness left Xuan Ye with a deep psychological shadow and physical regret.
Sixth, the face is pockmarked, and I regret it for life
The pox scars left by smallpox left a pockmark on Emperor Kangxi's face, which was undoubtedly a lifelong regret for an emperor. However, it was this regret that made Emperor Kangxi cherish his life and power more, and also made him work harder to govern the country and secure the country.
At the age of seven or eight, he lost his imperial father, and the sky fell
When Xuan Ye was only eight years old, his father, Emperor Shunzhi, died. This was undoubtedly a huge blow to the young Xuan Ye, who lost his father's protection and support, and also felt the heaviness and cruelty of the imperial power in advance.
At the age of eight or ten, he lost his mother again, and he was lonely
In the second year of succession, Xuan Ye, who was only ten years old, suffered the death of his biological mother Tong. The blow of the death of both parents in two years left Xuan Ye in deep grief. This lonely situation also made him cherish the power and status in his hands even more, and work harder to govern the country.
Although the eight misfortunes of the Kangxi Emperor brought him deep pain and trauma, they also tempered his will and character. These experiences have made him more mature and strong, and they have also made him an outstanding politician and leader.