The Regency of the Four Ministers
In 1661, the Shunzhi Emperor passed away, leaving his third son Xuanye—later known as the Kangxi Emperor—to ascend the throne at just eight years old. With such a young ruler, state affairs fell to four regent ministers: Sonin, Suksaha, Ebilun, and Oboi. These powerful Manchu nobles represented a faction deeply skeptical of the increasing Sinicization policies implemented during Dorgon’s regency and Shunzhi’s personal rule.
The four regents immediately set about reversing many Han-influenced policies under the banner of “returning to ancestral ways.” Their sweeping changes included:
1. Replacing the Thirteen Offices with the Imperial Household Department
2. Restoring the Court of Colonial Affairs to equal status with the Six Ministries
3. Abolishing the Grand Secretariat and Hanlin Academy, reinstating the Three Inner Courts
4. Halting the eight-legged essay examination system in favor of policy discussions
While some reforms like restructuring the Imperial Household proved practical, others represented clear regression, particularly the dismantling of key administrative institutions that had facilitated smoother governance.
The Rise of Oboi’s Factional Dominance
Among the four regents, Oboi emerged as the most ambitious and ruthless. While Sonin aged, Ebilun remained weak, and Suksaha lacked influence, Oboi aggressively consolidated power. He:
– Purged political rivals like Feiyangu and his sons
– Manipulated land redistribution between the Bordered Yellow and Plain White Banners
– Executed officials who opposed his policies, including Sunahai, Zhu Changzuo, and Wang Lianlian
By 1667 when Kangxi formally assumed personal rule, Oboi had eliminated Suksaha through false charges and controlled the court. His faction dominated key positions, making decisions privately before presenting them as imperial decrees. The young emperor found himself constrained by Oboi’s shadow government.
Kangxi’s Calculated Response
The Kangxi Emperor employed subtle strategies to undermine Oboi’s control:
1. Gradually promoting loyal officials to counterbalance Oboi’s network
2. Encouraging direct policy critiques from officials like Xiong Cilu
3. Carefully observing Oboi’s movements while appearing compliant
The turning point came in 1669 when Kangxi personally visited Oboi’s residence and discovered concealed weapons—a clear security threat. Recognizing the danger, the 15-year-old emperor secretly prepared his response.
The Dramatic Fall of Oboi
In a masterstroke of political theater, Kangxi had spent months training young eunuchs in wrestling (buku). When Oboi next entered the palace, these wrestlers swiftly subdued the surprised regent. The emperor then:
– Charged Oboi with 30 major crimes
– Imprisoned him (Oboi would die in confinement)
– Purged his faction while rehabilitating victims like Suksaha
This bloodless coup demonstrated Kangxi’s political acumen and marked his true assumption of power.
Post-Oboi Reforms
With Oboi eliminated, Kangxi implemented crucial reforms:
1. Prohibited enslaving commoners: Curbed abusive Manchu practices
2. Permanently halted land seizures: Ended decades of disruptive enclosure policies
3. Restored the Grand Secretariat: Reestablished critical administrative structures
4. Strengthened centralized control: Reformed military and civil appointments
These measures stabilized Qing governance and set the stage for Kangxi’s long, transformative reign.
The Legacy of the Regency Period
The power struggles of Kangxi’s early reign reveal several key historical insights:
1. Cultural Tensions: The conflict between Manchu traditionalists and Sinicization proponents
2. Institutional Evolution: How administrative systems adapted between regency and imperial rule
3. Political Education: Kangxi’s development from puppet ruler to master statesman
4. Centralization: The Qing state’s gradual consolidation under stronger imperial authority
Kangxi’s handling of the regency crisis established patterns that would characterize his 61-year reign—pragmatic reform, careful balancing of Manchu and Han interests, and assertive central control. The young emperor’s victory over Oboi marked not just a personal triumph, but a pivotal moment in Qing dynasty consolidation.
This episode demonstrates how personal political struggles shaped institutional development in early modern China, with Kangxi’s methods influencing Qing governance for generations. His ability to outmaneuver experienced politicians while maintaining imperial dignity reveals why historians consider him one of China’s most capable rulers.