The Unraveling of the Rebellion

The Revolt of the Three Feudatories marked one of the greatest internal challenges to the Qing dynasty’s early reign. What began as a protest against centralization policies escalated into a full-scale rebellion led by three Ming defectors-turned-Qing vassals: Wu Sangui, Shang Zhixin, and Geng Jingzhong. Though initially successful, their uprising collapsed under Emperor Kangxi’s strategic patience and overwhelming resources. But the emperor’s true test came after the guns fell silent—how to deal with the traitors who had nearly toppled his empire.

Shang Zhixin: The Defiant Prince’s Downfall

The first to face retribution was Shang Zhixin, heir to the Pingnan princedom in Guangdong. His fate was sealed long before the war’s conclusion—not merely for rebellion, but for breathtaking insubordination. Historical records document his unprecedented eight consecutive refusals of imperial decrees, a Qing dynasty record. When ordered to mobilize troops, he disbanded them; when commanded to attack, he retreated.

In August 1680, Kangxi ordered Shang’s arrest. No trial was granted—the emperor issued a terse verdict: “Grant death.” Modern historians suggest Kangxi had resolved to eliminate all rebel leaders regardless of compliance, viewing Shang’s defiance as convenient justification.

Of Shang Kexi’s 35 sons , only four involved in the Guangzhou mutiny were executed. The second son, Shang Zhixiao, inherited the diminished title and wisely pledged allegiance, requesting permission to retire to his father’s tomb—a move that spared his life.

Geng Jingzhong: The Emperor’s Brother-in-Law’s Fatal Mistake

Geng Jingzhong, ruler of Fujian, initially appeared more fortunate. After surrendering in 1676, he launched aggressive campaigns against Zheng Jing’s Ming loyalists, hoping to prove his loyalty. His marriage to Kangxi’s elder sister should have guaranteed clemency.

But Geng committed an unforgivable error: spreading prophecies that “the Son of Heaven’s double is Fire Ear”—a coded reference to his surname . This implied heavenly mandate for rebellion. In 1680, Kangxi summoned Geng to Beijing under pretext of council, only to strip his titles immediately.

The 1681 verdict shocked even hardened officials. Chancellor Mingzhu’s memorial declared Geng’s crimes “exceed Shang Zhixin’s.” Since Shang had received mercy via quick poisoning, Geng suffered lingchi—death by a thousand cuts—with his head displayed publicly. Poignantly, Fan Chengmo’s son Fan Shichong, whose father Geng had executed, wielded the blade in symbolic vengeance.

Wang Fuchen: The Suicide That Spoke Volumes

The tragedy of Wang Fuchen, Shaanxi’s turncoat general, reveals Kangxi’s true policy toward surrendered rebels. Outwardly rewarded with promotions , Wang understood his fate. As Kangxi confided to General Tuhai: “How can surrendered officials be trusted? Keep them close and watched.”

Wang’s first suicide attempt in 1679 failed under Tuhai’s surveillance. But by 1681, with the rebellion crushed, the general staged an elaborate death. Contemporary accounts in Miscellaneous Records of Guangyang describe his meticulous preparations:

– Violently dismissing his new wife to spare her repercussions
– Distributing wealth to loyal guards with orders to flee
– Gifting a silver bowl to a young servant for his future marriage
– Gathering remaining followers for a tearful farewell banquet

His final words revealed profound calculation:

“I rose from the ranks to great honors, yet committed treason. Though pardoned, the emperor’s wrath runs deep. Rather than die disgracefully, I choose this: bind me, cover my face with paper, and pour water until I suffocate. Report it as sudden illness.”

This clinically staged death—leaving no marks to implicate superiors—underscored the inescapable doom awaiting Kangxi’s former allies.

The Emperor’s Calculated Brutality

Kangxi’s post-rebellion purges followed ruthless logic:

1. Precedent Setting: Wang Fuchen’s initial pardon aimed to encourage surrenders, but his eventual suicide confirmed the emperor’s long-term intentions.
2. Symbolic Severity: Geng’s lingchi served as visceral warning against mystical claims to power.
3. Bloodline Pragmatism: Sparing most Shang princes prevented destabilizing Guangdong while removing the rebellious line.

As the Veritable Records note, these executions “extinguished not just men, but the very idea that imperial mercy could shield treason.” The Three Feudatories’ collapse thus cemented Kangxi’s reputation as a ruler who rewarded loyalty absolutely—and punished betrayal inexorably.

Conclusion: No Third Chances

From Shang’s defiance to Geng’s prophecies and Wang’s despair, each rebel’s end reflected Kangxi’s unwavering principle: those who betrayed the Mandate of Heaven forfeited all claims to it. The emperor’s blend of tactical pardons and theatrical brutality ensured that while the rebellion lasted eight years, its leaders’ fates were decided in moments—written not in battle reports, but in vermilion death sentences.