The Ancient Concept of Wu Fu: Origins in Chinese Philosophy

The concept of “Wu Fu” (Five Blessings) originates from two of China’s oldest classical texts: the Book of Documents (Shang Shu) and the Hong Fan (“Great Plan”) chapter. These texts, dating back to the Zhou Dynasty (1046–256 BCE), outline five pillars of human happiness that became deeply embedded in Chinese cultural values:

1. Longevity (寿) – A life free from premature death, marked by enduring health
2. Wealth (富) – Material abundance coupled with social respect
3. Health and Peace (康宁) – Physical wellness and mental tranquility
4. Virtue (攸好德) – Moral character expressed through kindness and composure
5. A Good Death (考终命) – Awareness of life’s end, free from suffering or violence

This philosophical framework transcended mere personal aspiration—it became a metric by which rulers were judged. Few historical figures embodied this ideal as completely as the Qing Dynasty’s Emperor Qianlong (1711–1799), whose 89-year life became a living testament to the Wu Fu principle.

Qianlong’s Unprecedented Reign: A Case Study in Imperial Fortune

Ascending the throne in 1735 at age 24, Qianlong ruled during China’s last golden age—the “High Qing” period (1683–1799). His 60-year active reign (later extended through retirement as “Supreme Emperor”) witnessed unprecedented stability, making him one of history’s most consequential monarchs.

### The Longevity Benchmark
Qianlong’s 89-year lifespan shattered records:
– Outlived his grandfather Kangxi (69 years) by two decades
– Survived 90% of his 17 brothers
– Remained mentally sharp, personally governing until age 85

Modern gerontologists note his active lifestyle—annual hunting expeditions to Mulan (木兰秋狝), six inspection tours of Jiangnan, and five pilgrimages to Mount Tai—contributed to this remarkable vitality.

### The Wealth Paradox
As ruler of the world’s largest economy (China then produced 1/3 of global GDP), Qianlong’s treasury overflowed with:
– 800 million taels of silver reserves (≈$60B today)
– Tributes from vassal states including Burma and Nepal
– The Complete Library of the Four Treasuries—a literary project consuming 15% of imperial revenue

Yet his later reign saw warning signs: corruption (notably Heshen’s embezzlement) and unsustainable military spending during the Ten Great Campaigns.

The Cultural Anatomy of a “Blessed” Ruler

Qianlong consciously cultivated his Wu Fu image through calculated patronage and symbolic acts:

### Performance of Virtue
Early gestures established his moral credentials:
– 1735: Pardoned political prisoners from his father Yongzheng’s reign
– 1773: Posthumously rehabilitated Dorgon—a controversial regent from 1643
– Commissioned 40,000+ poems (though few literary merits) emphasizing Confucian values

### The Theater of Death
His 1796 abdication—the first voluntary imperial retirement in 2,000 years—was masterful stagecraft:
– Chose the 60th year (a complete sexagenary cycle) for transition
– Retained ultimate power during son Jiaqing’s nominal rule
– Died painlessly in sleep three years later, fulfilling the “good death” ideal

Contemporary Echoes: Why Wu Fu Still Matters

The Five Blessings framework persists in modern East Asian cultures:

### Longevity Worship
China’s current “longevity villages” (e.g., Bama County) and Japan’s focus on ikigai reflect enduring priorities. Qianlong’s record remains unbroken among world leaders—a fact highlighted in 2018 when Singapore’s Lee Kuan Yew (91) became the closest modern equivalent.

### The Virtue Debate
Recent scholarship critiques Qianlong’s legacy:
– 1793 Macartney Embassy: His rejection of British trade requests arguably sowed seeds for later conflicts
– Literary Inquisition: 150+ censorship cases contrast with his “virtuous” image

Yet his cultural projects—like the porcelain innovations at Jingdezhen—created lasting artistic heritage.

Conclusion: The Paradox of Perfection

Qianlong’s embodiment of Wu Fu reveals both the power and limitations of this ancient ideal. While his life superficially fulfilled every blessing, modern historians recognize the privilege inherent in imperial fortune—his “perfect” death contrasted with millions who perished in White Lotus rebellions during his late reign.

Perhaps the true lesson lies in the tension between individual fortune and collective wellbeing—a balance as relevant today as in the Qing Dynasty’s twilight. The Five Blessings endure not as a checklist, but as a mirror reflecting each era’s values and blind spots.