The Reign of Yongzheng: A Brief Historical Background

The Yongzheng Emperor (1678–1735), born Yinzhen, was the fourth ruler of the Qing dynasty, ascending to the throne in 1722 after the death of his father, the illustrious Kangxi Emperor. His reign, though relatively short (1722–1735), was marked by significant administrative reforms, anti-corruption campaigns, and the consolidation of imperial power. Unlike his father, who ruled for 61 years, Yongzheng’s tenure was abrupt and his death sudden—leaving behind unanswered questions that continue to intrigue historians.

The Qing dynasty, established by the Manchus in 1644, was at its zenith during the Kangxi-Yongzheng-Qianlong era. Yongzheng inherited a vast empire but also faced internal dissent, bureaucratic inefficiency, and lingering Ming loyalist sentiments. His death, recorded in official documents as sudden and unexpected, has fueled centuries of speculation.

The Night of August 22, 1735: A Sudden Demise

The most detailed account of Yongzheng’s death comes from the memoirs of Zhang Tingyu, a trusted grand secretary. In The Autobiographical Chronicles of the Master of Chenghuai Garden, Zhang describes the events with striking immediacy:

> “On the night of August 22, His Majesty felt slightly unwell but continued state affairs as usual. I attended him daily without interruption. Near the second watch (around 9–11 PM), I had just retired when urgent summons arrived. Hastily dressing, I rushed to the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan). Three or four attendants waited at the southwestern gate, leading me to the imperial bedchamber. Only then did I realize the emperor’s condition was critical—I was utterly shocked.”

Zhang’s use of the phrase “utterly shocked” (惊骇欲绝) suggests something highly unusual. The emperor’s rapid decline—dying by midnight—lacked clear explanation, spawning numerous theories.

Theories Surrounding Yongzheng’s Death

### 1. Assassination by Lü Siniang: A Tale of Vengeance

One popular legend claims Yongzheng was assassinated by Lü Siniang, daughter of the anti-Qing scholar Lü Liuliang. During Yongzheng’s reign, Lü Liuliang’s family was executed for alleged treason in a literary inquisition (文字狱), but Lü Siniang allegedly escaped. The story goes that she trained in martial arts, infiltrated the palace in 1735, and beheaded the emperor in revenge.

While dramatic, this theory lacks credible evidence. No Qing records mention an assassination, and the tale resembles folkloric tropes of righteous vengeance.

### 2. Death by Alchemical Poisoning: The Perils of Daoist Elixirs

Many historians argue Yongzheng died from mercury or lead poisoning due to his reliance on Daoist longevity elixirs. The emperor, like many Ming and Qing rulers, patronized Daoist alchemists who concocted pills containing toxic metals.

Records show Yongzheng frequently consumed such elixirs, believing they enhanced vitality. Chronic ingestion of mercury—a common ingredient—could explain his sudden death. Notably, at least 14 Chinese emperors reportedly died from elixir poisoning, including the Tang dynasty’s Xianzong and Ming Jiajing Emperor.

### 3. Stroke: A Legacy of Imperial Diet

Another plausible theory is that Yongzheng succumbed to a stroke. Qing emperors consumed diets heavy in fatty meats like pork, with little vegetables—a pattern linked to cardiovascular diseases. The Kangxi Emperor’s successor, the Yongzheng Emperor’s grandfather Hong Taiji, allegedly died of a stroke.

Historian Zheng Tianting proposed this theory in Brief Accounts of Qing History, though without detailed medical evidence.

### 4. Overindulgence and Aphrodisiacs: A Scandalous Hypothesis

Modern scholar Jin Hengyuan posits that Yongzheng’s death resulted from excessive indulgence in sensual pleasures and aphrodisiacs. A Korean diplomatic record states:

> “In his later years, Yongzheng was obsessed with women. His lower body had long been paralyzed, and his health deteriorated.”

While provocative, this theory relies on a single foreign source and lacks corroboration from Qing archives.

### Debunked Theories: From Strangling to Fictional Plots

Other fringe theories include:
– Strangling by Palace Maids: A recycled myth from the Ming Jiajing Emperor’s reign, where maids attempted to strangle the ruler.
– Poisoning by Cao Xueqin and Zhu Xiangyu: A baseless claim that the Dream of the Red Chamber author conspired with a fictional lover to poison Yongzheng.

Cultural Impact: The Emperor’s Death in Folklore and Historiography

Yongzheng’s mysterious death became a cultural touchstone. The Lü Siniang legend, in particular, resonated with anti-Qing sentiments, casting the emperor as a tyrant deserving retribution. Meanwhile, his reliance on Daoist alchemy reflects broader tensions between Confucian rationalism and imperial mysticism.

In literature, Yongzheng’s demise inspired novels, operas, and modern TV dramas—often blending fact and fiction. The lack of a definitive cause has allowed creative reinterpretations, from political thrillers to supernatural tales.

Legacy and Modern Relevance

Yongzheng’s death remains one of Chinese history’s great unsolved mysteries. For scholars, it underscores the challenges of reconstructing historical truth when official records are sparse or censored. For the public, it exemplifies how historical gaps invite mythmaking.

Modern forensic science could theoretically resolve the debate—if Yongzheng’s remains were examined for toxins or trauma. However, the Qing imperial tombs remain undisturbed, leaving the enigma intact.

Ultimately, Yongzheng’s death reflects broader themes: the perils of absolute power, the allure of immortality, and the enduring human fascination with unsolved mysteries. Whether felled by poison, stroke, or an assassin’s blade, his abrupt departure ensured his legacy would be as debated as his reign.