A Battle of Wits: Kangxi and His Ministers

Ironclad Maneuvers: Kangxi and His Ministers recounts the history of the Kangxi era. Emperor Kangxi ascended the throne at the age of eight. This young ruler worked tirelessly to govern, laying an important foundation for the more than 130 years of prosperity known as the Kangxi and Qianlong golden age. During his 61 years in power, Kangxi captured Oboi, put down the Revolt of the Three Feudatories, reclaimed Taiwan, and defeated Galdan, demonstrating the banner people's innate courage. At the same time, he championed Confucianism and education, ruling the realm through benevolence and filial piety, and getting along exceedingly well with Han Chinese scholars and officials. Kangxi understood the balance between civil and military affairs, and drew deeply on the traditional Chinese art of governance. His handling of relations between ruler and ministers, as well as his many lessons in statecraft, are worthy of study and emulation by later generations.

One distinctive feature of Ironclad Maneuvers: Kangxi and His Ministers is that it uses the plot of the TV drama Kangxi Dynasty as a starting point. Organized around chronology and events, each section stands on its own, guiding readers in distinguishing the plots of novels and TV dramas from fictionalized tales, unofficial histories, and the truth of history.