The First Emperor of China and a well-known figure in Chinese history, Qin Shi Huang established the Qin dynasty. From 220 BC until 210 BC, during his first emperorship, he united all seven of China's warring kingdoms after they had been divided for generations during the Spring and Autumn, and Warring States periods.

At the young age of 13, Emperor Qin Shi Huang succeeded his father as King of Qin, and at the age of 38, he assumed the throne as the first Emperor of China. However, it is an indisputable fact that Qin Shi Huang was a tyrannical king. As a ruler, he performed various activities that solidified his hegemony.

His accomplishments include standardizing weights and measurements, the lengths of cart and chariot axles, and the unification of the Chinese written language. He established a single currency and a uniform yardstick for measuring, which aided in the equality and efficiency of the economy. He is also credited for connecting the "long walls" of the numerous Warring States into the initial version of the Great Wall to protect China's borders against northern invaders. In addition, he is notorious for trying to rid his court of Confucian influences by "burning the books and burying the professors". Today, the name Qin Shi Huang is best known to readers for the mausoleum built himself, which is home to an army of more than 8,000 terracotta statues of soldiers and horses.

Qin Shi Huang laid the groundwork for China to become East Asia's leading cultural and political power. His reforms also standardized the language, numeric units, and monetary measures. All of these are very important for the sustainable development of the Chinese empire and Chinese culture.

In sum, Emperor Qin Shi Huang:

• was one of the Most Famous Chinese Emperors.
• assumed the throne as the first Emperor of China at the age of 38.
• as a ruler, he performed various activities that solidified his hegemony including language, numeric units, and monetary measures.
• all of these are very important for the sustainable development of the Chinese empire and Chinese culture.

The founder and first emperor of the Han dynasty, Emperor Gaozu of the Han Dynasty, also known as Liu Bang, ruled from 202-195 BC.

One of the few empire builders in Chinese history, Emperor Gaozu was born into a family of peasants. In Pei County, his homeland, Liu Bang first worked as a junior law enforcement official under the Qin dynasty before ascending to power. Liu Bang gave up his post as a government servant and turned into a leader of the anti-Qin rebels following the death of the First Emperor and the political unrest in the Qin Empire. In 206 BC, he defeated the rebel leader Xiang Yu in a race to invade Qin and compel Ziying to abdicate.

After the Qin Dynasty fell, Xiang Yu, who was in charge of the rebel troops, split the former Qin Empire into Eighteen Kingdoms, and Liu Bang was forced to accept the rule of the poor and outlying Bashu province (modern-day Sichuan, Chongqing, and southern Shaanxi) with the title "King of Han". A civil war known as the Zhou-Han War started that same year when Liu Bang led his army to victory over Tam Ky. Various armies fought for control of China throughout this conflict.

By winning the Gaixia war in 202 BC, Liu Bang united much of China and installed the founding emperor of the Han dynasty. Emperor Gaozu cut taxes, promoted Confucianism, and put down warlord uprisings from non-Liu vassal nations throughout his rule. He also started the Heqin policy, which was implemented after the Han Empire lost the Battle of Baideng in 200 BC and was intended to keep the Xiongnu in a state of unambiguous peace. When he passed away in 195 BC, his son Liu Ying succeeded him as king.

In sum, Emperor Gaozu of Han:

• was the founder and first emperor of the Han dynasty, ruled from 202-195 BC.
  
• was born into a family of peasants.
• gave up his post as a government servant and turned into a leader of the anti-Qin rebels.
• he cut taxes, promoted Confucianism, and quelled revolts by warlords during his rule.
• his son Liu Ying succeeded him after his death in 195 BC.

Many illustrious Chinese emperors who were great and well-known did not expand their empires. Instead, they reaped the rewards of earlier generations' efforts. An excellent illustration of this is Wudi, the seventh emperor of the Han Dynasty. He had an extremely long reign lasting 54 years.

Under the skillful leadership of Emperors Wen and Jing, the Han Dynasty grew strong and stable prior to Wudi's rule. Therefore, when Wudi ascended the throne at the age of 15, power was also concentrated in the hands of the king. In other words, Wudi never had to worry about controlling the power or facilities of the court. Everything has been carefully prepared for him, and the only thing he has to do is manage his vast empire well.

Actually, Wudi has made a substantial contribution to the continued growth of a strong and focused China as a capable administrator. Along with fostering music and literature, he also built diplomatic ties with Western Eurasia. Matching his title of "Wu Emperor of the Han Dynasty", Wudi doubled the size of the Han Chinese empire through diplomatic alliances or the conquering of nearby nations like Nanyue. What is more, the Han Empire under his rule defeated multiple assaults that had besieged mainland China since the ancient Zhou Dynasty, including that of the Xiongnu from the north. In addition, he also founded the well-known trading route between east and west known as the Silk Road. Notably, Confucianism was practiced by Emperor Wudi, who used its ethics as his guideline for governing the empire. He practically united the nation via his beliefs and his leadership.

To conclude, Emperor Wudi of Han:

• ruled the Han dynasty from 157 BC to 87 BC.
• when Wudi ascended the throne at the age of 15, power was also concentrated in the hands of the king.
• as a rule, he contributed to the development of China by expanding the size of the Han empire through diplomatic alliances or conquering neighboring countries, establishing the Silk Road, and bringing Confucianism to China.

Emperor Guangwu of Han was a Chinese monarch. After re-establishing the Han dynasty in AD 25, he ruled as its emperor and established the Eastern Han (Later Han) dynasty.

Guangwu was one of the many descendants of the Han imperial family. He became one of the numerous members of the defunct dynasty claiming the imperial throne following Wang Mang's takeover of the Han throne and the civil war that followed with the collapse of the Xin dynasty. After rallying forces and declaring himself emperor, he defeated his rivals, destroyed Chimei's peasant army which was famous for its disorganization and brutality, and finally unified China in 36 AD.

The Eastern Han (Later Han) dynasty was formed by him in Luoyang, 335 kilometers east of the former capital Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an). In an effort to address some of the structural inequalities that led to the demise of the Western Han, Guangwu carried out a number of reforms, most notably the land reform. His reforms opened the Han Dynasty to a new period of existence for 200 years.

Emperor Guangwu is among the few rulers in Chinese history who possessed both assertiveness and benevolence. He frequently chose non-violent methods of administration over violent ones in the territories he controlled. He is particularly noteworthy as a rare example of an emperor who established a dynasty without exterminating any people and was resentful of any generals or bureaucrats who assisted in his conquest.

In short, Emperor Guangwu of Han:

• ruled and established the Eastern Han dynasty after re-establishing the Han dynasty in AD 25.
• defeated his rivals, destroyed Chimei's peasant army, and finally unified China in 36 AD.
• as a rule, Guangwu carried out a number of reforms, most notably the land reform.
• had both assertiveness and benevolence.

Emperor Wen, also known as Yang Jian, was the first ruler of China's Sui dynasty, which reigned from AD 541 to AD 604. He is thought to have been the sole ruler to bring prosperity to China following the collapse of the Han dynasty.

Yang Jian served as a Northern Zhou official under the dynasties of Emperor Wu and Emperor Xuan. As Emperor Xuan's father-in-law, he assumed regency after the untimely death of Emperor Xuan in 580. He seized the throne for himself and started the new Sui dynasty after overthrowing the shogun Yuchi Jiong. After the Northwesterners seized control of the region from the Liu Song dynasty, Yang Jian was the first ethnic Han monarch to govern over all of Northern China (not counting the brief reconquest of the Liang Emperor).

Overall, the Wen dynasty was the most prosperous period since the Han Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Wen. He brought a nation in disarray following the fall of the Western Jin dynasty under control with his successful political and governance agenda. His rule was so illustrious that he left a thriving economy and adequate food supplies to survive for 50 years. Additionally strong and armed with cutting-edge technology was the imperial army. Early in its rule, the Sui was threatened by the Gokturks to the north, the nearby Tibetan tribes to the west, the Goguryeo to the northeast, and the dangerous Champa to the east. At the end of Emperor Wen's reign, the Gokturks were split into an eastern and western Kaganate, with the east in the name of submitting to the Sui. Goguryeo and Champa were also defeated and controlled by the Sui respectively.

The building of the Grand Canal was the most well-known endeavor carried out under his rule. It was the canal that joined the Yangtze River with the Yellow River, and it also unlocked a crucial commerce route that helped China's economy grow throughout its history.

Unlike kings of the Ming dynasty, who claimed to have more than 9,000 concubines, Emperor Wen is believed to be the first king in the history of Chinese civilization to have just two concubines.

In sum, Emperor Wen of Sui:

• reigned the Sui dynasty from 541 AD to 604 AD.
• seized the throne for himself and started the new Sui dynasty after overthrowing the shogun Yuchi Jiong.
• his dynasty was the most prosperous period with a powerful army and a prosperous economy with enough food reserves to last for 50 years.
• constructed the Grand Canal connecting the Yellow River and the Yangtze River.

The second Emperor of China's Tang dynasty, Taizong, originally known as the Prince of Qin and going by the name Li Shimin, ruled from 626 to 649. Tradition has it that he was credited with helping his father, Li Yuan, start the dynasty by inciting a rebellion against the Sui in Jinyang in 617. After that, Taizong was crucial in starting a rebellion against the Sui dynasty by vanquishing a number of the dynasty's most dangerous rivals and solidifying its control over China.

As a rule, Taizong strengthened the imperial examination procedures when he was the emperor. In an effort to combat corruption, he insisted that his subordinates uphold non-human policies. Under Zhenguan, China flourished economically and militarily. For more than a century after his death, China enjoyed prosperity and peace due to his solid fortification of imperial defense of China's regions. In terms of size, it encompassed a large portion of the area that the Han dynasty formerly controlled as well as portions of the contemporary countries of Korea, Vietnam, Russia, Mongolia, Xinjiang, and Central Asia. Consolidation and conquest during this period paved the way for Xuanzong's rule, which is regarded as the zenith of the Tang dynasty.

Emperor Taizong, in contrast to the majority of the nobles of his day, was an avowed rationalist, a scholar of logic and scientific reasoning, and even openly scorned superstitions. Additionally, he changed significant ceremonies to lessen the load of agricultural work. According to contemporary Chinese historian Bo Yang, Emperor Taizong excelled by accepting criticism that would be difficult for others to take and by striving not to misuse his total authority. He also worked with excellent prime ministers like Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, and Wei Zheng.

Emperor Taizong is regarded as one of the greatest in Chinese history because his reign served as the benchmark for all succeeding emperors. Later crown princes used the Zhenguan Dynasty, which he lived through, as a study resource since it is regarded as a glorious period in ancient Chinese history.

To conclude, Emperor Taizong of Tang was considered one of the greatest Emperor in Chinese history:

• was the second Emperor of China's Tang dynasty, ruled from 626 to 649 AD.
  
• was an avowed rationalist, a scholar of logic and scientific reasoning.
• as a rule, he strengthened the imperial examination procedures and make an effort to combat corruption. That made China flourish economically and militarily.

The seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty in China, Emperor Xuanzong, sometimes referred to as Emperor Tang or August Star by his given name Li Longji, ruled from 712 to 756 AD. His 44-year reign was the longest in the Tang dynasty.

During the first half of his reign, King Xuanzong, who led the Tang dynasty of China to its apex, was a diligent and shrewd ruler. He is credited for bringing Tang China to a pinnacle of culture and strength with the assistance of excellent prime ministers like Yao Chong, Song Jing, and Zhang Yue. The capital of Xuanzong, Chang'an, was once regarded as the greatest metropolis in the entire world. As the center of China's most wealthy era, the city was also a cosmopolitan metropolis that benefited from commerce via the Silk Road.

Most importantly, Xuanzong's diplomatic and military lines remained open to neighboring empires despite endless conflicts. Although King Huyen Tong did not always win, the Middle Kingdom did not lose any significant territory through wars. Therefore, the development of the Tang Dynasty in this golden age remained unhindered. However, the Anshi uprising, which kicked off the Tang Dynasty's downfall, was the tragedy of the dynasty in the last year of King Xianzong's rule. In addition, Xuanzong's increasing disregard for imperial administration and his willingness to enable the Yang people to influence his court were contributing factors to the uprising. Another element in the turmoil that brought about this collapse was Xuanzong's prior acceptance of imperial rule.

Overall, the contributions of Emperor Xuanzong to China's development as an Asian superpower for a long time are something that we cannot deny. However, it is not fair to him that he does not appear on the list of the greatest emperors of China. Therefore, Toplist has listed him in this article so that readers can have a more objective view of the Great Emperor in Ancient Chinese history.

In short, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang:

• was the seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty ruled from 712 to 756 AD for 44 years.
• was a diligent and shrewd ruler.
• was credited for bringing Tang China to a pinnacle of culture and strength, especially, strengthening foreign and military policy.
• the Anshi uprising was the dynastic tragedy in the last year of King Xianzong's reign.

The only female monarch in ancient China was Empress Wu Zetian, a member of the Zhou dynasty. She implemented several significant reforms between 690 and 705 AD, the duration of her rule. Her political and military leadership has left a lasting legacy, and she waged several battles to expand China's borders.

Early in her life, Wu Zetian was Emperor Taizong's concubine. As a young lady entering Emperor Gaozong's harem, she clashed with Empress Wang and Xiao Shi in an effort to win the emperor's love. Following Taizong's passing, she wed Emperor Gaozong, his successor, and formally assumed the title of empress of Gaozong, the highest position for a wife in 655. Wu Zetian was the most powerful and prominent lady in the court during the height of the Tang dynasty because of her strength, charm, vindictiveness, ambition, and education, as well as the full love of her husband. Even before becoming queen, she possessed a great deal of political influence in the court. After being announced as the queen's consort, she began to control government affairs. Wu Zetian took over as imperial administrator following Emperor Gaozong's stroke in 660, serving in that capacity until 705.

Empress Wu's capacity for excellent leadership and administration has led to her being regarded as one of the greatest rulers in Chinese history. China is now among the most powerful nations in the world as a result of this. Wu Zetian made significant contributions to history through his political and military leadership, including the significant expansion of the Chinese empire far beyond its former borders, into Central Asia, and entry into a number of wars on the Korean Peninsula, initially allying with Silla against Goguryeo and later against Silla. In addition to the effects of her battle for and preservation of supremacy, Wu's leadership in China had significant effects on social class and the accompanying state support for Taoism, Buddhism, education, and literature.

In order to create a strong intelligence apparatus in the court and across the empire, she established a network of spies. She was also crucial in improving the imperial examination process and inspiring capable officials to try to uphold a stable and well-run government. These changes made her enormous nation's bureaucracy better by putting talent above familial relationships. Empress Wu Zetian also had a great impact on the construction of the statue of Longmen Dong and the "Stellar without Words" at the Qianling Mausoleum, as well as the construction of a number of major buildings in China.

In sum, Empress Wu Zetian of Zhou:

• was the only female monarch who ruled from 690 AD and 705 AD in ancient China.
• was the most powerful and prominent lady because of her strength, charm, vindictiveness, ambition, and education
• made significant contributions including empire expansion, social class, religion, education, and literature.
• also had a great influence on the construction of great works such as the statue of Longmen Dong and the "Star without words" at the Qianling Mausoleum.

Emperor Taizu of Song, also known as Zhao Kuangyin, was the first Song emperor of China and the founder of the Song dynasty. He was in power between 960 through 976 AD. He had served as a military officer in the army of the Later Zhou dynasty until he unlawfully usurped power and forced Emperor Gong, the final Zhou emperor, to abdicate. Emperor Taizu is credited with unifying medieval China after the country was divided into several warring states following the disintegration of the Tang Dynasty.

Emperor Taizu, a steadfast military leader who also founded a school of Chinese martial arts, was initially a shogun during the short Later Zhou dynasty. His soldiers assembled on an expedition and requested that he take to the throne.

Song Taizu ended one of China's most turbulent eras. He was a strong supporter of academies that promoted intellectual independence, and he also had a significant impact on the development of the empire's educational system. As a result, several publications lauding the Song period as the height of Chinese liberty were written. Most crucially, after his ascent, Song Taizu skillfully eliminated the influence of military leaders by using compulsion rather than violence or murder. The action was crucial in releasing China from the long-standing threat of internal feuds in the years immediately succeeding his rule. It also ensured the establishment of the Song dynasty and the start of China's golden age.

To conclude, Emperor Taizu of Song:

• was the first Song emperor of China and was in power between 960 through 976 AD.
• was a steadfast military leader who also founded a school of Chinese martial arts.
• ended one of China's most turbulent eras.
• was a strong supporter of academies that promoted intellectual independence.
• also had a significant impact on the development of the empire's educational system.
• was skillful military leadership in liberating China from the long-term threat ensuring the beginning of China's golden age.

Genghis Khan, who is frequently referred to as "the conqueror of the world," established the Mongolian Empire. He was the first great khan of the empire, ruling from 1206 to 1227, and the empire continued to prosper for many years after his passing.

The violence with which Genghis Khan treated citizens earned him the nickname "the murderous emperor". By expanding it, he made the Mongolian Empire the biggest empire in Chinese history. Throughout his leadership, he attacked a number of important Asian and Eurasian territories, and nearly every invasion resulted in the murder of thousands of citizens. This is how he developed such a terrifying reputation.

Despite his reputation for cruelty, Genghis Khan contributed greatly to society throughout his rule. The creation of Mongolian law and the widespread adoption of the Uyghur script as a writing system was among Genghis Khan's civic accomplishments in addition to his military victories. He also followed meritocracy and the toleration of all religions. Because he brought together the nomadic tribes of Northeast Asia, modern-day Mongols revere him as the founder of Mongolia. He also substantially decreased communication and trade between Christian Europe, Muslim Southwest Asia, and Northeast Asia by establishing the Silk Road in a stable political climate. All of the Eurasian civilizations of the past had their cultural horizons expanded through global commerce. In addition, Genghis Khan created the first global mail service, and, as a result of his conquest of several states of diverse ethnicities, his administration witnessed extensive trade and cultural interaction.

In short, Genghis Khan:

• was the conqueror of the world, and established the Mongolian Empire.
• was the first great Khan of the empire, ruling from 1206 to 1227.
• the violence with which Genghis Khan treated citizens earned him the nickname "the murderous emperor".
• Genghis Khan also contributed greatly to society during his rule by creating his own writing system, promoting religion, and developing commerce through the Silk Road.
• Modern-day Mongols revere him as the founder of Mongolia.

Kublai Setsen Khan, often referred to as Emperor Shizu of Yuan, was the grandson of Genghis Khan and the fifth khagan of the Mongol Empire. He established the Yuan dynasty and served as its first emperor. Kublai Setsen Khan controlled a huge region that spanned from China to the modern-day Republic of Korea from 1260 to 1294 AD. He overthrew the Song dynasty and named the dynasty of the kingdom "Dayuan" in 1271 and governed Yuan China until his death in 1294.

He succeeded his brother Khagan in 1260 although he had to beat his younger brother Ariq Boke in the Toluid Civil War, which raged until 1264. As Khagan he remained influential in the Ilkhanate and Golden Horde, however, Kublai Khan's real power was limited to the Yuan Empire. The Mongol Empire at the time covered a vast area, spanning from Siberia to what is now Afghanistan, and from the Pacific to the Black Sea.

By establishing the Yuan dynasty in 1271, Kublai Khan formally recognized the validity of China's previous dynasties' succession. Most of modern-day China, Mongolia, Korea, southern Siberia, and other neighboring areas were under the dominion of the Yuan dynasty. As Khagan, he also gained power throughout the Middle East and Europe. When the Song dynasty was conquered by the Yuan in 1279, Kublai Khan became the first non-Han ruler to control the entirety of China.

Kublai Khan promoted international contacts and was accepting of individuals from many cultural backgrounds. He was said to have had a more peaceful reign than his violent forebears. He united China after overthrowing the Song dynasty, improved the nation's infrastructure, and constructed the Grand Canal.

The Kublai Khan emperor picture is a member of a collection of Yuan emperor and empress portraits presently housed at the National Palace Museum in Taipei. Based on the Chinese idea of the five elements, the white color of Kublai Khan's royal clothes is the imperial color of the Yuan dynasty.

In sum, Kublai Khan Emperor:

• controlled a huge region that spanned from China to the modern-day Republic of Korea from 1260 to 1294 AD.
• overthrew the Song dynasty and named the dynasty of the kingdom "Dayuan" in 1271 and governed Yuan China until his death in 1294.
• became the first non-Han ruler to control the entirety of China.
• promoted international contacts and was accepting of individuals from many cultural backgrounds.
• improved the nation's infrastructure, and rebuilt the Grand Canal.
• The painting of Emperor Kublai Khan is currently kept at the National Palace Museum in Taipei.

The third ruler of the Ming dynasty and fourth son of Emperor Hongwu, who established the Ming dynasty, Ming Chengzu is renowned as the Yongle Emperor. Historical writings also refer to him as Zhu Di. Yongle Emperor took the throne from his own nephew by force rather than through inheritance. His reign lasted from 1402 AD to 1424 AD.

Despite the fact that he gave his kingdom the name "Yongle," which means "everlasting pleasure," in actuality he was a cruel tyrant who instituted little social improvements. Prior to Ming Chengzu, emperors had approved the practice of executing the families of their political rivals, however, Yongle Emperor extended this to the execution of their friends and teachers. Furthermore, Emperor Yongle also initiated inhumane behavior when he ordered his concubine to be killed after the emperor's death. Many people in the Forbidden City were horrified to see the death of an emperor in several dynasties after Yongle ruled.

We cannot, however, ignore Yongle's contributions to China's progress and wealth throughout the Ming Dynasty. Many of Yongle's military expeditions further subdued the danger posed by the northern Mongols, tribes that were left over from the previous Yuan dynasty. His reforms in the military, education, and economy had a significant positive impact on the empire. He also spearheaded a number of measures that aided trade, notably the reopening of China's Grand Canal for trade, which now is a vital economic connection. Under Yongle's command, the Chinese navy also sailed throughout Asia, forging several diplomatic ties and even making it as far as Africa.

Chengzu's accomplishments are widely accessible to visitors to China today through some of the nation's most well-known sights. Emperor Yongle was responsible for relocating the imperial seat from Nanjing to Beijing. Furthermore, he also ordered the construction of the Forbidden City and began the construction of the Great Wall of the Middle Ages.

Yongle Emperor's reign left the history of China with the Yongle Encyclopedia, the largest encyclopedia on paper. It is considered to hold a milestone in Chinese history because it contains the respectable culture of China.

To conclude, Yongle Emperor of Ming:

• established the Ming dynasty and reigned from 1402 AD to 1424 AD.
• was a cruel tyrant that extended this to the execution of their friends and teachers.
• Yongle's contributions to China's progress and wealth throughout the Ming Dynasty include reforms in the military, education, and economy.
• ordered the construction of the Forbidden City and began the construction of the Great Wall of the Middle Ages.
• produced the largest encyclopedia on paper "the Yongle Encyclopedia".

The fourth ruler of the Qing dynasty was Emperor Kangxi. Emperor Kangxi held the throne for 61 years between 1661 and 1722 AD, making him one of the world's longest-serving monarchs. He ascended the throne at the age of seven and ruled under his grandmother, Empress Dowager Xiaozhuang, and four other regents.

After Kangxi became emperor, he quickly seized control from his regents and put an end to a significant insurrection in Southern and Western China. Later, he also stopped the Russian Empire's expansionist operations and put an end to the Anti-Manchu forces who were located in Southeast China. Emperor Kangxi was a prominent military commander who put an end to several rebel assaults. He formed the Tungning Kingdom in Taiwan after quelling the Three Emperors' Mongol uprising.

After years of conflict and unrest, Emperor Kangxi's reign produced a long-lasting calm and relative prosperity. He started the era known as the "Prosperous Period of Kangxi and Qianlong" or "Gao Qing," which continued for many generations after his passing. His court also produced literary works such as the Quan Tangshi poetry collection and the Kangxi Dictionary. When it was finished, this dictionary included more than 47,000 characters and served as the standard reference for all Chinese academics for the following 200 years.

In short, Emperor Kangxi of Qing:

• was one of the world's longest-serving monarchs who held the throne for 61 years between 1661 and 1722 AD.
• a prominent military commander who put an end to several rebel assaults.
• his reign produced a long-lasting calm and relative prosperity.

Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty, often referred to as Emperor Shizong, was the fourth Emperor of the Qing dynasty to dominate China. He was in power from 1722 until 1735. Emperor Yongzheng was a diligent ruler whose primary objective was to establish a government that was cost-effective and effective. Like his father, Emperor Kangxi, Emperor Yongzheng employed the military to maintain the dynasty's status.

In it, Yongzheng is frequently portrayed as a throne-hungry monster who first killed his father (Emperor Kangxi) to seize the throne and then murdered the majority of his brothers to guarantee its dominance. Even worse, he was charged with using a horrific method of execution to mercilessly murder several Ming supporters.

He was murderous, violent, and savage, yet we still have to admit that he was more influential than other emperors of the dynasty in bringing about a century of prosperity for pre-modern China. In particular, like his long-reigning father, Yongzheng was a hardworking emperor. He has successfully reduced corruption, strengthened budgetary policies, and improved administrative efficiency thanks to his managerial acumen. Such rationalization of the imperial bureaucracy paved the way for the Qing to reach the pinnacle of development under Yongzheng's son, Qianlong. In addition, his reign also saw the formation of the Grand Council, an organization that had a tremendous impact on the future development of the Qing dynasty.

In short, Emperor Yongzheng of Qing:

• was the fourth Emperor of the Qing dynasty and was in power from 1722 AD until 1735 AD.
• is portrayed as a throne-hungry monster, but was a diligent ruler.
• he eliminated corruption, consolidated the budget, and improved administrative efficiency by streamlining the bureaucracy.
• paved the way for the Qing Dynasty to reach the pinnacle of development.

Emperor Qianlong, also known as Emperor Gaozong, was the fifth Emperor of the Qing dynasty. He was the fourth son of Emperor Yongzheng, who came to power and ruled China from 1735 to 1796.

After inheriting a flourishing empire, the Qing Empire during its lengthy rule had its most glorious and affluent period, with a sizable population and economy. Emperor Qianlong was a military commander who oversaw military expeditions that significantly increased the dynasty's geographical expansion via conquest and even invasion of Central Asian nations. However, The Qing empire began to fall with corruption and waste of the imperial treasury in the later years of Emperor Qianlong's life and slowly transformed into a stagnant civil society.

The Qianlong Emperor was a tremendous supporter of the arts and of religion when he was in power. He backed Confucianism and Tibetan Buddhism despite a sense of political control. Similar to his grandpa, he also paid for the publication of Siku Quanshu, an encyclopedia aimed to compete with the Yongle Encyclopedia.

In 1796, he abdicated in favor of his son, Emperor Jiaqing. But even after he retired, Emperor Qianlong continued to hold the position of Retired Emperor until his passing in 1799 at the age of 87. He was one of the most powerful and longest-reigning emperors in Chinese history as a result.

However, out of respect for his greatness, Emperor Qianlong was overly careless with his retainers, which contributed to a dramatic rise in despotism and corruption in the court. This began the rapid decline of the Qing Dynasty. And fewer than 50 years after Qianlong's passing, China saw one of its worst humiliations ever as a result of the First Opium War.

In sum, Emperor Qianlong of Qing:

• was the fifth Emperor of the Qing dynasty, came to power, and ruled China from 1735 to 1796.
• was the one who oversaw military expeditions to expand territory through the conquest of Central Asian countries.
• was a huge supporter of the arts and religion that supported Confucianism and Tibetan Buddhism.
• abdicated in favor of his son, Emperor Jiaqing in 1796.
• 50 years after Qianlong's death, the First Opium War struck as China's worst humiliation.