1673 · Revolt of the Three Feudatories
Age 19
The provinces of Yunnan, Fujian, and Guangdong led a revolt against the Qing government, starting in 1673. There were issues in the early years of the Qing Dynasty that prevented the rulers from maintaining direct control of the southern provinces. The government appointed generals of the former Ming Dynasty to help maintain control. Wu Sangui was granted the right to govern Yunnan and Guizhou, Shang Kexi was put in charge of Guangdong, and Geng Zhongming was given Fujian. After political disagreements, Wu Sangui declared his own dynasty (Zhou) and began a rebellion based on opposing the Qing Dynasty and restoring the Ming; others soon followed his lead. Ultimately, the rebellion was suppressed after several years. Many of the rebels were executed or driven to exile.
1689 · Treaty of Nerchinsk
Age 35
The first treaty between China and Russia was the Treaty of Nerchinsk (August 27, 1689). The treaty stated that Russia was allowed to keep the region between the Argun River and Lake Baikal, while China would get the area north of the Amur River through the Stanovoy Range.
1698 · Marco Polo Bridge
Age 44
The Luguo Bridge, commonly called the Marco Polo Bridge, completed construction in 1698. The total length of the bridge is 266.5 meters, and it has a width of 9.3 meters. The original bridge had been completed back in 1192. The Kangxi Emperor ordered the reconstruction of the bridge, primarily in response to extreme flooding that had caused damage. Centuries later, Marco Polo would praise the structure, leading to its current nickname.