Why did Kangxi study Zhu Xi’s Confucian philosophy?

The Kangxi emperor’s study of Zhu Xi’s neo-Confucian philosophy was a strategic and intellectual endeavor. As a ruler of the Manchu Qing dynasty, Kangxi recognized that embracing and arduously emulating Confucianist ideals was a highly effective means to gain the trust and confidence of the Chinese majority.1

By engaging with these philosophical traditions, Kangxi sought to align his administration with the established cultural and moral expectations of the scholar-official class. His dedication to these studies, which he pursued even while managing the daily administrative duties of the empire, helped solidify the legitimacy of his rule. This commitment to Confucian scholarship was part of a broader effort to integrate Manchu leadership into the traditional Chinese imperial system, ensuring political stability and social order throughout his long and prosperous reign.1