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The Yongzheng Emperor succeeded the Kangxi Emperor as ruler of the Qing Dynasty in December 1722. The circumstances of the succession have been shrouded in mystery for hundreds of years. Contemporary historians have yet to reach a verdict on how the Yongzheng Emperor came to ascend the throne.

The Kangxi Emperor named his second eldest child, the oldest son born to his first Empress Consort Heseli, Yunreng, as Crown Prince in 1678. Kangxi removed Yunreng as Crown Prince Twice. The later years of Kangxi's reign was rife with court intrigue and competition among the remaining sons for the throne. The competition for the succession to the throne was known as the "Nine Princes Vying for Favour" (九子夺嫡), and subsequent disputed succession of Yongzheng, have been adapted to a wide range of fictional works as well as historical television dramas.

Background

The Kangxi Emperor had thirty six recorded sons, of which twenty four survived long enough to be given a numerical birth order, a customary convention for siblings in Chinese families of large size. The sons of the Emperor were imperial princes, and were known by the order in which they were born. The main players, the "nine princes" that were involved in the battled for succession were as follows:

• Yinzhi, the 1st Prince, son of Noble Consort Hui, early contender for the throne
• Yinreng, the Crown Prince (second son by birth order), heir apparent for most of Kangxi's reign
• Yinzhi, the 3rd Prince, early contender for the throne, known for his literary prowess
• Yinzhen, the 4th Prince, born to the Consort De of the Uya Clan, nicknamed the "Cold Prince"
• Yinsi, the 8th Prince, known for his competence and virtue, favourite of most officials at court, lost favour with Kangxi during battle for succession
• Yintang, the 9th Prince, supporter of Yinsi
• Yin'e, the 10th Prince, supporter of Yinsi
• Yinxiang, the 13th Prince, supporter of Yinzhen
• Yinti, the 14th Prince, born to the Consort De of the Uya Clan, supporter of Yinsi, later lead commander of the northwest expeditionary force, believed to be favoured towards the end of Kangxi's reign

Several other Princes, include the 5th Prince Yinqi, the 16th Prince Yinlu, also play minor roles.

Of these, only Yinzhi and Yinzhen held the highest noble rank of Qinwang, roughly translated as a "Prince of the Blood". The other princes were variably given titles between Junwang (second grade rank) to Beizi (roughly, "lord", fourth grade).