Yongzheng was otherwise known as Yinzhen or Yunzhen. He was the 4th son of Kangxi. After Langxi died in 1722, the princes started a fierce struggle for the throne. However, Yongzheng won mainly due to support from his powerful uncle Long Keduo in court and the powerful troops of General Nian Gengyao outside.

    Yongzheng was known for being shrewd and good at scheming especially when it came to protecting his throne. He convicted Nian Gengyao, Long Keduo and several of his own brothers because he suspected them of eyeing his throne. In a further attempt to strengthen his rule, he issued a dcree to weaken the power of the rulers of the 8 Banners.
 
    One of his achievements which is most well-received bu the population is hwen he adopted the suggestion by Li Weijun, the governor of Zhili, to revise the tax system. He abolised the head tax and made land the sole standrad for taxation. This lightened the load of the poor and changed the phenomenon of families under-reporting the number of family members to lower the taxes.

    Yongzheng died in 1735 at the age of 57.