Parallel to figures like George Washington or U.S. Grant in American history, K"ang-hsi's military ability made him especially popular. His heritage as a Manchu warrior and hunter not only made him respectable, but it taught the emperor about sacrifice and perseverance. Spence's chapter entitled "In Motion" uses numerous references to show how Kang-hsi's hunting knowledge helped him with his military strategy.
K"ang-hsi was a popular ruler also because of his public desire to travel care for his people. As evidenced by the enormity of the Forbidden City, it was easy for a Chinese emperor to get lost in his own world. K"anghsi made a conscious effort to get out and experience the empire he ruled. Part of his desire to travel came from the love of hunting and exploration, but the emperor used these times to connect with his people, as well. "While on the move, I"d live roughly and without formality - those passing in front of me didn't have to dismount, and as on the hunts we would cook fish or food we caught in a simple way- (17).
A final important quality of the emperor that allowed the Qing to flourish can be looked at from two angles. K"ang-hsi's focus on purity and honesty made him a more effective ruler, but it also blinded him from some of his own faults. From one angle, reading K"ang-hsi's self-portrait reveals what an admirable character the emperor possessed. Even though he slept with at least thirty women, he was aware of the dangers of having a harem. He looked at the strengths and weaknesses of past emperors and promised himself not to make the same mistakes that they did. He also realized that being the Son of Heaven did not make him omniscient. "Since my childhood I have always tried to find things out for myself and not to pretend to have knowledge when I was ignorant" (65). K"ang-hsi was very good at hearing people's opinions and applying their knowledge to his empire.