The best-known inheritance dispute in china

One of the biggest disputes over a will in Chinese history happened in 1722 after the death of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). According to Kangxi's will, his fourth son, who later became Emperor Yongzheng, would inherit China's largest fortune - the country itself. The problem was that Kangxi had 35 sons and no one knew his intentions until his will was executed soon after his death.

However, rumors spread that instead of complying with Kangxi's wishes, Yongzheng stole the throne by changing the written will. Novelists even suggested that he had poisoned or suffocated his father and although historians disproved the rumors, doubts lingered.

The case is unique in that it was of vital importance for the country, the fortune involved was limitless and the emperor enjoyed unassailable power.