The Yongzheng Emperor (13 December 1678 - 8 October 1735); was the fourth emperor of the Manchu Qing Dynasty; and the third Qing emperor to rule over China proper; from 1722 to 1735. A hard-working ruler; Yongzheng's main goal was to create an effective government at minimum expense. Like his father; the Kangxi Emperor; Yongzheng used military force in order to preserve the dynasty's position. Suspected by historians to have usurped the throne; his reign was often called despotic; efficient; and vigorous. Although Yongzheng's reign was much shorter than the reigns of both his father; the Kangxi Emperor; and his son; the Qianlong Emperor; his sudden death was probably brought about by his workload. Yongzheng continued an era of continued peace and prosperity as he cracked down on corruption and waste; and reformed the financial administration.