Shang Kexi
The young emperor faced challenges in maintaining control of his kingdom, as well. Three Ming generals singled out for their contributions to the establishment of the dynasty had been ennobled as feudal princes and given governorships over vast territories in Southern China. The chief of these was Wu Sangui, who was given the provinces of Yunnan and Guizhou, while generals Shang Kexi and Geng Jingzhong were given Guangdong and Fujian provinces respectively. The three feudal lords became increasingly autonomous. Finally, in 1673, Shang Kexi petitioned Kangxi for permission to retire and nominated his son as his successor. The young emperor granted the retirement, but denied the heredity of his fief. In reaction, the two other generals decided to petition for their own retirements to test Kangxi's resolve. The move backfired as the young emperor called their bluff, accepting their requests and ordering that all three fiefdoms to be reverted to the crown. Wu Sangui, later joined by Geng Zhongming and by Shang Kexi's son Shang Zhixin, felt they had no choice but to revolt. The ensuing Revolt of the Three Feudatories lasted for eight years. The rebels extended their control as far north as the Yangtze River, nearly dividing China. Wu could not coordinate strategy with his allies, and Kangxi was able to unify his forces for a counterattack led by a new generation of Manchu generals. By 1681, the Qing government had established control over a ravaged southern China, which took several decades to recover.