Hongchun

Hongchun (弘春), born on 11 October 1703 and deceased on 3 March 1739, was an imperial prince of the Qing dynasty. He was the eldest son of Yunti, the 14th son of the Kangxi Emperor, and Empress Xiaogongren. His paternal lineage also related him to the Qianlong Emperor, as a cousin.

Hongchun was granted the title of Prince Tai of the Second Rank in 1731, a peerage he held until 1735. During this period, the title was not granted with perpetual inheritability; subsequent generations of his line held diminishing ranks. Despite the extinction of many imperial lineages, Hongchun's descendants continued to be recorded within the imperial genealogies until the end of the Qing dynasty.

Born to Lady Šušu Gioro, Hongchun's early years were characterized by filial piety and intelligence. He maintained a close relationship with his father, Yunti. In 1723, Hongchun received the title of prince of the fourth rank. However, he lost this title in 1726 amid political turmoil involving his father, who was implicated in supporting Yunsi's unsuccessful bid for the throne and was subsequently banished from the imperial clan. Yunti was detained in the Hall of Imperial Longevity in Jingshan Park, and Hongchun cared for him during his house arrest. This act of filiality contributed to Hongchun being granted the title of grace defender duke.

Hongchun’s rise in rank continued in 1728 when he was promoted to prince of the third rank. In 1731, he received the title Prince Tai of the Second Rank. However, prior to the ascension of the Qianlong Emperor, Hongchun faced accusations of financial misconduct, including the embezzlement of 1000 taels and alleged blasphemy against Buddha. These accusations led to the revocation of his title and the confiscation of his property by the secret police force known as the Embroidered Uniform Guards (Luanyiwei).

Hongchun died without receiving posthumous honors in 1739. His lineage was reduced to minor clansmen, known as "xiansan zongshi," and was formally recorded in the imperial genealogical records.

He was married to Lady Gūwalgiya, daughter of Viscount Qingde. His secondary consort was Lady Usun, who was demoted to a mistress status following Hongchun's loss of his princely title.

Hongchun had several children: his primary consort's sons included Yongxin (1720–1806), Yongyu (1723–1781), Yongshuo (1724–1773), and Yongta (1735–1749). His other sons included Yongjin (1729–1775), leader of the imperial guards, and Chang'anbao (1721–1727), among others. His progeny held various minor titles and roles within the imperial court following the loss of their ancestor’s princely status.