Zaifeng, Prince Chun

Zaifeng (12 February 1883 – 3 February 1951), also known as Tsai Feng, was a Manchu prince of the Qing dynasty. He held the title Prince Chun (or Prince Ch'un in Wade–Giles) and served as regent from 1908 to 1911 during the reign of his son, Puyi, the last emperor of China.

Born in the Aisin Gioro clan, Zaifeng was the fifth son of Yixuan, Prince Chun, and Liugiya Cuiyan. His birth took place on 12 February 1883, in the ninth year of the Guangxu Emperor's reign. His mother, Liugiya Cuiyan, was a maid in Prince Chun’s residence before becoming one of his concubines. Her family was originally from a Han bannerman family with the surname Liu (劉), which was later changed to Liugiya (劉佳) after her marriage and transfer to a Manchu banner.

In 1875, following the death of the childless Tongzhi Emperor, Zaifeng’s elder half-brother Zaitian was selected by the Empress Dowagers Cixi and Ci'an as the new emperor, adopting the era name Guangxu; this moved Zaitian out of the official line of Prince Chun’s biological sons. After Prince Chun's death in January 1891, Zaifeng inherited his princely title at the age of eight.

During the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, it was reported that Zaifeng’s fiancée committed suicide to avoid humiliation by foreign troops occupying Beijing.

In late 1901, Zaifeng was appointed as an army inspector and subsequently served as a special ambassador to Germany to express regrets over the murder of German diplomat Baron von Ketteler. In September 1901, he met Kaiser Wilhelm II in Potsdam and attended military inspections with the Kaiser and Prince Heinrich. His diplomatic efforts in Germany were considered successful, leading to his appointment to various government positions, although he was viewed with suspicion by Empress Dowager Cixi, who was wary of his increasing influence and his perceived favoritism toward foreign powers.

In 1902, Zaifeng married Youlan, daughter of Ronglu, a conservative politician and supporter of Cixi. The marriage was reportedly unhappy. They had several children, including their son Puyi, born in 1906, who later became the last emperor of China, and another son, Pujie. They also had three daughters: Yunying, Yunhe, and Yunying.

Following the death of the Guangxu Emperor on 14 November 1908, Empress Dowager Cixi issued an edict proclaiming Zaifeng's eldest son, Puyi, as the successor emperor, with Zaifeng appointed as prince regent to assist him. Cixi died the next day, ending her 47-year influence over China. Zaifeng administered the court during the initial years of Puyi's reign, focusing on political and economic reforms, including the establishment of provincial assemblies and local elections. His tenure as regent was marked by internal court conflicts and revolutionary upheavals.

On 10 October 1911, the Wuchang Uprising initiated the Xinhai Revolution, leading to the fall of the Qing dynasty. Zaifeng was compelled to recall Yuan Shikai, and ultimately, on 6 December 1911, Zaifeng resigned as regent, replaced by Empress Dowager Longyu. He expressed relief at resuming private life, stating, "Now I am back in the family, and I can finally care for my children."

During the subsequent decades, Zaifeng remained in China, living in Beijing and Tianjin. He married again to Lady Denggiya, with whom he had additional children. His wife Youlan committed suicide in 1921. During the Japanese occupation of China, he opposed the establishment of Manchukuo and disapproved of his son Puyi’s involvement with the puppet state. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Zaifeng was regarded favorably for his peaceful abdication and support for the republican government.

He died in Beijing on 3 February 1951. His descendants, many of whom adopted the surname Jin (金), reside in Beijing. Many of his family members have changed their Manchu clan name, Aisin Gioro, to a Chinese surname, meaning "gold."

Zaifeng's personal names and titles included his clan name Aisin Gioro (愛新覺羅), personal name Zaifeng, courtesy names Bohan and Yiyun, and pseudonym Jingyun. His titles included Prince Chun of the First Rank (醇親王) and Prince-Regent (攝政王).