Mianyi

Honorable Prince Rongke Mianyi, whose Manchu name is ᠮᡳᠶᠠᠨ ᡳ, transcribed in Mulingde as miyan i; from September 10, 1764 to April 14, 1815, was a grandson of Emperor Qianlong, the fifth son of the Prince Rong Yongqi. His mother was Lady Suo Chuo Luo, daughter of Grand Secretary Guan Bao. He was born on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month in the 29th year of Qianlong’s reign. At birth, he was a twin; his older brother died early. His mother was Lady Suo Chuo Luo. Mianyi studied in the Academy of Literature from a young age and was highly favored by Emperor Qianlong, which led to him receiving educational opportunities within the palace.

In the 49th year of Qianlong’s reign, Mianyi was bestowed the title of Beile (Prince). In the 4th year of Jiaqing (1799), he was elevated to Prince of Rongjun. In the 11th year of Jiaqing (1806), he was reprimanded by Emperor Jiaqing for using the wrong character (jin) in the names of his two sons, and was told that “it is not like the close branch but similar to a distant branch,” leading to his removal from the Dianqing Gate and assignment to duties outside the palace hall. He also lost positions such as Inner Guard and Garden Supervisor. Subsequently, Mianyi changed his sons' names to use the correct character (si). During the 18th year of Jiaqing (1813), during the Guiyou Incident in Beijing, Mianyi spoke uprightly and earnestly requested Emperor Jiaqing to restore him to the capital quickly to stabilize the people's minds. His sincerity was recognized by the emperor, whom restored his official rank and favored him, and he was greatly loved and employed. This period is recorded as “being greatly favored and utilized by Emperor Jiaqing.”

Mianyi died in the 20th year of Jiaqing (1815) at the age of 51. He was posthumously granted the title of Ke (reverent). There are discrepancies in the records regarding his exact date of death; some sources cite March 5, 1815, while others record April 14, 1815. His life and deeds are mainly documented in the "Draft History of Qing" (Qing Shi Gao) and related genealogies.

Regarding his family, his primary wife from the Zhangjia clan was the daughter of Shubi A sida; his secondary wife from the Wangjia clan was the daughter of Xide; and he also had a concubine of the Li clan. His two sons were the eldest, Yihui (whose main wife belonged to the Heshere clan, daughter of Fule Hong A, Deputy Commander) and the second, Yihu. Records also relate to the adjustments in his sons’ names involving the radical characters, correlating with subsequent changes in his official status and treatment.

References: Zhao Erxun’s "Draft History of Qing"; "Aisin Gioro Genealogy."