Yixuan, Prince Chun

Yixuan (16 October 1840 – 1 January 1891), also known as Prince Chun, was an imperial prince of the Qing dynasty, belonging to the Aisin-Gioro clan. He was the seventh son of the Daoguang Emperor and the younger half-brother of the Xianfeng Emperor. He was the father of the Guangxu Emperor (his second son) and through his fifth son Zaifeng, the paternal grandfather of the Xuantong Emperor (Puyi), who was the last Emperor of China.

Family Background:

Yixuan was born in Beijing as the seventh son of the Daoguang Emperor. His mother was Imperial Noble Consort Zhuangshun of the Uya (烏雅氏) clan. Shortly after his birth, Lady Uya was promoted through the imperial ranks, eventually receiving the posthumous title "Imperial Noble Consort Zhuangshun."

In February 1850, following the death of the Daoguang Emperor, Yixuan’s fourth brother, Yizhu, ascended the throne as the Xianfeng Emperor. During the Xianfeng Emperor's reign, Yixuan was granted the title of "Prince Chun of the Second Rank" (醇郡王). He maintained a relatively low profile in political affairs during this period.

Marriage and Political Involvement:

In 1860, Yixuan married Wanzhen of the Yehe Nara clan, who was the younger sister of Empress Dowager Cixi, linking him closely to the influential Cixi. After the death of the Xianfeng Emperor in August 1861, the throne was succeeded by his five-year-old son, Zaichun, known as the Tongzhi Emperor. Political conflicts over regency ensued, leading to the Xinyou Coup in November 1861, in which Yixuan supported Prince Gong and the regent Empress Dowager Cixi, orchestrating the seizure of power from Sushun and his faction. During the Tongzhi Emperor's reign (1861–1875), Yixuan held roles both in military and civil service, being promoted to "Prince Chun of the First Rank" (醇親王) in 1872.

Reign of the Guangxu Emperor:

Following the death of the Tongzhi Emperor in 1875, Yixuan's second son, Zaitian, was chosen by Empress Dowager Cixi to succeed as Emperor Guangxu, although he was adopted into the Xianfeng Emperor's lineage. This decision placed Yixuan in a complex position: as the biological father of the emperor, yet in a subordinate regent role, especially under Cixi's dominance.

Yixuan resigned from official positions shortly after his son’s accession and was granted the "iron-cap" privilege, allowing his title to be inherited without downgrading. He was involved in the education of the young Guangxu Emperor and was a prominent figure in court affairs, especially after the death of Empress Dowager Cixi's co-regent, Empress Dowager Ci'an, in 1881.

In 1885, Yixuan was appointed Controller of the Admiralty, overseeing naval construction. As Guangxu matured, Yixuan requested Cixi to prolong her regency, and he remained a key court figure, often acting as an intermediary. His influence waned after the regency period, particularly following the retreat of Cixi from active power.

Death and Posthumous Honors:

Yixuan died on 1 January 1891, shortly before completion of the Summer Palace expansion works. His fifth son, Zaifeng, inherited his title of "Prince Chun of the First Rank." Posthumously, Yixuan was bestowed the name "Xian" (賢), leading to his full title being "Prince Chunxian of the First Rank" (醇賢親王).

Tomb and Residence:

Yixuan's tomb, known as the "Seventh Prince's Grave," is situated approximately 35 km northwest of Beijing. According to Puyi’s autobiography, a ginkgo tree grew on his tomb, which was interpreted as an omen of a new emperor emerging from his lineage, leading Empress Dowager Cixi to have the tree felled. His former residence, the Prince Chun Mansion near Shichahai, Beijing, served as his residence and is now a historical site.

Family:

Yixuan's primary consort was Wanzhen of the Yehe Nara clan, with whom he had children, including Zaitian (Guangxu Emperor), and the fifth son Zaifeng. He also had secondary consorts and children, including Zaixun and Zaitao. His descendants continued to hold prominent positions within the Qing imperial family.

Names and Titles:

Clan Name: Aisin-Gioro (爱新觉罗)

Personal Name: Yixuan (奕譞)

Courtesy Name: Pu'an (朴菴)

Pseudonyms: Master of the Jiusi Hall; Withdrawn Master

Titles:

- Prince Chun of the Second Rank (1850–1872)

- Prince Chun of the First Rank (1872–1891)

Posthumous Title: Prince Chunxian of the First Rank (醇賢親王)

Yixuan was interred in a princely tomb located near Beijing, distinguished by superstition-related stories associated with his grave, and is a now-preserved archaeological site.