Tong Tulai

Tung Tulai (Manchu: ᡨᡠᠩ ᡨᡠᠯᠠᡳ, Lingyuan Transcription: tung tulai; 1606–1658), originally named Shengnian, initially served in the Plain Blue Banner of the Manchu banners and held the position of General of the Plain Blue Banner. Later he transferred to the Manchu Yellow Banner. Tung Tulai was the son of Tong Yangzhen; due to taboo, his name was changed to Tong Yangzheng. Emperor Kangxi was his maternal grandfather. He died in the 15th year of the Shunzhi Emperor’s reign, was posthumously granted sacrificial offerings, conferred the title of Shaobao (Minor Commander), and continued to hold the positions of Crown Prince’s Protector and Prince’s Tutor, with the posthumous name Qinxiang.

In terms of his biography, Tung Tulai’s ancestors were Jurchen, and his family resided in Tongjiaxi within the Erguna River area. The Tung family was highly sinicized. In the fifth year of Tiancong (1620), he participated in the campaign against Dalinghe alongside Qing Taizu and was promoted to Second-Class Chezuwei for meritorious service. In the third year of Chongde (1628), he was appointed as Right Assistant Minister of the Board of War. In the fifth year of Chongde, he participated in the siege of Jinzhou alongside Prince Ruizhao Dorgon, capturing Baiguanner Tuni. In the sixth year of Chongde, he joined Zheng Prince Jirharang in the siege of Jinzhou, capturing Jintangkou San Tuni. In the seventh year of Chongde, he attacked Songshan Fortress and was promoted to First-Class Lighter Cavalry Commander. During the Kangxi era, as the maternal grandfather of the Kangxi Emperor’s Queen Xiao Kangzhang, he was granted the honorary title of First-Class Duke and ordered to transfer to the Manchu Yellow Banner. After Emperor Shizong’s ascension, he was posthumously granted the title of Grand Master, and Tong Yangzheng was posthumously promoted to First-Class Duke with the posthumous name Zhongxian. In the second year, a shrine was built for him, with spring and autumn sacrifices held there. The inscription on the shrine reads “Gong Zong Yuan Sacrifice.”

Regarding his family, his father was Tong Yangzhen, and his older brother was Tong Fengnian. His children include his eldest son Tong Guji, second son Tong Gugang, and third son Tong Guwei. His daughter was Empress Xiaokangzhang. These members compose Tung Tulai’s direct family tree and indicate his connections within the Qing imperial genealogies.