Nikan

Nikan (Manchu: ᠨᡳᡴᠠᠨ, transliteration: Nikan; July 1, 1610 – December 23, 1652), was a member of the Aisin Gioro clan, honored as the Jingjinzhuang Prince. He was a grandson of Nurhaci, the founding emperor of the Qing Dynasty, and the third son of Zhu Ying.

Life and Family Background

His grandfather was Nurhaci, the founder of the Qing Dynasty, and his grandmother was Nurhaci’s primary consort. His father was Prince Guanglue Zhu Ying (1580–1615), Nurhaci’s eldest son; his mother was of the Nara clan, Zhu Ying’s secondary wife, and a daughter of Qing Jian Nu. Nikan accompanied his father into the palace and was granted the title of Jingjinzhuang Prince. In 1646 (the third year of Shunzhi), he followed Hao Ge into Shaanxi to participate in military campaigns around Hanzhong and Sichuan, suppressing Zhang Xianzhong’s forces. In 1652 (the ninth year of Shunzhi), the court conferred upon Nikan the title of Dingyuan Grand General to campaign against enemies, participating in battles in Hunan and Guangxi. After the fall of Guilin, Li Dingguo issued an order for Nikan to lead troops into Guangxi. In November, Qing forces reached Hengzhou, and the Ming general Ma Jinzhong and others retreated. Nikan led troops to capture Baoying and Quanzhou, destroying five strongholds, killing nine civil and military officials and their followers totaling over four thousand people, and taking Xingan and Guanyang, executing Nian Zhaolong under Li Dingguo. Neust pursued for more than twenty miles but was ambushed, suffering losses. Nikan led his generals in an aggressive assault, but the army lost its way, got stuck in mud, ran out of arrows, fought with blades, exhausted their strength, and Nikan was killed in battle. Emperor Shunzhi learned of his death and expressed sorrow: "Our army has never suffered such a loss." Nikan’s memorial tablet was enshrined in the meritorious officials’ temple, placed at the main position in the front hall (according to "Qinding Eight Banners Gazette: Banners’ Rites," Volume 82). His second son, Niseha, succeeded his title.

Residence and Records

The Jingjinzhuang Prince’s residence was located south of the East Iron Smithy Lane in Xijietiejiangying Alley (modern Education Street), within the eastern section—starting from Xuanwu Gate Inner Street in the east, bordering Canzheng Lane to the west, and Shoupa Lane to the north. On the "Qianlong Capital Map," this site is marked as "Descendant of Jingjin Prince" and the residence of General Minister Yier Denden. In the 31st year of Guangxu (1905), the residence was converted into the office of the Ministry of Education during the Qing Dynasty, and during the Republic of China, it served as the Ministry of Education of the Beiyang Government.

Family

Grandfather: Nurhaci, the founding emperor of the Qing Dynasty (1559–1626)

Grandmother: Nurhaci’s primary consort (1556–1592)

Father: Prince Guanglue Zhu Ying (1580–1615)

Mother: Nara clan, Zhu Ying’s secondary wife, daughter of Qing Jian Nu

Wives and Consorts

Primary Consort: Niohuru clan, daughter of a Manchu of the Inner Yellow Banner, sister of Ebilong, a court sword guard officer.

Secondary Consort: Borjigit clan, daughter of Seleungendai of the Ujimqin Banner, niece of Imperial Noble Consort Yijing, married by the order of the Kangxi Emperor in January 1638.

Third Consort: Guarjia clan, daughter of Viscount Rosa (Lausa) of the Shunke Robatulu.

Cilingual Consort: Daughter of Niu Zhumuzhinhai Batur.

Concubine: Daughter of Menggurdai.

Children

Eldest Son: Lanzhu, Duke of Zhen Guo. Married the daughter of Nara Vice Commander Bazantai, and later married a Guaerjia clan woman.

Second Son: Niseha, who died early.

Grandson: Laishi, granted the rank of Feng’en Fuguo Gong (Grace Supporting State Duke). Married a Guaerjia (daughter of Loubo of the Rosha family, brother of Boli) and the daughter of Bo Zeguo, a general with the rank of Earl Shumu Bao (or Shunbao).