Wakeda

Wakda, born on June 17, 1606 (the 34th year of the Wanli Era / May 13, Bingwu Year), is from the Manchu Aisin Gioro clan. He is a grandson of Nurhaci, the founding emperor of the Qing Dynasty, and the fourth son of Prince Li Lie, Dorgon. His mother was from the Yehenala clan. Among his brothers, there was Shuo Tuo, who was involved in political affairs and related incidents.

Early Life and Military Career

In the first year of Tien Cong (1627), Qing forces attacked Ningyuan, during which Wakda fought fiercely and was wounded. In the fifth year of Chong De (1640), he participated in the siege of Jinzhou, leading a detachment of over ten cavalry to slay the enemy. In the sixth year of Chong De (1641), Hong Chengchou came to reinforce Jinzhou and Songshan; Wakda collaborated with Mandahai in fighting off the enemies and achieved victory again under heavy rain. Later, he rescued comrades multiple times during battles and broke through encirclements. In the eighth year of Chong De (1643), he was implicated due to the plot of his second brother, Shuo Tuo, who sought to establish Prince Ru Dorgon, leading to his dismissal and loss of noble status.

Early Reign and Political Roles under Shunzhi

In the first year of Shunzhi (1644), Wakda followed Dorgon into Shanhaiguan, pursuing Li Zicheng's forces to Qingdu, then moved with Ajige to Suide. In 1645, Li Zicheng retreated to Huguang; Wakda pursued to Anlu, participating in water-crossing battles and killing rebels to save the army by capturing their ships. That same year, he was promoted for his merits, restoring his noble status and awarded the Third Rank of Marshal. He subsequently participated in campaigns against Teng Jisi and Teng Jite, pacifying Shanxi bandits with notable achievements.

Military and Administrative Duties as Prince Xian of Qi

In 1648, due to financial difficulties at court, he was granted 6,000 gold and promoted to the rank of Prince of the District. He then took part in border defense, working with Ajige to defend Dantong and besieged Hebei’s Huaiyuan and other rebellious strongholds. In 1649, he combined forces with Mandahai to attack Shuozhou, Ningwu, and other locations, pacifying remaining Shanxi insurgents. Subsequently, he was appointed commissioner of the Western Expedition, conducting military operations against the Khalaketai and surrounding regions, capturing many war trophies. In 1647, he was elevated to Duke of Zhen Guo. In 1651, he was granted the title "Qian" and took charge of the Ministry of Works, acting as a political advisor. In 1652, he was convicted, dismissed from his duties at the Ministry of Works, and lost his political influence; he died in the same year. In the tenth year of Kangxi (1671), he was posthumously promoted to Xiang, and titled Prince Xian of Qi.

Death and Later Appraisal

Wakda was stationed in Pingyang, where he maintained discipline among soldiers and kept the local populace at peace. After his death, local residents built ancestral halls to worship him. In 1653, the court granted his second and third sons, Liu Yong and Ga'ersai, the title of Third Rank of Fenguo General. During the Kangxi era, his titles and military merits were repeatedly reviewed and altered. In 1682, Harsah reexamined his noble title; subsequent modifications occurred multiple times, including disputes over his rank in 1686 and adjustments in 1698. In the 43rd year of Qianlong (1778), the Qing court recorded Wakda’s military achievements and ordered his fourth descendant, Dongfu, to inherit the title of Duke of Zhen Guo in perpetuity.

Family

Father: Prince Li Lie Dorgon; Mother: Yehenala clan. His wives and concubines included his primary consort from the Heshili clan, secondary consorts from Tatala, Bali, Nala, and He clans, additional concubines from the Bian and Nara clans. His children include Bakda, Liu Yong, and Ga'ersai. Both Liu Yong and Ga'ersai were later titled Duke of Fenguo, but Liu Yong became a focal point of subsequent noble rank disputes.

References

"Draft History of Qing" Biography three, "Princes two"; Table two, "Imperial Genealogy two".