Gose

Gao Sai (Manchu: ᡤᠣᠰᡝ; 1637–1670), courtesy name Nian and respected as Jing Yi-master, was the sixth son of Qing Emperor Taizong, Hongtaiji. He resided in Shengjing (modern-day Shenyang), was fond of literature, skilled in playing the guqin and painting, excelled in poetry and art, and specialized in studying musical theory. He adopted the self-title Jing Yi-master.

Life: Gao Sai was born on the 16th day of the second month in the 2nd year of the Chongde reign (1637), to his consort Nalashi. During the Chongde era, regulations stipulated that princes of lesser status were granted titles such as State Guardian General; Gao Sai was initially given the title of Supporter of the State Prince (Fuguo Gong) and was not classified among the Eight-Partition Dukes. In the 8th year of the Kangxi Emperor’s reign (1669), he was promoted to State Guardian Duke (Zhen Guo Gong). He died on July 22, 1670, at the age of thirty-four, with the posthumous title of Kuo Hou (Ke Hou).

Residence and scholarly pursuits: Gao Sai lived in Shengjing, with refined accommodations. He dedicated himself to reading and studying, was skilled at playing the guqin, proficient in painting, and excelled in poetry. He called himself Jing Yi-master. His poetic and literary collections include “Gong Shou Tang Ji” (Poetry Collection of the Gong Shou Hall) and “Gong Shou Tang Ji” (The Literary Collection of Gong Shou Hall). Notable works include “Travel to Qianshan Zuyu Temple and Climbing Lianhua Peak,” among others.

Family: Gao Sai's primary wife was Lady Yan Zha, the granddaughter of Qingsun and the granddaughter of Anda Li. Their marriage was as the principal wife; records indicate her as a daughter of the noble Rumdeg Tuku. There are also records of secondary wives and other familial relations.

Offspring: Gao Sai had five sons, each holding various noble titles and marriages. The genealogical records and details are as follows:

- First Son: Jing Heng, who was deposed from the rank of Supporter of the Eight-Partition Dukes; died in the 5th year of Qianlong at the age of eighty. His principal wife was Lady Borjigit, daughter of Saiben; second wife was Lady Irgen Jorjo, daughter of the Interior Minister Subai.

- Second Son: Chao Dan, born on the 26th day of the 4th month of the first year of Kangxi. Died in the hour of the ox (around 1–3 am) on the 25th day of the 5th month of Kangxi’s 8th year; died at age seven.

- Third Son: Yun Sheng, who was deposed from the rank of Supporter of the Eight-Partition Dukes; born on the first day of the second month of the 3rd year of Kangxi at the hour of the tiger; died on the tenth day of the first month of Yongzheng at the hour of the tiger at age sixty. His principal wife was Lady Guaerjia, daughter of a fourth-rank official Doren; second wife was Lady Niohuru, daughter of Ebilong, and sister to First Duke Fargha. His descendants include Master Shijia Bao, grandson Master Qianfu, and great-granddaughter Aisin Gioro, who married Li Haicong of the Manchu Banner in the Imperial Household Department.

- Fourth Son: Yuan Zhi, born at the hour of the dragon (10 am–12 pm) on the 7th day of the fourth month of Kangxi’s 6th year; died in the hour of the snake (around 9–11 pm) on the 27th day of the first month of Kangxi’s 10th year, at age three.

- Fifth Son: Cheng Fu, who was deposed from the rank of Supporter of the Eight-Partition Dukes; born at the hour of the ox on the 19th day of the third month of Kangxi’s 8th year; died in the hour of the snake on the 17th day of the twelfth month of Yongzheng’s first year, at age fifty-four. His principal wife was Lady Zhe’erde, daughter of Minister Qitong’e.

For extended details and compilation information, see the “Draft History of Qing” (Qing Shi Gao), Volume 219, among other sources.