Mian'en

Mian'en (綿恩), born on 18 September 1747 and deceased on 18 July 1822, was an imperial prince of the Qing dynasty. He was the second son of Yonghuang, a prominent figure within the imperial family.

Mian'en's mother was Lady Irgen Gioro, who was Yonghuang's secondary consort. He was born in 1747 and demonstrated notable skills in martial arts during childhood. His early potential in this area led to the favour of the Qianlong Emperor. In 1755, at the age of eight, Mian'en received a yellow horse-riding jacket, a recognition associated with martial prowess.

According to diplomatic reports from Korean ambassadors from Joseon, Mian'en was considered to have superior abilities compared to his younger uncle, Yongyan. Further accounts from Prince Li, Zhaolian, indicate that by age 50, Mian'en was recognized as a specialist in weaponry.

In terms of noble titles, Mian'en inherited the peerage as the Prince of the Second Rank following the demotion of Miande in 1776. His status was elevated in 1793 when he was promoted to the Prince of the First Rank, making him the earliest promoted imperial grandson of that period.

In 1799, Mian'en participated in efforts to oversee Heshen's property following Heshen's official denunciation. Heshen was a controversial figure, and Mian'en's involvement was part of the broader process of examining and controlling Heshen's assets. In 1803, he approved the deployment of imperial guards at the Gate of Divine Prowess. Shortly thereafter, his son was granted the title of the fourth-ranking prince.

Mian'en died on 18 July 1822 and was posthumously awarded the title Prince Dinggong of the First Rank, with the character "Dinggong" signifying "stable and reverent."

Regarding his family, Mian'en's primary princess consort was Lady Fuca, the daughter of Vice-Colonel Fujing. She held the title of Princess of the First Rank. They married in 1785, and her titles included Princess of the First Rank, eventually being known as the primary consort of the prince.

Mian'en also had secondary consorts from various clans. One such consort was from the Yougiya clan (died 1865), with whom he married after his primary wife. She held the title of secondary consort of the Prince of the First Rank. Together, they had a son named Yishao, who was granted the title Prince Dingduan of the First Rank and lived from 1776 to 1836.

Other sons included Yizhi, his fourth son, who was born to a secondary consort from the Li clan, and an unnamed son from a secondary consort of the Wanyan clan. These children held their own titles and ranks within the imperial family hierarchy.

Mian'en's familial relationships and titles reflect his status and standing within the Qing imperial framework, and his roles in court affairs and family relations are documented within historical records.