Hongming

Bailer Hongming, born on April 25, 1705, and died on February 4, 1767, was a Qing Dynasty official and general. He was an Manchu of the Bordered Blue Banner, from the right wing's near-support branch of the Manchu clan, with the generation character "Hong." He was the second son of Junwang Xun Yunti, brother of Hongchun, nephew of Emperor Yongzheng, and maternal cousin of Emperor Qianlong. His grandfather was the Qing Holy Ancestor (Shengzu), and his grandmother was Empress Xiaogongren Uya. His father was Junwang Xun Yunti, the 14th son of Emperor Kangxi, who held positions such as Fuyuan Grand General, Minister of Tomb Guard (shouhuling), and Commander-in-Chief, with the posthumous title "Qin." His mother was a lady of the Manchu Wanyan clan, daughter of Luo Zha, and Xun Yunti’s principal wife.

Hongming had three brothers: the eldest, Hongchun, had his noble title revoked; the second, Hongying; and the third, Hongkai.

**Career and Official Positions**

In November 1735 (Yongzheng 13), Hongchun’s noble title was revoked, and Hongming was granted the title of Dororo Baille (a noble rank of the Bordered Blue Banner). In February 1736 (Qianlong 1), he was formally ennobled as a Beile (second-rank prince). On the second day of the first lunar month in 1739, he participated in a banquet at the Palace of Heavenly Purity with ninety-nine ministers, singing in harmony with an imperial poem written in Bai Liang style. In August of that year (1739), he was appointed to oversee military affairs at the Martial Preparedness Office. On April 3, 1740, he was granted the rank of Mongolian Commander of the Red Banner. In March 1741, due to absence from his duties at the Martial Preparedness Office, he requested to be dismissed to correct conduct, and Emperor Qianlong approved his request with a note that Hongming continued to serve as before, without investigation. In November 1745, along with Aketun, Yongxing, and Jurlen, he was dispatched to test archery and shooting at targets for the banners under the Imperial authority. On February 28, 1746, he was relieved from duties at the Martial Preparedness Office. On August 27, of the same year, he attended a banquet at the Ying Tai Palace hosted by the King and Prince family, singing Bai Liang style poetry, including the line "Auspicious day, the Gengyin hour is good." In August 1749, he faced disciplinary action and a salary deduction for unspecified reasons but was later pardoned. In July 1751, he was appointed as a court censor. In June 1752, he was relieved from his position as Mongolian Commander of the Red Banner. In April 1762, due to a skin ulcer on his head, he requested leave to recuperate; Emperor Qianlong ordered that he need not be dismissed or have his salary halved for sick leave. In January 1765, he was reprimanded by the Eunuch Office for a matter concerning his account in his role as Mongolian Commander of the Red Banner. He died on the sixth day of the first lunar month in 1767 (age 63). In February, he was granted a funeral and posthumously honored as Gongqin (Respectful and Diligent). In May, his second son, Yongshuo, succeeded as a Gushan Beizi (a noble title).

**Writings and Official Duties**

Hongming compiled and annotated the "Imperially Approved Eight Banners Regulations." His main work involved military and administrative affairs within the Martial Preparedness Office and the Mongolian Commander of the Red Banner, as well as ritual activities during banquets with the royal and noble family.

**Family and Descendants**

His grandfather was the Qing Holy Ancestor; his grandmother was Empress Xiaogongren Wuyá. His parents' spouses included his principal wife, Lady Manchu Wanyan, as well as secondary wives Lady Ma and Lady Wang. Hongming fathered five sons and at least one daughter. His eldest son, Yongzhong (1735–1793), was born of a concubine from the Shang family, was titled Third-Class Support National General, and served as head of the Zongxue (Confucian studies). He married Ladies Bian, Shumurulu, Nala, and Niuhe, respectively, from various Manchu clans. His second son, Yongshuo (1736–1808), was granted the same rank, succeeded his father's noble title as Gushan Beizi, and rose to serve as Mongolian Commander of the Plain Blue Banner and Left Vice-Director of the Eunuch Office. He married Lady Guaerjia. His third son, Yongtian (1738–1767), was granted the First-Class Support General rank; married Lady Han and Lady Wang. His fourth son, Yongti (1740–1798), also received the First-Class Support General title; married Lady Irgen Gyalpo. His fifth son, Yongku, born in 1743 and died in 1758, died young and had no heirs. He also had a daughter titled Countess Guun, who married Ban Taji of the Barlan Banner.

This summary covers Hongming's life, family background, official positions, writings, and children, excluding personal evaluative comments.