Yoto

Yoto (Manchu: ᠶᠣᡨ᠋ᠣ; Chinese: 岳託; born 26 February 1599, died 11 February 1639) was a prince during the Qing dynasty and a grandson of Nurhaci. He held the peerage of Prince Keqin and was the first to bear the title, which was later elevated to Prince Cheng of the First Rank. His peerage was later demoted twice during his lifetime due to offenses, and he was posthumously granted the title of Prince Keqin of the Second Rank. The peerage was renamed twice after his death until 1778, when it was granted iron-cap status, ensuring that successive holders retained the undiminished rank.

**Early Life and Family Background**

Yoto was born on 26 February 1599 as the eldest son of Daišan, a prominent Manchu nobleman. His mother was Lady Ligiya, identified as his primary consort. He was raised by his grandfather from a young age and became a member of the Bordered Red Banner at the age of seven.

**Military and Political Career**

In 1621, Yoto participated in repelling a Ming attack led by Li Bingcheng, which led to the retreat of Ming forces. He also was involved in resolving conflicts involving Khalkha tribes, including the killing of an ambassador of the Khalkha Jarud tribes on his journey to the Yehe valley. In 1626, he was awarded the title of third-ranking prince (beile) after contributing to the conquest of Khalkha Mongols alongside Abatai and Degelei.

In 1627, Yoto took part in the Later Jin invasion of Joseon Korea, collaborating with Amin and Jirgalang. He was responsible for signing a separatist peace treaty with the Joseon king, which resulted in the pillaging of Pyongyang by Amin. In 1631, he was appointed to oversee the Ministry of War when Hong Taiji established the Six Ministries. He played a role in mobilizing Han Chinese people into the Eight Banners, advocating for their care under Hong Taiji.

Yoto fell ill following the invasion of Shanxi but played a crucial role in consolidating Qing control over Tumed and Khalkha Mongols. This included ambushing forces of Galdan Boshoktu Khan and signing treaties with indigenous leaders.

**Titles and Demotions**

In 1636, Yoto was promoted to Prince Cheng of the First Rank. However, he was soon demoted to a third-ranking prince after a court sentence that nearly condemned him to death. Hong Taiji, however, delayed executing the sentence and retained him as Minister of War. His relationship with Daišan was affected by his demotion.

In 1637, he was demoted further, to Prince of the Fourth Rank, for absence at court sessions but was restored to beile status in the following year. On 11 February 1639, Yoto died in Jinan during Dorgon's conquest of Shenjing.

**Family**

Yoto married Lady Hada Nara, daughter of Urgudai and Mangguji, who was Nurhaci’s third daughter by Fuca Gundei. Some historical sources suggest that this marriage was orchestrated by Manggūltai to rehabilitate his own reputation.

His primary consort's family was the Nara clan, and they had multiple children, including:

- **Lolohun** (1623–1646), his eldest son and Prince Yanxijie of the Second Rank.

- **Karcuhun**, his third son, titled Prince Xianrong of the Third Rank.

- **Basiha**, his fifth son, who was Duke of the Second Rank.

- **Hulibu**, his sixth son, who held the rank of General of the First Rank.

- Daughters who married into various noble clans, including the Khorchin Borjigin and Barin Borjigin clans.

Yoto was succeeded by his eldest son, Lolohun.