State Princess Shou-En

Princess Shou'en of the First Rank (December 7, 1830 – April 13, 1859), personal name unknown, was a member of the Qing dynasty imperial family. She was the sixth daughter of the Daoguang Emperor and Consort Jing of the Borjigit clan. Her title was initially Heshuo Princess, but in 1844, she was elevated to the title of Shou'en Gurun Princess, a first-rank princess.

Born on January 20, 1831, according to the Gregorian calendar, or December 7, 1830, based on the lunar calendar, Princess Shou'en was the only daughter of Consort Jing. Her father, Emperor Daoguang, reigned from 1820 to 1850. As a princess, she belonged to the Qing imperial family and held noble titles consistent with her rank and status within the Manchu ruling elite.

In 1845, she married Jing Shou, a member of the Manchu Bordered Yellow Banner of the Eight Banners system, which was a key military and social organization within the Qing military hierarchy. Following her marriage, Jing Shou received an official position, and after the death of his elder brother, he inherited the rank of First Class Duke. The imperial court provided an annual silver stipend to Princess Shou'en, rather than granting her a property estate, as a means of financial support.

Her marriage and privileges were comparatively modest relative to her sister, Princess Shou'an. She was equipped with a dowry that included silver, real estate, and an apothecary with a substantial capital. During Emperor Xianfeng's reign (1850–1861), Princess Shou'en and her sister made silver offerings to support military expenses; however, her brother declined these offerings, citing the need to maintain their household's financial stability.

Princess Shou'en died in April 1859 at the age of 30, although some records mistakenly list her age as 38. Following her death, her estate was returned to her husband according to imperial regulation. An investigation was conducted regarding the health and age of her household servants, many of whom were elderly or ill at the time of her death. Jing Shou had at least four sons and six daughters. One of his daughters married the eldest daughter of Prince Gong. However, historical records do not specify any biological relation between Princess Shou'en and these children, suggesting she was not their mother.

Her death marked the end of her life within the Qing imperial family, and her titles and possessions were handled in accordance with Qing customs and regulations governing noble estates and family management.

**References:**

This biography is based on available historical records concerning Qing dynasty princesses, imperial family titles, and the social structure of the period.