Hongwang

Hong Wang (Manchu: ᡥᡡᠩ ᠸᠠᠩ, Transcription in Mulin De: hūng wang; January 27, 1708 – December 16, 1762) was a member of the Aisin Gioro clan, from the second generation of the Genuine Blue Banner of the Left Associates, with a hereditary generation name "Hong." He was the eldest son of Yunsi, a grandson of Emperor Kangxi, a political figure of the Qing Dynasty. His biological mother was the concubine Zhang. His grandfather was the Kangxi Emperor, known as the Holy Ancestor of the Qing, and his grandmother was Noble Consort Liang. His father Yunsi held official positions as Minister of the Board of Works and grand secretary of affairs, but was demoted and exiled during the early Yongzheng period due to a crime.

Hong Wang was born on the fifth day of the first lunar month in the year of Wuzi (1718) during the Kangxi era, in the hour of Yin (approximately 3-5 am). The exact place of birth and residence are not detailed.

Summary of his life:

- In 1717, he entered the inner court as a page.

- After 1717, he was granted the title of Beile (noble prince).

- Starting in 1722, he participated in affairs of the Ministry of Works, under the supervision of his father.

- In 1726, his eldest son Yonglei was born. The same year, his father was demoted and imprisoned for a crime. Hong Wang was renamed Pusa Bao (Bodhisattva Protector) and in late April, he left the capital to serve in the armies stationed in Rehe (Jehol).

- In February 1728, Hong Wang was involved in an incident of assaulting an official in Rehe. He was detained and placed under surveillance. Within the same year, his eldest son Yonglei died.

- In 1730, Hong Wang became sworn brothers (secretly) with Guan Yin Bao, Dashong'a, Bairitu, E'rent, and others. He subsequently made multiple trips between the capital and Rehe, with records indicating attempts to sever ties with the capital to escape investigation.

- In 1731, he was again confined and subjected to strict interrogation.

- During this period, records mention arrangements for sworn brothers, management of their household slaves, and related matters.

- In the early Qianlong period (around 1736), with the political adjustments of the court, Hong Wang’s original name was restored and included in official genealogies. He was granted red ribbon, a monthly silver stipend of three taels, twenty houses, fifty qing (about 5 acres) of land, and slaves, which restored his freedom.

- In the seventh year of Qianlong (1742, June), he was censured for staying overnight outside the Chao Yang Gate, associating with ministers and guards, and for unruly conduct. Afterwards, criticisms were also directed at the arrangement and education of his grandfather’s generation.

In 1778, Emperor Qianlong issued a special edict permitting descendants of Yunsi to re-enter the clan register, affirming their inclusion in the second clan of the Left Associates, Blue Banner Banner. Hong Wang died on the second day of the eleventh month of the 27th year of Qianlong (December 1762) at the hour of Hai (approximately 10 pm to midnight), at age 54.

Family background:

- Primary wife: Shumu Lu Shi (Shumu Lu clan).

- Concubines: Maoyi Shi, Wan Yan Shi, Rong Shi.

- Children:

- Eldest son Yonglei (1726–1727), who died young.

- Second son Su Ying’e (1726–1795), who led a life of leisure.

- Third son Yongming’e (1757–1841), who served as Taining Town General and overseer of imperial tombs.

- Grandson Miansen (1796–1868), who held positions such as Minister and Grand Coordinator.

- He also had several granddaughters and three other daughters.