Hongjiao

Hongjiao (Chinese: 弘晈; 17 June 1713 – 9 September 1764) was a prince during the Qing dynasty of China. He was the fourth son of Yinxiang, Prince Yixian of the First Rank, and a grandson of the Kangxi Emperor.

Born on 17 June 1713 to Lady Joogiya, the primary princess consort Yixian of the First Rank, Hongjiao received a noble title in 1730, when he was granted the title of Prince Ning of the Second Rank. This title did not have iron-cap status, meaning that with each subsequent bearer, the rank diminished.

Hongjiao had two biological sisters, including Princess Hehui of the Second Rank, who was adopted into the palace at an early age. He also had two surviving biological brothers, among whom was Hongxiao, Prince Yixi of the First Rank.

In 1739, Hongjiao was involved in a political faction alongside Prince Li Hongxi, Hongsheng (son of Prince Heng Yunqi), Hongchang, and Yunlu (Prince Zhuang of the First Rank). The faction aimed to remove the reigning Qianlong Emperor from power and to set Hongxi as emperor. The conspiracy was uncovered when Hongpu, a member of the faction, sent a secret message to the emperor while Qianlong was in Rehe. Hongpu was arrested and demoted to grace defender duke after an imperial hunt. Hongxi and Hongsheng were stripped of their titles and imprisoned, whereas Hongjiao was subjected to lighter punishment, with some sources suggesting he was only deprived of his allowances.

Hongjiao's public duties included participating in sacrificial rites; notably, he made sacrifices at Jing'anzhuang in 1749 and at the Temple of Heaven in 1750 and 1760. In 1752, however, he was removed from his position in the Ministry of Revenue due to unspecified delicts.

He was a recognized poet, and his literary works included "Stories of Chrysanthemums" and "Series of the Prosperous Dynasty," composed across 13 volumes.

Hongjiao died on 9 September 1764 and was posthumously honored as Prince Ningliang of the Second Rank, a title that means "tranquil and gentle." He was succeeded by his second son, Yongfu.

His former residence was known as "Little Prince Yi Manor," built in 1730 in Beijing's Dongcheng District. The mansion was not preserved in its original Siheyuan architecture and underwent modifications over time, especially after the Xinhai Revolution, which repurposed parts of the estate. During the Qianlong era, the manor was regarded as one of the most luxurious and beautiful princely residences in Beijing.

Hongjiao’s marital alliances included his primary consort from the Sirin Gioro clan, daughter of Secretary Zhuolintai, and his second primary consort from the Ula Nara clan, daughter of Grand Secretary Chalang'a. Additionally, he had a mistress from the Ding clan. His first son was Yongxi, titled Prince of the Third Rank, and his second son was Yongfu, who held the titles of Prince Gongke of the Third Rank and later Prince Yi of the First Rank.

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