Yonglian

Yonglian (Chinese: 永璉; 9 August 1730 – 23 November 1738), formally known as Crown Prince Duanhui (端慧皇太子), was an imperial prince of the Qing dynasty. He was born in Beijing and was a member of the Manchu ruling family. Yonglian was the second son of the Qianlong Emperor and his first wife, Empress Xiaoxianchun.

Yonglian's name was given by his grandfather, the Yongzheng Emperor. The character "lian" (璉) in his name refers to a vessel used for holding grain offerings in ancestral rites, symbolizing a potential future as an heir to the throne. His early education and upbringing are not detailed, but as the son of the emperor, he was considered a candidate for succession.

During his lifetime, Yonglian was recognized as an intelligent and noble child and was the only direct son of the Qianlong Emperor at that time. His father secretly designated him as his heir. On 8 August 1736, the Qianlong Emperor issued a secret decree appointing Yonglian as the crown prince. The decree was kept hidden behind a plaque in the Qianqing Palace, indicating its confidential status.

Yonglian contracted smallpox and died in early childhood, on 23 November 1738, while staying in Ningshou Palace (宁寿宫). His death was a significant event for the imperial family; the Qianlong Emperor and Empress Fuca were reported to have been devastated by the loss. Following Yonglian's death, the Qianlong Emperor did not attend court for five days and publicly revealed the secret appointment of Yonglian as crown prince, highlighting the importance of his potential succession.

In accordance with imperial customs, Yonglian was posthumously named Duanhui (端慧). His funeral was conducted with the honors accorded to that of a crown prince, and his father ordered the construction of a garden for his burial site. This garden is known as Crown Prince Duanhui's Garden.

Yonglian has been depicted in popular culture; notably, he was portrayed by actor Yu Yao in the 2018 television series "Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace."

His ancestry traces back to the Qing imperial family, and he was a direct descendant of prominent figures in the Manchu ruling lineage. Further details of his familial ancestors are documented in historical records but are not specified here.