Yinli, Prince Guo

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Aisin-Gioro Yinli (Chinese: 爱新觉罗·胤礼) 1697 - 1738, was the seventeenth son of the Qing Dynasty Kangxi Emperor. Prince Yinli was born in March 2nd during the thirty-sixth year of Emperor Kangxi's reign, was his mother was the Imperial Consort Chunyuqin of the Chen Clan (Chinese: 纯裕勤妃陈氏).

[edit] Life

Prince Yinli was excellent at his studies since childhood. Unlike most of his brothers, Prince Yunli was never involved with the power struggles for the throne. Yinli was both intelligent and cautious, and also abundant in political achievements. He was good at callingraphy and poetry, and was passionate at travelling to other places and touring the country. For instance, he had been to almost all of the famous mountains within the Province of Sichuan.

When Yinli's half-brother, the Yongzheng Emperor ascended to the throne, Prince Yinli changed his name to "Yunli" (Chinese: 允礼) to avoid taboos. In the following April, Prince Yinli was granted the title of "Prince Guo" (Chinese: 果郡王), and was also given the tasks of administrating the institution of scholars. During the third year of Emperor Yongzheng's reign, Prince Yinli was given higher salaries due to his honesty and diligence. In February during the sixth year of Emperor Yongzheng's reign, Yinli was promoted to a Duke (Chinese: 亲王). In the following years, Prince Yinli was given even more tasks, including to escort the Dalai Lamas back to Tibet, and to inspect the soldiers along the route. When the Emperor fell seriously ill, Prince Yinli was given the task of supporting the new Emperor. When the new Emperor, Qianlong, ascended to the throne, Yinli was given much more power and many more responsibilities, and received numerous rises in salary.

[edit] Death

Prince Yinli died on February 2nd, during the third year of Qianlong's reign, aged forty-two. He had three children in total, two of which died in infancy. His only surviving son succeeded his title of "Prince Guogong" (Chinese: 果恭郡王).