Young Prince Gong Yixin
Born as the sixth son of the Daoguang Emperor, Yixin showed early excellence in both civil and military affairs. Despite his brilliance, Daoguang Emperor passed him over for succession, choosing his fourth son Yizhu (later Emperor Xianfeng) instead.
The Arrow War and the “Devil’s Sixth” Stigma
In 1860, tasked with post-war negotiations during the Arrow War, Yixin was forced to sign the unequal Beijing Treaty, earning him the derogatory nickname “Devil’s Sixth” (Guizi Liu) for collaborating with foreign powers.
The 1861 Political Coup
When Emperor Xianfeng died, his edict entrusted eight ministers with assisting the young Tongzhi Emperor, attempting to exclude Empress Dowager Cixi from politics. Yixin allied with Empresses Dowager Cixi and Ci’an, and his brother Yixuan to stage a coup against this arrangement.
The Tongzhi Restoration and Conflict with Cixi
Yixin achieved temporary revival known as the “Tongzhi Restoration” by appointing capable Han officials like Zeng Guofan and Li Hongzhang. However, his relationship with Cixi deteriorated over issues including the Summer Palace’s restoration.
In 1884, despite opposing the Sino-French War, he was blamed for the defeat and dismissed by Cixi from his positions as Grand Councilor and head of the Zongli Yamen. Recalled during the 1894 Sino-Japanese War, he died in 1898 at age 65, unable to prevent another defeat.
Between Reform and Conservatism
In his later years, Yixin mediated between the conservative faction led by Cixi and reformists supporting the Guangxu Emperor. His death in 1898 disrupted this balance, leading to the Hundred Days’ Reform crisis and later the Boxer Rebellion.
Prince Gong Puwei’s Resistance
His grandson Puwei, though talented, was sidelined as a potential successor to the Guangxu Emperor. In 1912, he and Prince Su were the only two who opposed Puyi’s abdication until the end.
Failed Restoration Attempts
After the dynasty’s fall, Puwei sought German support in Qingdao for restoration. Though briefly considered to lead a restoration movement after the 1931 Manchurian Incident, these plans were abandoned when the Kwantung Army chose Puyi instead. He died in Xinjing (now Changchun) in 1936.
Legacy of the Prince Gong Line
The family’s history epitomizes the Qing Dynasty’s late-period power struggles, reform attempts, and ultimate decline. Their former residence remains in Beijing as the Prince Gong Mansion, a testament to their historical significance.