Princess Gurun Kejing: The only princess to hold real power after marrying into a foreign court
She was the sixth daughter of Emperor Kangxi and was raised from childhood by her maternal aunt, Consort Yifei. She was exceptionally intelligent and fluent in Manchu, Chinese, and Mongolian. She began practicing archery and horsemanship at the age of five, and at thirteen was made a Heshuo Princess for her skill in managing household affairs.
At nineteen, by imperial decree, the princess married Dun Duobodu’erji, a Mongolian prince in the northern desert. The region was harsh and often plagued by war, yet she bravely set out with five hundred guards. After arriving in Mongolia, the princess did more than enjoy her prestigious status: she took part in government and carried out the duties of a regent. She once authorized the creation of the Great Statutes of the Three Khalkha Banners. Her princess’s residence was outside the jurisdiction of the local government, and officials were required to bow when they met her.
She also cared deeply for the people. She petitioned the court to open up wasteland, led soldiers and civilians in turning barren fields into fertile farmland, and oversaw the construction of the Qinglong Canal to improve agriculture.
In the forty-fifth year of the Kangxi reign, she was bestowed the title Princess Kejing for her gentle character and adherence to womanly virtue. In the first year of the Yongzheng reign, she was elevated to Princess Gurun Kejing.
In her later years, her husband and son suffered misfortune, but she faced it all with strength.
On the ninth day of the third month in the thirteenth year of the Yongzheng reign, the princess died of illness at the age of fifty-seven.
This story was written out of admiration for Princess Gurun Kejing. Feel free to point out anything that could be improved, but please don’t flame me. Some events have been changed for the story.
