Yildeng

Overview

Yierdeng was a general of the Niohuru clan of the Manchu Bordered Yellow Banner, the tenth son of Eidu. Volume Five of the *Comprehensive Genealogy of the Manchu Clans of the Eight Banners* records that he served in the campaign against the Japanese for Beijing with a small force, having previously lost his official rank. During the Battle of Jinzhou, he penetrated deep into enemy territory, sustaining three wounds, and was awarded the rank of Third-Class Baron. After the Han dynasty entered the pass, he was promoted to First-Class Baron, and later, by imperial decree, to Second-Class Earl.

The term "lost official" indicates that he had previously lost his original position or qualifications; the original entry did not specify the reason. Barons and Earls were hereditary titles based on military merit, with the Grand Minister of the Imperial Guard commanding the Imperial Guard, and the Minister of State Affairs participating in military and political discussions. Yierdeng held the latter two positions; therefore, his promotion in rank should not be interpreted as a promotion within the same military unit.

He was posthumously honored with the title "Zhongzhi" (Zhongzhi (posthumous epithet), meaning loyal and upright). His grandson, Gadu, inherited the title of Second-Class Earl, followed by Tang Baozhu and Zhanbu. When Zhanbu inherited the title, the portion added by the imperial decree was removed, and he was instead awarded the title of First-Class Baron. Afterwards, there were also cases of dismissal, retirement, and succession by collateral relatives. Tang Baozhu was appointed General Fengtian, a post held by his descendants and therefore cannot be attributed to Yierdeng. This point requires distinguishing between one's early military achievements, imperial edicts that increased one's rank, and the reductions in rank by descendants. Even if the family and clan belong to the Niohuru clan, the military achievements of other brothers cannot be combined into one's biography.