13 Facts About Nian Gengyao

Nian Gengyao, courtesy name Lianggong, was a Chinese military commander of the Qing dynasty.

Nian Gengyao was born a member of the Han Chinese Bordered Yellow Banner and had extensive military experience on the western frontier of the Qing Empire.

Nian Gengyao himself was a jinshi in 1700 and was selected a bachelor of the Hanlin Academy.

Nian Gengyao granted an audience to Nian Gengyao early in 1723 and awarded him a minor hereditary rank and the title of Grand Guardian, and made his elder brother Nian Xiyao Governor of Guangdong.

In 1723, Nian Gengyao became commander-in-chief of the forces sent to quell the uprising of the Khoshotes of Qinghai under Lobdzan Dandzin.

Nian Gengyao was thereupon raised to a Duke of the First Class.

When Nian Gengyao made a visit to Beijing in late 1724, and paid his respects to the Yongzheng Emperor, he was given additional honours and privileges normally granted to a Prince of the First Rank.

Nian Gengyao's attitude aroused hatred and jealousy, and many officials submitted memorials hostile to Nian.

Meanwhile; it was discovered that Nian Gengyao had engaged in secret correspondence with Yintang, the emperor's brother and political rival.

Early in 1726, his crimes were enumerated under 92 heads, and Nian Gengyao was sentenced to be executed.

The Yongzheng Emperor granted him the privilege of committing suicide but his eldest son, Nian Gengyao Fu, was beheaded and his other sons were banished.

Nian Gengyao is credited with three works on military tactics: General Nian Gengyao's Art of War among others, but all were apparently written by others and falsely attributed to him.

Nian Gengyao was married to the Imperial Duke Who Assists the State Aisin Gioro Suyan's daughter and to the Manchu Plain Yellow Bannerman Nalan Xingde's daughter.