1789: What Was a Wedding Like for Qianlong's Favorite Daughter

👑 While revolution shook Europe, the Qing court staged one of the most extravagant royal weddings in Chinese history. In this episode of Inner Court, we follow Princess Hexiao, the Qianlong Emperor’s beloved youngest daughter, whose marriage came with a staggering dowry, a forbidden golden-roofed palanquin, and a groom tied to the most notorious corrupt official of the dynasty: Heshen. Why did Qianlong elevate a concubine’s daughter above imperial protocol? Why was her wedding so lavish that it eclipsed every other princess in the Qing court? And how did this marriage become entangled with one of the greatest political downfalls in imperial China? This story explores: ✨ Princess Hexiao’s rise to First Rank status 🏮 The politics of Qing dynasty royal marriages 💰 A dowry of 300,000 taels of silver 🏯 The mansion that became Prince Kung’s Palace ⚖️ Heshen’s corruption, power, and dramatic سقوط 🐉 The dangerous line between family devotion and imperial politics If you enjoy hidden history, palace intrigue, and the real lives behind imperial ceremony, this one is for you. Subscribe to Inner Court for more stories from the Forbidden City and the royal households of imperial China. Leave a comment with the detail that shocked you most. #QingDynasty #ChineseHistory #ForbiddenCity #Qianlong #PrincessHexiao #Heshen #ImperialChina #RoyalWedding #HistoryDocumentary #InnerCourt 00:00 Intro 01:58 Princess Hexiao Becomes The Emperor's Favorite 03:29 The Groom Chosen From Heshen's Family 06:39 Building A Mansion For An Imperial Marriage 08:38 Preparing The Most Lavish Wedding In Qing History 10:11 Betrothal Rites And Palace Banquets 12:36 The Enormous Dowry And Wedding Procession 15:08 Wedding Rituals And The Emperor's Unusual Visit 17:39 Heshen's Corruption And The Court's Fear 18:57 Heshen's Fall And Princess Hexiao's Survival 21:27 Widowhood Legacy And Historical Meaning 25:26 Outro