Qianlong Emperor decreed that the heir apparent to the throne would be the eldest son born to highest ranking consort.
The list of participants included 5 princes of the 'hong' generation (Hongxi, Hongsheng, Hongpu, Hongchang, Hongjiao) and Yunlu.
[10] Hongxi (理親王 弘晳; 25 August 1694 – 26 October 1742) was the eldest surviving son of the deposed crown prince.
[12] When Yunreng was deposed for immorality, Kangxi Emperor mentioned that Hongxi has more virtue than his father and wouldn't replicate the latter's misconducts.
[13] According to the last will of the Kangxi Emperor written down by Maci, Hongxi would be granted a title of the Prince of the First Rank, while Yinzhen would ascend to the throne.
[17] After the funeral ceremony, at that Hongxi and his paternal uncle Yunyi presided, Hongli ascended to the throne as the Qianlong Emperor.
[20] Hongpu (弘普) was the second son of Yunlu, Prince Zhuangke of the First Rank born to secondary princess consort, lady Li.
[21] Hongjiao (寧良郡王 弘晈; 17 June 1713 – 9 September 1764) was the fourth son of Yinxiang, Prince Yi of the First Rank born to primary princess consort Yixian.
[22] Hongchang (貝勒 弘昌; 14 December 1706 – 3 June 1771) was the eldest son of Yinxiang, born to secondary princess consort Yixian, lady Gūwalgiya.
As the eldest son, Hongchang could inherit the Prince Yi peerage, but was found unsuitable because of his mental abilities.
[24] Yunlu (允禄; 28 July 1695 – 20 March 1767) was Kangxi Emperor's 16th surviving son by Consort Shunyimi, lady Wang.
[25] Yunlu was not involved in the succession brawl among the sons of the Kangxi Emperor, like Yuntao, Yunxu, Yunli, Yunqi, Yunyou and other princes who haven't come of age.
Yunlu hesitated to agree with the postulate to oust Qianlong Emperor from power because he wielded an immense authority among the clansmen.
[26] Hongxi was chosen as the most suitable candidate as the son of deposed crown prince by the claim that Kangxi Emperor had high hopes for him.
Hongpu dispatched a messenger to report an urgent matter to the emperor, but was arrested at the Copper Wall by imperial guards.
One of the persons interrogating rebelliants was Ba'ertu, Prince Kang of the First Rank,[Note 1] who had been entrusted with the affairs of the imperial clan court.
[42] In 1778, Qianlong Emperor restored the original names of Yunsi, Yuntang and Hongxi and allowed their descendants to be recorded in the imperial genealogy.
In 1783, when the imperial chronicles were commissioned, the historians were ordered to emphasise the role of the emperor in quelling the rebellion and to mention that "Hongxi and others wanted to usurp the throne".