Sonin

Who was Sonin?

Sonin, also known as Soni, and rarely Sony, was a senior regent of the Four Regents during Chinese Kangxi Emperor's minority in the Qing Dynasty. Sonin was from the Hešeri clan, belonged to the Plain Yellow Banner.

Sonin was already a leading official during the reign of Kangxi's grandfather, Huang Taiji. His father, Shuoseand uncle Xifu were both fluent in Mandarin, Mongolian and Manchu, and therefore were awarded the Grand Councillors. Before the Shunzhi Emperor died, Sonin was appointed as one of the four regents to support the young Kangxi Emperor, along with Suksaha, Ebilun and Oboi. Sonin was the top of these four regents and ably helped the young emperor defend against Oboi. During the first years of Kangxi's reign, a power struggle ensued among the regents. Sonin was too old to exert his leadership. His son, Songgotu helped the young emperor to get rid of Oboi.

Sonin died in 1667.