 On 9 February 1796, the Qianlong Emperor abdicated in favour of Yongyan and became a Retired Emperor, while Yonyan was enthroned as the Jiaqing Emperor.On 12 February 1796, Lady Hitara, as the emperor's primary consort, was instated as Empress.Lady Hitara died of illness on 5 March 1797, having been Empress for barely a year.