Zhu Changxun

Zhu Changxun (1586–1641) was the third son of the Ming dynasty Wanli Emperor. His mother, Noble Consort Zheng, was a favoured concubine and, in efforts to please her, the emperor attempted to have Zhu made heir apparent, but failed to overturn the rule of primogeniture. After the fall of the Ming, however, Zhu's son, Zhu Yousong, became emperor of the Southern Ming dynasty. Biography Zhu Changxun was born in 1586 to Noble Consort Zheng. He was her third child and the third son of the Chinese Wanli Emperor. He was made Prince of Fu (福) in 1601. He was married in August 1604, for which his father levied taxes to fund the celebrations and wedding gifts. His first son, Yousong, was born to a concubine and enfeoffed as Prince of Dechang (德昌) in 1613. He moved his household to Luoyang in 1614, when he governed Henan as a fiefdom. Zhu was killed in 1641 during an uprising led by Li Zicheng. After his soldiers fell to Li's army, Zhu fled to Ying'en Temple with his eldest son. Whilst Zhu was captured, his son managed to escape. The next day, Zhu was executed in front of a large crowd, presided over by Li Zicheng, at Zhougong Temple. Reports claim that Zhu was killed, then his body boiled with that of a deer to make stew, and his flesh was eaten by Li Zicheng and his soldiers. A memorial stone erected by the Hongguang Emperor states that his body was interred near Mt. Mang (邙), but was moved to Nanjing later on.