Zhu Shouqian (1361–1392), the Prince of Jingjiang, was the grandnephew of Zhu Yuanzhang (the Hongwu Emperor). His grandfather, Zhu Xinglong, Prince of Nanchang, was the eldest brother of the Hongwu Emperor, and his father was Zhu Wenzheng.[1][2]
Biography
Zhu Wenzheng was the biological nephew of Zhu Yuanzhang and achieved military success in the battle against Chen Youliang. However, he became dissatisfied with not being rewarded and secretly colluded with Zhang Shicheng. As a result, Zhu Yuanzhang placed him under house arrest in Tongcheng, where he died soon after. When Zhu Wenzheng died, Zhu Shouqian was only four years old. Zhu Yuanzhang comforted the young boy by stroking his head and saying, "You do not need to be afraid. Your father was unteachable and caused me worry, but I will not abandon you because of his mistakes". Zhu Shouqian was raised in the palace and his childhood name was "Tiezhu." In 1367, his name was changed to "Wei". In 1370, he was given the name "Shouqian" and granted the title of Prince of Jingjiang in the same year.[2]
In 1376, Zhu Shouqian arrived at his fief, Jingjiang (present-day Guilin). He was given a salary equivalent to that of a commandery prince and held an official rank half that of a prince. The Hongwu Emperor appointed the elder Confucian scholar, Zhao Xun (趙塤), as his chief secretary to assist him.[2] Jingjiang had the temporary palace of Toghon Temür, Emperor Shun of Yuan, which was converted into a princely mansion. Zhu Shouqian submitted a memorial to express his gratitude. The Hongwu Emperor instructed his accompanying officials, "Zhu Shouqian is young and has been entrusted with the defense of the southwest. We must guide him well".[2]
Zhu Shouqian, although educated, often aligned himself with villains, causing dissatisfaction among the locals. In 1370, the Hongwu Emperor summoned him and reprimanded him for his actions. In response, Zhu wrote a poem expressing his grievances, which angered the emperor. As punishment, he was demoted to a commoner and imprisoned in Fengyang for seven years. Eventually, the Hongwu Emperor restored his title and ordered him to defend Yunnan with his brother-in-law, Xu Pu (徐溥), while also receiving a letter of admonition. Despite the emperor's warnings, Zhu Shouqian remained arrogant and overbearing. This led to the Hongwu Emperor summoning him back to Nanjing and allowing him to reside in Fengyang once again. However, Zhu Shouqian continued to seize horses, resulting in his imprisonment in Nanjing.[2]
He died in January 1392 and was buried on Purple Mountain. His son, Zhu Zanyi, was still young at the time and was named the Hereditary Prince (世子).[2]
Family
Consorts and Issue:
Lady, of the Xu clan (徐氏)
Zhu Zanyi, Prince Daoxi of Jingjiang (靖江悼僖王 朱贊儀; 1382–1408), first son
