Zhu Fu

Zhu Fu (1364–1428) was an imperial prince of the Ming dynasty in China. He was the seventh son of Zhu Yuanzhang, who later became the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming dynasty. Zhu Fu was born in 1364 to Lady Da, one of Zhu Yuanzhang's concubines. At that time, Zhu Yuanzhang was based in Nanjing and was actively involved in the Red Turban Rebellion, which contributed to the eventual establishment of the Ming dynasty in 1368.

In May 1370, Zhu Yuanzhang granted titles to his sons, and Zhu Fu received the title of Prince of Qi (齊王). When Zhu Fu reached adulthood in 1382, he was relocated to Qingzhou in Shandong Province, where he was responsible for overseeing local military forces. During the late 1370s, he received military training alongside other princes at Fengyang, under the influence of his family and political environment.

Throughout the 1390s, Zhu Fu participated in military campaigns during border conflicts with the Mongols, commanding Ming armies in these engagements. Despite these responsibilities, he and other princes were often reprimanded by their father for behaviors considered arrogant or abusive of their authority. His relationship with his half-brother Zhu Di, who would later become the Yongle Emperor, was notable, as they shared a close familial bond.

Following Zhu Yuanzhang's death in 1398, his grandson ascended to the throne as the Jianwen Emperor. The new emperor's policies aimed at reducing the power of princely families, leading to accusations of overreach and rebellion against princely titles. In June 1399, Zhu Fu was stripped of his princely title and had his privileges revoked. Subsequently, he was placed under house arrest in Nanjing.

In August 1399, Zhu Di launched a rebellion against the Jianwen Emperor, initiating a civil war that lasted for three years. The conflict concluded with Zhu Di's victory, and he ascended the throne as the Yongle Emperor in 1402. Zhu Fu was allowed to return to Qingzhou in 1403 to resume his previous duties. However, in 1406, he was again accused of violent conduct, and as a result, he was stripped of his princely rank for a second time.

Zhu Fu died in 1428, leaving behind five sons. His life was marked by fluctuating titles and political fortunes, reflecting the complexities of imperial power dynamics during the early Ming period.