Mei Yin

Mei Yin (died 1405) was a Chinese official during the late Yuan and early Ming dynasties. He was the son of Mei Sizu, Marquis of Runan, and was related to prominent officials of his time. In 1378, Mei Yin married Princess Ningguo, the second daughter of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming dynasty. As a result of his marriage, he was granted the title of Commandant-escort (駙馬都尉). Among the sixteen imperial sons-in-law, he was held in particular favor by the Hongwu Emperor.

During his career, Mei Yin was recognized for his mastery of the Confucian classics and history, which earned him high regard among court officials. He was appointed Provincial Educational Commissioner of Shandong and was involved in various official duties, including disaster relief efforts in Beiping (modern Beijing) following severe flooding in 1384. In 1395, he was assigned to inspect troops at the Fengyang Garrison.

Following the death of the Hongwu Emperor in 1398, his grandson Zhu Yunwen ascended the throne as the Jianwen Emperor. Mei Yin supported the new emperor and was entrusted with assisting him, reflecting his loyalty to the Jianwen regime. In December 1401, he was tasked with defending Huai'an, where he undertook military strengthening and fortification efforts.

In 1402, Zhu Di, the Prince of Yan, rebelled against the Jianwen Emperor. Mei Yin was involved in the defense of Huai'an during the rebellion. After Zhu Di's forces defeated the Jianwen forces and captured Nanjing in June 1402, Zhu Di ascended the throne as the Yongle Emperor. Mei Yin was present during this period, and upon the Yongle Emperor's rise, he was compelled to respond to orders that questioned his allegiance. When Princess Ningguo, Mei Yin's wife, was forced to write a blood letter urging her husband to surrender, Mei Yin expressed sorrow and inquired about the fate of the Jianwen Emperor, acknowledging his loyalty to the previous emperor.

Despite efforts to honor the deceased Jianwen Emperor through funeral rites, Mei Yin's relationship with the Yongle Emperor deteriorated. He openly expressed discontent and was considered suspicious by the new ruler. In 1404, he faced accusations of conspiracy and was subjected to investigations. By 1405, he was under increased scrutiny and restrictions.

On his way to the imperial palace in Nanjing in 1405, Mei Yin was attacked at Da Bridge by officials Tan Shen and Zhao Xi. Forced into the water, he drowned. Initial reports claimed he had committed suicide, but subsequent investigations revealed he was murdered. Following the revelation, the Yongle Emperor ordered the execution of the involved officers, confiscated their properties, and arranged for Mei Yin’s funeral, posthumously granting him the name Rongding (榮定).

Mei Yin’s widow, Princess Ningguo, was deeply affected by his death and believed he had been slain by imperial order. To honor him, the Yongle Emperor conferred official positions upon their two sons.

Family relationships include his uncle, Mei Sizu, Marquis of Runan; his cousin, Mei Yi, involved in political persecution; and his children: Mei Shunchang, Mei Jingfu, and Mei Yongzhen. His descendants included Mei Chun, a Vice Regent of the Central Capital.