Zhu Guixuan

Zhu Guizhan, born on December 29, 1397, was the son of Ming Dynasty's Liaojian Wang Zhu Zhi. His father Zhu Zhi was the Liaojian King, and Zhu Guizhan was the youngest son, born five months earlier than his older full brother Zhu Guiyan. Zhu Guizhan was initially granted the title of Changyang Marquis, later established as heir apparent, and in October 1422, he succeeded as Liaojian King. During his tenure, he was repeatedly impeached, and Emperor Yingzong of Ming issued letters of warning. In the fourth year of the Zhengtong era (1439), due to multiple faults, he was demoted to commoner status and returned to guard the tomb of Liaojian Wang, with an annual grain allowance of 1,000 shi. After reigning for fifteen years, he was deposed when his brother Zhu Guixie was implicated in a crime, and the title was inherited by his fourth younger brother Zhu Guizou. In the eleventh year of Zhengtong (1446), Zhu Guizhan submitted a memorial requesting permission to expand his residence to accommodate his children, which Emperor Yingzong approved. Two years later, his residence caught fire, destroying his property, and Zhu Guizhan died as a result. Regarding his family background, the “Mingshi” (History of Ming) records him as illegitimate, but the “Ming Yingzong Shilu” and the “Ming Renzong Shilu” suggest he may have been legitimate or held other relations. In the seventh year of Jingtai (1456), Zhu Guixie and Zhu Guizhan submitted memorials to honor their mother’s death. Although their titles were revoked, they were not formally demoted. His children included Changyang Zhaohui Wang Zhu Haoqi and Fengguo Zhongwei Zhu Haotuo. His wives and concubines included Cao Shi and a favored maid named You Shi. He had three daughters and two sons. Ming Emperor Xianzong had promised Zhu Haoqi that he would inherit the title, and by the late Ming Dynasty, the title of Changyang Wang continued to be passed down by descendants.