Zhu Biao

Zhu Biao was born on October 10, 1355, in Taiping, Anhui Province, which at the time was the seat of Zhu Yuanzhang, the future Hongwu Emperor. He was the first son of Zhu Yuanzhang and his wife, Lady Ma. In 1364, Zhu Yuanzhang declared himself King of Wu and designated Zhu Biao as his heir. Following Zhu Yuanzhang's proclamation as the emperor of the Ming dynasty in Nanjing in 1368, Zhu Biao was appointed as the Crown Prince, known in Chinese as Huang Taizi.

Effective from 1377, Zhu Biao received extensive education in Confucian teachings, studying under Song Lian. His education was complemented by his participation in governmental affairs, including involvement in meetings with ministers and state management, reflecting his role in the early governance of the Ming state.

Zhu Biao was married twice; his first wife was the daughter of Chang Yuchun, with whom he had two sons, Zhu Xiongying (born 1374, died 1382) and Zhu Yuntong (born 1377, died 1417). His second wife was the daughter of Lü Ben, a Yuan dynasty official who had supported Zhu Yuanzhang during his rise. They had three sons, Zhu Yunwen (born 1377), who later became the Jianwen Emperor; Zhu Yunjian (born 1385, died 1402); and Zhu Yunxi (born 1391, died 1406). Zhu Biao also had several daughters, including Princess Jiangdu, Princess Yilun, and Princess Nanping.

In September 1391, Zhu Biao was tasked with inspecting the province of Shaanxi to consider relocating the imperial capital to Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an). He returned from this inspection at the end of 1391. However, in January 1392, Zhu Biao fell ill, and he passed away on May 17, 1392, at the age of 36. He was burial in a mausoleum at the foot of Zhong Mountain near Nanjing.

His death occurred during his father's lifetime, as Zhu Yuanzhang, the Hongwu Emperor, was still alive. Subsequently, Zhu Biao's eldest surviving son, Zhu Yunwen, succeeded him as heir apparent. When Zhu Yunwen ascended the throne as the Jianwen Emperor in 1398, he posthumously honored his father as emperor. The third Ming emperor, the Yongle Emperor, later overthrew the Jianwen Emperor and revoked Zhu Biao's imperial status. It was not until 1644 that Zhu Biao was posthumously reinstated to the rank of emperor.

Zhu Biao's posthumous titles and recognition were subject to historical fluctuations, but his familial lineage and early role in Ming dynasty succession are well documented.