Zhang Defei

Consort Rongzhao, also known as Zhang Deifei, whose birth and death dates are unknown, lived around the 16th century and died in 1574. She was the daughter of Zhang Gang, a pay-grade commander of the Jinyiwei (Embroidered Uniform Guard). She was a consort of Emperor Mingzhong of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Houzong, and gave birth to a daughter, Princess Jiasan, Zhu Suzhen. In the 20th year of the Jiajing reign (1521), on the 27th day of the second lunar month, she was bestowed the title of Deifei. On July 10th, she bore the emperor's fifth daughter. Emperor Jiajing ordered the Ministry of Rites' Minister, Yan Song, to send envoys to formally grant her the title. In the same year, in March, Zhang Gang was promoted to a pay-grade deputy commander. On May 16th of the 25th year of Jiajing, Zhang Gang passed away and was given a funeral and memorial rites. The following year, her father was granted funeral expenses and silver. On March 6th of the second year of the Wanli reign (1574), Consort Zhang Deifei died; she was posthumously titled Rongzhao, and Emperor Shenzong of Ming ordered a two-day delay in court sessions in her honor. She was devoted to Buddhism and Taoism and participated in the creation of religious artworks such as the "Medicine Master Vow Merits and Deeds Treasure Scroll." She and Princess Wugong commissioned artisans to paint sacred images and entrusted them to perpetual care. Concerning the record of the major fire at Wanshou Palace in Xiyuan during the 40th year of Jiajing, there are differing accounts. Some suggest it may be related to Consort Zhang Deifei, but there is no conclusive evidence.