Zhu Yuntong

Zhu Yun tang, born in November 1378, was a member of the Ming imperial family, grandson of Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, grandson of Chang Yuchun, and the second legitimate son of Empress Xiaokang Chang. In the 11th year of Hongwu (1378), he was granted the title of Marquis. In the 28th year of Hongwu (1395), he was enfeoffed as a noble lady. In the first year of the Jianwen reign (1399), he was titled King of Wu and stationed in Hangzhou, although he did not formally take up his fief.

During the Jianwen period, his fourth uncle, Zhu Di, launched the Jingnan Campaign. In the fourth year of Jianwen (1402), Zhu Di marched into Nanjing. Emperor Jianwen went into hiding, and Zhu Di ascended the throne as emperor. Zhu Yun Tang was demoted to Prince of Guangze and lived in Zhangzhou.

In September, Zhu Di summoned him and his brother Zhu Yun Xin to the capital. Due to their inability to assist their older brother and owing to resentment, they were deposed to commoner status and imprisoned in Fengyang. In the 15th year of Yongle (1417), Zhu Yun Tang was executed for conspiracy related to the rebellion of Zhu Yue Yán, Prince of Chongning in Shu Province.

Zhu Di honored his tomb with proper rites. During the Southern Ming, Zhu Yun Tang was posthumously titled Prince of Wu; later, Emperor Hongguang posthumously honored him as Diao (mourning), and Emperor Longwu posthumously as Ai (sorrow). His son, Zhu Wenkun, and descendants’ whereabouts remain unknown. Some historical records indicate that Zhu Yun Tang’s descendants hide among the common people.