Zhu Yi

King Yili, Zhu Mi, whose given name is unknown, was born on July 9, 1388, and died on October 8, 1414. He was born on the sixth day of the sixth month in the twenty-first year of the Hongwu reign. His father was the Hongwu Emperor, Zhu Yuanzhang, and he was the twenty-fifth son. His mother was Consort Ge. In the twenty-fourth year of Hongwu (1391), Zhu Mi was granted the title of King of Yili, and in the sixth year of the Yongle reign (1407), he was relocated to Henan Prefecture (present-day Luoyang). He enjoyed martial arts and often carried bows, crossbows, and swords, riding horses and engaging in outdoor activities. His lifestyle included shaving his head, appearing in the nude, and associating with both men and women. According to historical records, his behavior was considered indulgent and immoral. He died in the twelfth year of Yongle (1414) at the age of 26, having reigned for 23 years. After his death, the Ministry of Rites once recommended rescinding his title and burying him with the rites of a commoner, but Emperor Ming Cheng zu, out of mourning, did not revoke the title and granted him the posthumous name “Li” (meaning “severe” or “strict”). His son, Zhu Yongque, succeeded him. Zhu Mi was married to Liu, the daughter of Zuo Jun Dudu Liu Zhen, and also had a concubine named Ding. His son Zhu Yongque was granted the title of King of Yijian in 1424, born in 1413, and died in 1462. Among the successive Kings of Yili, Zhu Dianyang was known for his violent temper, and historical accounts record that he acted presumptuously, committed breaches of propriety, occupied dwellings and academies, and forcibly conscripted women. In the 43rd year of the Jiajing reign (1564), Emperor Shizong issued an edict to abolish this kingship.