Zhu Shan Yan

King Sukang Zhu Shanyan, born in 1406 and died in 1464, was the second-generation King of Su of the Ming Dynasty. His father, King Zhuang Zhu Kuang, held the title during the reign of Emperor Chengzu. Zhu Shanyan was his primary and only son among the princes' sons. During Emperor Chengzu's reign, he was not enfeoffed as a marquis or made heir apparent according to the system for the sons of princes. It was only after Emperor Renzong ascended the throne that he was granted the title of King Su, becoming the first to be enfeoffed as a fiefdom not as a marquis or heir apparent in history. Emperor Renzong increased his annual stipend from 500 shi to 1,000 shi, but Emperor Xuanzong rejected his request for an increase. In 1426, the daughter of Commander Chen Xuan of the Eastern City military forces was granted the title of Princess Su. He held his title for forty years during his reign.

His illegitimate son, Zhu Lupi, was granted the princedom of Xunhua, with an annual stipend of 2,000 shi, making him the highest among Zhu Shanyan’s descendants. Zhu Shanyan died in 1464, and four years later, in 1468, his son Zhu Lupi succeeded him. Furthermore, his eldest daughter, Lady Huating, married Gao Song of Yibin in 1450 and passed away in 1455.