Zhu Youbin

Yidan Wang Zhu Youbin, the sixth son of Emperor Xianzong of Ming, his mother was Empress Dowager Zhuangyi, née Zhang. He was born on the fourth day of the first lunar month in the 15th year of the Chenghua Emperor’s reign (1479) and died on October 5th of the 13th year of the Tianqi Emperor’s reign (1539), at the age of 60. Born in Nanjing on January 26, 1479, he was granted the title of King of Yi in July 1487. In the first year of Hongzhi (1488), February, he started studying outside the palace. In June 1491, he was appointed by the Hanlin Academy as Chief Editor, alongside Hu Chenghe and Qiu Wenhan, as the secondary officials of the Yi Wang residence. An imperial edict from Emperor Xiaozong ordered the construction of the Yi Wang residence in Jianchang, Jiangxi. He began his fiefdom at Jianchang Prefecture (present-day Fuzhou, Jiangxi) in September. He requested reinstatement for his uncle, Zhang Jun, and later worked to secure a hereditary position for Zhang Jun’s son, Zhang Sheng, as a commander of the Jin Yiwei (Border Guards). Known for frugality, he often lived simply and enjoyed reading history, caring for civilian affairs without disturbing the people. He resided at the former residence of Prince Jingxian Zhu Zhanqi. He had four sons and two daughters with his wife, Peng. His sons included King Yizhuang Zhu Hoye, King Yigong Zhu Houxuan, King Jinxia Zhuanghui Zhu Houruang, and King Yushan Gong'an Zhu Houcheng. He was buried in Hongmen Town, Nancheng County, Jiangxi Province; his tomb was excavated in 1972. His family is collectively regarded as one of the “Four Kings’ Qin” (a term referring to a distinguished family lineage).