Zhu Zhanshan

Xiangxian Prince Zhu Zhantan (April 4, 1406 – February 18, 1478), the fifth legitimate son of Ming Emperor Renzong Zhu Gaochi. His mother was Empress Xiaozhao Zhang. In the twenty-second year of the Yongle era, he was granted the title of Prince of Xiang. In the fourth year of the Xuande era, he was stationed in Changsha as a vassal lord. Later, when Emperor Yingzong’s grandson Zhu Jianzun moved into the princely residence, he was re-titled as the Prince of Xiangyang (present-day Xiangyang, Hubei) in the first year of the Zhengtong era. During the early Renxuan period, after Emperor Renzong Zhu Gaochi ascended to the throne, Zhu Zhantan was appointed as regent, with limited activities, marking the first time a prince performed regency. Subsequently, he resided in Beijing and, in the first year of the Xuande era, accompanied Emperor Xuanzong to pacify the Han region and participated in stationing arrangements. During the Yingjing period, Prince Xiang was captured during the Tumu Crisis when Emperor Yingzong was taken hostage. His grandmother, the Empress Dowager Tian, once attempted to enthrone him as emperor, but he opposed this in a memorial, advocating for the crown prince Zhu Jianshen, showing a certain political stance. After Emperor Yingzong was restored to the throne, Prince Xiang maintained a close relationship with him, was summoned into the palace for banquets, and received farewell gifts. In the fourth year of the Tianshun era, he returned to court again to participate in sacrificial rites, and by the sixth year, he thanked the court and withdrew from official duties. In 1478, Prince Xiang passed away at the age of 72, with the posthumous title of Xian Wang. The following year, his son Zhu Qiwen inherited the title of Prince of Xiang. In terms of family, his eldest son was Zhu Yuwang, the Prince of Xiangding; his second son was Zhu Qishi, the Marquis of Ningxiang; his third son was Zhu Qizheng, the King of Zaoyang; and a daughter, Princess Xiangtan, was married to Liu Long of Yibin.