Zhu Jihuang

Jin Prince Zhu Jiheng was born on September 14, 1381. He was the illegitimate third son of Ming Dynasty's Prince Gong of Jin, Zhu Tu, also known as Zhu Gong. He was granted the title of Zhao De Prince during the 14th year of Hongwu (1381), and later, in the 35th year of Hongwu (1402), he was re-titled Pingyang Prince. According to historical records, Zhu Jiheng behaved improperly. His elder brother, Zhu Jixi (Ding Prince of Jin), who was favored by their father Zhu Tu, was not loved as much. After Zhu Jiheng learned that his elder brother was dissatisfied with Ming Chengzu’s usurpation, he once defamed Zhu Jixi before Ming Chengzu. In September of the 12th year of Yongle (1414), Zhu Jixi was deposed, and Zhu Jiheng inherited the princely title of Jin.

Prince Zhu Jiheng was known for a rebellious and cruel nature. He once poisoned his biological mother, Lady Xie, and placed Zhu Jixi and his nephew Zhu Meijui under house arrest. Later, he allied with Prince Han, Zhu Gaoxu, planning to rebel. In August of the first year of Xuande (1426), Zhu Gaoxu launched a rebellion, which ultimately failed. Government officials exposed their alliance, and the following year, Zhu Jiheng was stripped of his titles, exiled to a distant place, and his date of death is unknown.

According to a letter written during the fifth year of Jingtai (1454) by Emperor Mingshu, he mentioned that Zhu Jiheng's eldest son Zhu Meixun and others had been pardoned and sent back to Taiyuan, implying that Zhu Jiheng had already passed away.

Zhu Jiheng’s wife was Lady Li, the daughter of Li Jinglong. He had multiple children, including Wenxi Prince Zhu Meixun, Heshun Prince Zhu Meizeng, an illegitimate son Zhu Meiniao, Zhu Meifeng, and Zhu Meihui.