Zhu Zi

Zhu Zi, whose generation name was "Fu Chang Xin Bao Ding, Jia Ying Bi Xing Long, Qi Chu Xun Cong Shi, Zun Wen Ru Gui Zhong," was born on October 6, 1369. He was the eighth son of Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, and his mother was Consort Da Ding. In the third year of Hongwu (1370), he was granted the title of Prince of Tan, and later in 1385, he was stationed in Changsha. Zhu Zi was known for his "intelligence and eagerness to learn" and was skilled in literature.

In the twenty-third year of Hongwu (1390), his wife, Yu shi (daughter of Yu Xian), and her brother, Yu Hu, were executed due to their involvement in the "Hu Weiyong case." As a result, Zhu Zi became distressed. The Emperor sent officials to console him and summoned him to the capital for an audience. Fearing this, Zhu Zi refused to go and, together with his wife, committed self-immolation, dying at the age of 20.

Zhu Zi had no children, and his fiefdom was subsequently abolished. The original generation name line was not inherited and was discontinued due to the extinction of the family. Some unofficial historical accounts suggest Zhu Zi was a posthumous son of Chen Youliang, but since Chen Youliang died in 1363, this is inconsistent with Zhu Zi’s age.

Furthermore, Zhu Zi’s family background and specific deeds are mainly recorded in historical texts and legends.