Zhu Jilang

Yonghe Zhaoding Wang Zhu Jilang (April 14, 1388 – March 12, 1443), the first Ming dynasty prince of Yonghe, was the sixth son of Zhu Kuo, with mother Lady Liu. He was born in the 21st year of the Hongwu reign (1388). In the 35th year of the Hongwu reign (1402), in December, he went to Nanjing to pay homage to Ming Chengzu, then returned to Taiyuan Prefecture. In the first year of Yongle (1403), in November, he again went to Nanjing and was titled Prince of Yonghe. Afterwards, he frequently traveled to the capital to pay homage to Ming Chengzu. In the 12th year of Yongle (1414), in January, he and his brothers impeached their older brother involved in affairs, and was subsequently separated to Fenzhou, where he resided ever after. In the 15th year of Yongle (1417), in December, he was warned for allegedly forging seals and usurping powers of a prince. He died on the 11th day of the 2nd month of the 8th year of Zhengtong (1443), which corresponds to March 12, at the age of 56. He reigned for 41 years and was posthumously honored with the title Zhaoding. Three years later, his eldest legitimate son Zhu Meichen inherited the title. His wife was Lady Wang, daughter of Wang Qi, governor of Puzhou, titled Yonghe Wangfei. His concubine was lady Bai, mother of Zhu Zhongjia. His children included his eldest son Zhu Meichen, second son Zhu Meiwan, and multiple daughters. His tomb is located on the plains of Renshan in Fenzhou, Shanxi, buried on July 27, of the 9th year of Zhengtong (1444).