Zhu Gaosui

Zhu Gaosui (Chinese: 朱高燧; pinyin: Zhū Gāosuì; 19 January 1383 – 5 October 1431) was a prince and military leader of the Ming dynasty. He was the third son of the Yongle Emperor and an ally of his second brother, Zhu Gaoxu, who was the rival to their older brother, Zhu Gaochi, in the power struggle over succession. His mother was Empress Renxiaowen.

Zhu Gaosui was born on 19 January 1383, the third son of Zhu Di, then Prince of Yan based in Beijing, and his primary consort, Lady Xu. He was mediocre in both character and abilities.[1] Along with his older brother Zhu Gaochi, he participated in military campaigns in the civil war of 1399–1402,[2] resulting in his father becoming emperor of the Ming dynasty. In 1404, his father made him the Prince of Zhao (趙王). In 1405, he was entrusted with military command in Beijing.[3]

In 1426, he became involved in the rebellion of his second brother, Zhu Gaoxu, against their nephew, the Xuande Emperor. He was not punished for the sake of the stability of the state.[4] He died in 1431, and his title of Prince of Zhao was inherited by his second son, Zhu Zhanque (朱瞻塙; 1413–1455), as the eldest son, Zhu Zhanba (朱瞻坺; 1411–1427), had died a few years prior. His third and last son, born in early 1413, died in infancy.