Template:Infobox Chinese Royalty
Zhu Gaoxu (Chinese: 朱高煦; December 30, 1380 - October 6, 1426), the Prince Yang of Gao (高陽王, created 1395), later the Prince of Han (漢王, created 1404) was a son of Emperor Yongle and Empress Ren Xiao Wen. Gaoxu fight with his elder brother Zhu Gaozhi for the throne.
Early life
Young Gaoxu was much interest in military and also known as great general. Following his father in many battlefield against Mongol tribes. Gaoxu become a favorite of Yongle for his military successes, but he disobeyed imperial instructions and in 1417 had been exiled to the small fief of Le'an in Shandong and not allowed to leave from city without emperor permission.
Rebellion
In Shandong, Gaoxu lived as a farmer but secretly trained his army since he has long intended to rebel. From years to years, Gaoxu gain much more power and recruit many generals including General Wu Sien from marine division.
At the time his nephew became Xuande Emperor, Gaoxu start his rebellion. The new emperor himself led 20,000 troops attack Gaoxu. General Wu sien betrayed him and turned to attack Gaoxu. Soon afterward, Gaoxu lost the battle and then surrendered. He was reduced to a commoner, six hundred rebelling officials were executed, and 2,200 were banished.
Death
The Emperor did not wish to execute his uncle at the start, but later events angered the Emperor so much, that Zhu Gaoxu was executed through fire torture, and all Zhu Gaoxu's sons were executed as well. It is very likely that Zhu Gaoxu's arrogance, which is well detailed in many historic texts, offended the Emperor. A theory states that when the Emperor went to visit his uncle, Zhu Gaoxu intentionally tripped the Emperor.
Reference
- "Early Ming China" by Edward Dreyer (1982).