Zhu Benli


Zhu Benli or Dingwu Emperor is claimed to be the last emperor of Southern Ming. He inherited the title Prince of Han. His identity and existence however is of some dispute, and Zhu Youlang is generally taken to be the last emperor of Southern Ming.

Biography

His original name was Zhu Danji, and he inherited his father's title of Prince of Han in 1611. During a military campaign against the rebel leader Li Zicheng in Pingliang, Gansu in 1643, he was captured, but he was soon released. Li Zicheng then occupied and plundered the capital Beijing, the central government disintegrated, and the reigning Chongzhen Emperor committed suicide.