Zhu Changqing 常清, Prince of Huai 淮王, the Dongwu Emperor 東武

Zhu Changqing 朱常清 (1616-1649), also known as the Dongwu Emperor 東武帝 (r. 1648-1649), was a ruler of the Southern Ming dynasty 南明 (1644-1661). He was Prince of Huai 淮王. In 1646 the Shaowu Emperor 紹武帝 was captured by the Manchus, and Zhu Youlang 朱由榔, the Prince of Gui 桂王, adopted the title of emperor (as the Yongli Emperor 永曆). Yet in Spring 1648 Zheng Chenggong 鄭成功 (Coxinga), who controled the Southeast coast of China, compelled Zhu Changqing to proclaim himself regent (jianguo 監國) of the (Southern) Ming, and to adopt the reign motto Dongwu 東武 "Martiality of the East". This happened on the island of Nan'ao 南澳島, Guangdong. A year later Zhu Youlang sent an envoy to Nan'ao who was able to convince Zhu Chenggong that it was better to have one single emperor who should resist the invaders of the Manchus. Zhu Changqing therefore laid down the title of regent. He died in the same year. His temple name is Emperor Jingzong 明敬宗.