ruler of Fujian province in southeastern China after the Manchu forces of Manchuria (Northeast China) captured the Ming capital at Beijing and established the Qing dynasty (1644–1911/12). He was also a claimant to the Ming throne.

A Ming prince, Zhu was a direct descendant of the first Ming dynasty emperor, Hongwu (reigned 1368–98). Upon the fall of Beijing to the Manchu armies, Zhu obtained the support of the pirate leader and freebooter Zheng Zhilong and in August 1645 proclaimed himself emperor of the Nan (Southern) Ming, with the reign title of Longwu. He reigned for about 13 months, holding court in Fujian province. When the Qing armies began to advance into southern China, Zheng Zhilong withdrew his protection of Zhu, who was then captured and executed.