In 1389, when his father was summoned to Nanjing by the Ming government for traveling to Fengyang without permission, Zhu Youdun took over the management of the princely household.
[3] In the spring (on the third day of the third month) of 1395, Zhu Youdun married the daughter of the military commander Lü Gui (呂貴).
He then summoned Zhu Su and his son back to Nanjing and restored their titles and palace in Kaifeng in early 1403.
[8] It is possible that their influence led Zhu Youdun to emphasize the importance of plot in his theoretical works on theatrical plays.
Another important poet and writer in Kaifeng was Yu Qian, who served as the grand coordinator in Henan and Shaanxi provinces from 1430 to 1447.
The first group comprises celebratory works that were specifically created to be performed during court festivities, holidays, and anniversaries.
On the other hand, the second group of Zhu Youdun's plays are classical zaju pieces that focus on promoting the virtues of a loyal courtier.
[14] On 8 July 1439, Zhu Youdun died and was given the posthumous name Prince Xian of Zhou (周憲王).
[9] His wife and six concubines committed suicide on 29 July 1439 in order to be buried with him, despite his own request to the emperor to abolish the custom.