Emperor Chongzhen, 17th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1627-1644). Personal Name: Zhu Youjian, Zhu Yóujian. Posthumous Name: Zhuangliemin, Zhuanglièmin. Temple Name: Sizong, Sizong. Reign Name: Ming Chongzhen, Ming Chóngzhen. The Chongzhen Emperor was the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty in China. He reigned from 1627 to 1644, under an era name that means 'Honorable and Auspicious'. The decline of the Ming intensified during Chongzhen's reign. Popular uprisings broke out throughout China, including those of Zhang Xianzhong and the more important Li Zicheng. These could not be put down by the already hard-pressed Ming armies, who had to contend with the Manchu threat to the north. In April 1644, Li prepared to take the Ming capital of Beijing. Rather than face capture and probable execution at the hands of the newly-proclaimed Shun Dynasty, Chongzhen arranged a feast and gathered all members of the imperial household aside from his sons. Using his sword, he killed all of them there. All