Ming Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang's Hundred Riddles

Author: Hui Huanzhang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: Zhu Yuanzhang, known as Guorui, was born in 1328. His parents died young, and he came from a poor family. In his youth, he entered a monastery as a monk. In 1352, he led a group to join the Hongwen Army and participated in the peasant uprising at the end of the Yuan Dynasty. After capturing Nanjing, he adopted the strategic principle of "building high walls, storing abundant grain, and delaying the declaration of kingship." He expanded his military strength and defeated Chen Youliang and Zhang Shicheng. In 1368, he established the Ming Dynasty, made Nanjing the capital, and initiated the era name "Hongwu." Six months after Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor, the northern expeditionary force captured Dadu, marking the end of the Yuan Dynasty. After unifying the country, Zhu Yuanzhang implemented measures to strengthen feudal autocratic rule. He reformed the central and local administrative institutions, abolished the system of prime ministers, established the six ministries, and held direct responsibility for them. He adjusted the military structure, promoted the imperial examination system, and strengthened the legal system. This further consolidated the emperor's rule. After Zhu Yuanzhang became emperor, he began to ruthlessly execute meritorious officials and launched widespread literary purges. These actions severely restricted the cultural and intellectual life of the Ming Dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang ruled for 31 years and died in 1398 at the age of 71.