Emperor of the Ming Dynasty: Flaws on the spine or cover

Author: Gao Yang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features:
Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang (Hongwu): The Ming Taizu designed a unique feudal system where the imperial princes could serve as guardians for the imperial family without rebelling. Thus, the princes had only vanity and no real power, though there were exceptions. And it was within these exceptions that the Taizu's entire ideals were shattered.
Emperor Chengzu Zhu Di (Yongle): Fang Xiaoru immediately rebelled, crying and cursing: "I will die! I will not sign the edict!" Chengzu's expression changed instantly: "Don't you fear the extermination of nine clans?" "Extermination of ten clans, then?" "Fine!" Chengzu retorted, "Then I will exterminate your ten clans."
Emperor Xuanzong Zhu Zhanji (Xuande): Among the emperors of the Ming Dynasty, Xuanzong was a good emperor. During his ten years on the throne, the court was in a splendid state, as recorded in history, except for his indulgence of eunuchs, which led to the rise of the eunuch in the Ming Dynasty.
Emperor Yingzong Zhu Qizhen (Tongzhi, Tianshun): Among all the emperors of China, I cannot think of another as popular as Yingzong. Yingzong seemed to possess a special charm; people would immediately feel affection for him and care about him, which was the foundation for his return to power and restoration.
Emperor Xianzong Zhu Jianshen (Chenghua): Originally, Xianzong stuttered. According to Ming Dynasty custom, when officials presented their reports, they would simply say, "Yes!" This single word was very difficult for Xianzong to pronounce. There was a minister named Shi Chunyan, who suggested that Xianzong instead say, "According to custom." These two words rolled off his tongue easily, making it very convenient. Xianzong was greatly pleased and promoted him to the position of Minister of State.
Emperor Shenzong Zhu Yijun (Wanli): There have been many licentious and tyrannical emperors in history, but Shenzong's laziness was unique—described in a single word: "lazy!" I dare say that Shenzong was the most lazy emperor in Chinese history. He was not only lazy in exercising imperial power but even lazy in enjoying it.
Emperor Xizong Zhu Youjiao (Tianqi): Xizong was not inherently unintelligent. If he had lived in modern times, he might have become a scientist, or at least an excellent engineer. His extreme foolishness and incompetence stemmed from his lack of education; from a young age, he was exposed to nothing but the opposite of proper education—everything base and vile.
The emperors of the Ming Dynasty each had distinct personalities, and the various dynasties were marked by the unique characteristics of their rulers. Gao Yang, while reading the history of the Ming Dynasty, presents each emperor from beginning to end, narrating their perilous journeys to the throne, discussing their decisions or anxieties in matters of family and state, and analyzing their successes and failures in governing the nation.
Focusing on each emperor, Gao Yang explores the daily lives of their consorts, eunuchs, and officials, while also tracing the vertical and horizontal threads of events such as the founding of the dynasty, suppressing rebellions, seizing power, and debating rituals. In his meticulous details, he captures the grandeur of history with just a few strokes.
Ultimately, what emerges is a grand and tumultuous history of the Ming Dynasty. Gao Yang is renowned for his faithfulness to historical facts, where research and vivid narration complement each other. Yet, he is not lacking in insightful observations, and his judgments within the text are always apt, leaving a lasting impression.