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The Lone Sentinel of Ningyuan: Yuan Chonghuan [Ming]
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Brief: This article tells how Yuan Chonghuan defended Ming against the rising Jurchen Later Jin. After Ming’s heavy defeat at Sarhu, Yuan fortified Ningyuan with Western cannons and defeated Nurhaci, who died soon after. He also repelled Hong Taiji at Ning-Jin. Despite victories, court intrigue forced his temporary resignation.
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The Uprising in Suzhou [Ming]
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Brief: This article records the Suzhou Uprising against Wei Zhongxian’s tyranny. Locals revolted to protect upright official Zhou Shunchang from arrest by the Eastern Depot. Five citizens surrendered to save the city and were martyred. Later, the Chongzhen Emperor toppled Wei, and the five were honored as symbols of justice.
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The Enigmatic Case of the Stick Strike [Ming]
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Brief: This article explains the Case of the Stick Strike during the Wanli reign. A long succession dispute lingered between the emperor’s eldest son (Zhu Changluo) and favored son (Zhu Changxun). A man broke into the crown prince’s palace with a staff, arousing conspiracy suspicions. The emperor covered up the case to protect Noble…
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Mining for Greed: The Wanli Emperor’s Exploitation [Ming]
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Brief: This article describes the Wanli Emperor’s greedy exploitation. To fund his luxury and mausoleum, he sent eunuchs as mining and tax commissioners, who extorted and oppressed people nationwide. Popular uprisings broke out. Though he pretended to stop the tyranny, he soon broke his promise, severely shaking the Ming Dynasty’s rule.
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The Regency and Reform of Zhang Juzheng [Ming]
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Brief: This article narrates Zhang Juzheng’s powerful regency and bold reforms under the Wanli Emperor. He enforced official assessments, carried out national land surveys, and launched the Single Whip Law to unify taxes. He also tamed the Yellow River. After his death, the resentful emperor reversed his legacy, confiscating his family’s property and ruining…