Brief: This article introduces the Rule of Ren and Xuan, a golden age of the Ming Dynasty. Emperor Renzong and Emperor Xuanzong adopted benevolent policies, reduced taxes, valued capable ministers, and stabilized society. They suppressed the rebellion of Zhu Gaoxu, ending decades of warfare and bringing peace and prosperity to the realm.
The Succession Crisis and the Rebellion of Prince Gaoxu
After his fifth northern campaign, Emperor Ming Chengzu (Zhu Di) fell gravely ill at Yumuchuan. Before his death, he regretted imprisoning the honest official Xia Yuanji, acknowledging his loyalty. Chengzu’s death triggered a succession struggle reminiscent of his own rise to power, this time between his second son, Zhu Gaoxu, and his grandson, Zhu Zhanji.
Chengzu had favored Gaoxu for his martial prowess and loyalty during the Jingnan Campaign, while disliking his eldest son, Zhu Gaochi, for his obesity and perceived weakness. However, officials like Xie Jin argued for Gaochi based on his virtue and the tradition of primogeniture. Xie Jin also reminded Chengzu of his brilliant grandson, Zhanji. To ensure Zhanji’s future succession, Chengzu named Gaochi as Crown Prince and Gaoxu as the Prince of Han. Resentful of being sidelined and exiled to Luanzhou, Gaoxu harbored ambitions of usurpation.
Upon Chengzu’s death, Gaochi ascended as Emperor Ming Renzong but died after only ten months. His son, Zhu Zhanji, became Emperor Ming Xuanzong. Seizing the opportunity, Prince Gaoxu prepared to rebel, attempting to ambush his nephew on the way to Beijing. When the assassination failed, he raised an army in Luanzhou, claiming he was “clearing away corrupt officials” just as his father had. However, his plot was exposed when his contact, Zhang Fu, reported him to the throne.
The Emperor’s Personal Campaign
Facing the rebellion, Ming Xuanzong rejected the idea of sending a general and decided to lead the imperial guard personally, advised by the veteran general Xue Lu. Arriving swiftly at Luanzhou, the emperor surrounded Gaoxu. Realizing he lacked support and facing a letter from his nephew offering mercy in exchange for surrender, Gaoxu capitulated without a major battle.
Gaoxu and his sons were imprisoned in the Xiaoyao Palace. Later, when Xuanzong visited, the humiliated prince tripped the emperor. Enraged, Xuanzong had a massive 300-pound bronze vat placed over Gaoxu. When the strong prince managed to lift and move the vat, the emperor ordered charcoal to be piled around it, burning his uncle to death.
The Benevolence of Emperor Renzong
Before his short reign, Renzong was known for his compassion. As a youth, he delayed a military review to let freezing soldiers finish their breakfast. While traveling through Zou County, he witnessed peasants eating wild grasses due to famine. He immediately distributed funds and reprimanded local officials for failing to provide relief, prioritizing the people’s survival over tax collection.
As emperor, Renzong released unjustly imprisoned officials like Xia Yuanji, urging them to speak the truth. When an official praised the era as a “perfect peace,” minister Yang Shiqi corrected him, noting that the people still suffered. Renzong agreed, halting the procurement of luxury gems and reducing taxes in disaster-stricken areas like Huai’an and Xuzhou. He firmly believed that stabilizing the realm required rooting out corrupt officials.
The Governance of Emperor Xuanzong
Xuanzong continued his father’s policies of resting the people and recovering the economy. He personally observed farmers and wrote the “Song of the Weaving Woman” to remind the palace of the hardships of the common people. A student of history, he often discussed governance with his ministers, praising emperors like Han Wendi who treated their subjects well, and criticizing those like Sui Yangdi who indulged in luxury. He notably remarked that while Han Wudi (Emperor Wu of Han) and Tang Xuanzong both had flaws, he preferred Han Wudi’s early vigor over Xuanzong’s later decline. He also rejected a monk’s proposal to build a temple for his longevity, citing the failures of emperors like Qin Shihuang and Emperor Wu of Han who sought immortality through superstition.
The Legacy of “Ren-Xuan Rule”
The era known as the “Rule of Ren and Xuan” was a golden age of stability and prosperity. This success was not only due to the emperors’ benevolence but also their reliance on capable ministers. Key figures included the financial expert Xia Yuanji, the Minister of Personnel Jian Yi, and the “Three Yangs” – Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong, and Yang Pu. Their collective wisdom and integrity laid a strong foundation for the Ming Dynasty, setting a high standard for local officials like those in Suzhou who would follow.
Note
Zhu Gaochi (Emperor Renzong)
Son of Yongle Emperor. A kind, cautious ruler who ended costly wars, pardoned unjustly jailed officials, and reduced taxes. His short reign laid the groundwork for peace.
Zhu Zhanji (Emperor Xuanzong)
Son of Renzong. A wise, popular emperor who continued benevolent policies, crushed his uncle’s rebellion, and created a golden age of Ming rule.
Zhu Gaoxu
Second son of Yongle Emperor. Ambitious, warlike prince who rebelled against Xuanzong. He surrendered but was later executed for disrespect.
Xia Yuanji
Trusted finance minister. Jailed for opposing Yongle’s northern campaigns; freed and restored by Renzong.
Three Yangs (Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong, Yang Pu)
The most capable cabinet ministers of the Ren-Xuan era, key to stable governance.
Xie Jin
Famous scholar-official who supported Zhu Gaochi as crown prince and protected Zhu Zhanji’s succession.
Zhang Fu
Veteran general who exposed Zhu Gaoxu’s rebellion plot to the emperor.
Rule of Ren and Xuan (Ren-Xuan Zhi Zhi)
A peaceful, prosperous golden age of the early Ming Dynasty, comparable to “enlightened rule” in Western history.
Primogeniture
The traditional principle that the eldest son inherits the throne, upheld by Ming officials.
Jingnan Campaign
Yongle Emperor’s earlier rebellion to seize the throne, which Zhu Gaoxu tried to copy.
Succession Struggle
Yongle hesitated between his fat but virtuous eldest son (Gaochi) and his brave but ruthless second son (Gaoxu).
Rebellion of Zhu Gaoxu
After Renzong’s early death, Gaoxu revolted against Xuanzong but quickly surrendered.
Benevolent Governance
Both emperors reduced taxes, relieved famine, punished corruption, and valued farmers’ hardships.
Leave a Reply