This article traces Ming imperial decline: Emperor Xianzong favored eunuchs and a jealous consort. Emperor Xiaozong briefly restored good governance. Emperor Wuzong neglected rule, built the decadent Leopard Room, relied on the corrupt “Eight Tigers” eunuchs, and acted as a self-styled general, bringing chaos to the dynasty.
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.
This article narrates the Jingnan Campaign, a Ming Dynasty civil war. The young Jianwen Emperor tried to reduce feudal princes’ power, triggering rebellion by his uncle Zhu Di (Prince of Yan). After years of war, Zhu Di’s army captured the capital Nanjing, seized the throne, and reshaped the Ming dynasty’s future.
This article recounts how Ming Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang consolidated absolute power. He executed Chancellor Hu Weiyong, abolished the thousand-year-old chancellorship, and centralized rule under himself. He later purged top general Lan Yu and tens of thousands of founding officials, eliminating all threats to the throne and reshaping Ming politics completely.