This article tells the tragic end of the Ming Dynasty. The Qing rose in the northeast, while Li Zicheng’s rebel army marched on Beijing. Chongzhen Emperor hanged himself at Meishan. Li briefly ruled Beijing but lost support. Wu Sangui allied with the Qing, who defeated Li and seized the capital, founding the Qing Dynasty.
This article narrates the tragic fate of Ming general Yuan Chonghuan. Trusted by Chongzhen Emperor, he defended Liaodong against Later Jin. He executed unruly general Mao Wenlong. Hong Taiji used a false conspiracy to frame him. Paranoid emperor sentenced Yuan to cruel death, ruining Ming’s last hope.
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.
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 Consort…
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.