Hai Rui’s Land Reform
After his release from prison, Hai Rui was appointed as the Grand Coordinator of Yingtian. He discovered that the retired Grand Secretary Xu Jie had illegally seized vast amounts of farmland. Hai Rui ordered the return of this land to the poor. Despite Xu’s previous help in saving his life, Hai Rui refused to show favoritism, demanding more land be returned. In retaliation, Xu’s allies impeached Hai Rui for harassing the wealthy, leading to his dismissal.
Zhang Juzheng’s Strategic Defense
Zhang Juzheng, a capable minister and former tutor to the Longqing Emperor, rose to power with the goal of reforming the corrupt administration. His immediate priority was securing the northern border. He appointed Li Chengliang to defend Liaodong and transferred the famous general Qi Jiguang to guard the Ji-Zhen sector, effectively protecting Beijing. To handle the Datong and Xuanfu sectors, he appointed Wang Chonggu, a veteran of the anti-piracy campaigns.
The Defection of Bagenaji
A diplomatic opportunity arose when Altan Khan’s grandson, Bagenaji, defected to the Ming after a family dispute over a bride. While some officials suggested killing him to avoid trouble, Zhang Juzheng argued for using him as leverage. The court treated Bagenaji well, appointing him an officer. When Altan Khan threatened war to retrieve his grandson, Wang Chonggu sent envoy Bao Chongde to negotiate peace. Altan, weary of conflict and desiring trade goods, agreed to submit to the Ming in exchange for his grandson’s return and the opening of trade markets.
The Opening of Horse Markets
Despite opposition from hardliners like Minister of War Guo Qian, Zhang Juzheng convinced the Longqing Emperor to accept the peace treaty. Altan Khan was enfeoffed as the “Shunyi King,” and horse markets were opened at border passes like Xuanfu and Datong. This ended decades of warfare, allowing for the exchange of Chinese tea and silk for Mongolian horses and furs.
The Role of the Third Lady
Following the peace agreement, Altan Khan’s wife, the “Third Lady” (Sanniangzi), became a crucial figure. She actively managed trade relations and settled disputes between merchants. After Altan’s death, she successively married his son and grandson to maintain her political influence and ensure the continuity of the peace treaty. Her leadership kept the border peaceful for over thirty years, earning her the title “Loyal and Obedient Lady.”
The End of the Longqing Era
The successful pacification of the north set the stage for Zhang Juzheng’s broader reforms. However, the Longqing Emperor died suddenly after only six years on the throne. He was succeeded by his ten-year-old son, the Wanli Emperor, leaving the future of the reforms uncertain under a child ruler.
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