"None of this would have been desired by Empress Ma, whether as a mother or a grandmother.
Wu Tao chuckled upon hearing Empress Ma's questioning.
'Why? You ask why? It’s all because Zhu Yuanzhang poured all his energy into his eldest son?'
'He never paid attention to the thoughts of his other sons...'
'He didn’t realize the resentment and unwillingness hidden in his other sons' eyes when he passed the throne to his grandson.
'Also... Crown Prince Zhu Biao, that brat, died too early...'
Rumble!!!
Another thunderclap echoed across the sky.
In truth, Wu Tao's words were like thunderbolts, striking fear into the hearts of everyone present, plunging them into an abyss.
Upon hearing this, Zhu Yuanzhang could no longer maintain his composure!
His expression drastically changed, and he asked, 'What happened to my son? What exactly do you mean, True Master Qingyunzi!'
Empress Ma, standing beside him, suddenly changed her tone and interjected, 'Your Majesty, do not worry. I believe True Master Qingyunzi is speaking nonsense without any proof.'
However, as Empress Ma spoke, a glint flashed in her eyes.
She was doing this deliberately!
As expected, Wu Tao, in his current state, fell for the provocation and immediately stood up.
'I am speaking nonsense? Very well, very well. It seems I cannot subdue you unless I show you some real substance! You don't believe this Daoist, do you?'
'Wait, if anything I say next is not proven true in the future, then consider me mad!'
Without waiting for the pale-faced Liu Bowen to stop him, he directly pointed at Zhu Biao and said, 'Crown Prince Zhu Biao (October 10, 1355 – May 17, 1392), the eldest son of Zhu Yuanzhang, mother Empress Xiaoci Ma, father of Emperor Hui of Ming, Zhu Yunwen.
Zhu Biao was born in September of the first year of Longfeng in the home of a merchant named Chen Di in Taiping.
When His Majesty was the King of Wu, he was established as the heir apparent and studied classics under Song Lian. He received meticulous guidance from a young age and was placed great hope upon by His Majesty, who nurtured him in various ways.
In January of the first year of Hongwu, he was established as the Crown Prince, officially confirming him as the successor.
Zhu Biao studied Confucian classics diligently from childhood. He possessed a benevolent and magnanimous disposition and was very caring towards his younger brothers. When Princes Zhu Shuang of Qin, Zhu Gang of Jin, Zhu Di of Yan, and Zhu Su of Zhou made mistakes on multiple occasions, Zhu Biao mediated and pleaded for them, preventing them from being punished. He held the highest prestige among the princes.
In the twenty-fifth year of Hongwu, after inspecting Shaanxi, he fell ill with a cold and passed away. He was buried in August to the east of the Xiaoling Mausoleum, in the Ming Eastern Mausoleum, with the posthumous title 'Crown Prince Yiwen'.
In the first year of Jianwen, his son Zhu Yunwen posthumously honored him as Emperor Xiaokang, with the temple name Xingzong.
After Prince Zhu Di of Yan launched the Jingnan Campaign and ascended the throne, he was again referred to as Crown Prince Yiwen. In the seventeenth year of Chongzhen, the last emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yousong, again posthumously honored him as Emperor Xiaokang.
Subsequently, Wu Tao pointed at Zhu Di and said, 'Emperor Cheng of Ming, Zhu Di, the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty.
The fourth son of Emperor Taizu of Ming, Zhu Yuanzhang, and uncle of Emperor Jianwen, Zhu Yunwen. He ascended the throne in the fourth year of Jianwen and reigned for twenty-two years, with the reign title 'Yongle'.
In the third year of Hongwu, Zhu Di was enfeoffed as the Prince of Yan. In the thirteenth year of Hongwu, he was stationed in Beiping!
In the twenty-third year of Hongwu, he led troops to persuade the Northern Yuan leader Narbuhua to surrender, and his prestige grew.
After Emperor Jianwen ascended the throne, he implemented policies to curtail the power of the princes. Zhu Di, under the pretext of 'Defending Heaven and Pacifying the Nation,' launched the Jingnan Campaign, raising an army to attack Emperor Jianwen.
In the fourth year of Jianwen, he captured Nanjing and ascended the throne. Politically, he continued the policy of curbing princely power and strengthening central authority; he reformed official institutions, establishing the Grand Secretariat and the Eastern Depot; to strengthen control over the north, he moved the capital to Beiping.
Militarily, he personally led five campaigns against the Mongols, occupied Annan; he actively managed the frontiers, establishing the Nurgan Regional Military Commission in the northeast, the Hami Guard in the northwest, and the Guizhou Provincial Administration Commission in the southwest. He actively managed the South China Sea region and implemented a policy of combining religious and secular rule in Tibet.
Diplomatically, he also commissioned Zheng He to sail to the Western Oceans, strengthening friendly exchanges between China and foreign countries [188][8]. Culturally, he commissioned the compilation of the 'Yongle Encyclopedia,' dredged the Grand Canal, and constructed the Forbidden City in Beijing, among other projects.
During his reign, the economy prospered, and the nation was strong, leading to what is known as the 'Yongle Flourishing Age.' However, his five campaigns against the Mongols, expeditions to Annan, dispatch of Zheng He to the Western Oceans, and the relocation of the capital all consumed significant national resources.
Furthermore, the incomplete nature of his policy to curtail princely power laid the groundwork for the rebellion of the Prince of Han after his death. In the twenty-second year of Yongle, while returning from his fifth campaign against the Mongols, he died of illness in Yimuchuan at the age of sixty-four. His temple name was Taizong, and his posthumous title was Emperor Wensheng, pure, benevolent, and filial, buried in Changling.
Seeing everyone staring in stunned silence, Wu Tao, unable to control his mouth, proceeded to list the names of all sixteen emperors of the Ming Dynasty in one breath!
Emperor Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, reign title Hongwu, enthroned in 1368, reigned for 31 years. Established the Ming Dynasty in 1368, with Nanjing as the capital. Died in 1398 at the age of 71.
Emperor Hui Zhu Yunwen (1377-1402), reign title 'Jianwen,' enthroned in 1398, reigned for 4 years. During his reign, Zhu Yunwen strengthened the role of civil officials in state affairs, eased punishments, and severely punished eunuchs. He also reformed some of the flawed policies of his grandfather, Zhu Yuanzhang, a period known as the 'Jianwen Reforms.' After the Jingnan Campaign, Zhu Yunwen's whereabouts were unknown. He was posthumously honored as Emperor Xiaomin, with the temple name Shenzong. After the Renyin year, his posthumous title was not used. In the first year of Hongguang of the Southern Ming, his temple name was changed to Huizong, and he was known as Emperor Hui of Ming in later generations.
Emperor Cheng Zhu Di (1360-1424), reign title 'Yongle,' enthroned in 1402, reigned for 23 years. Emperor Cheng Zhu Di, the fourth son of Zhu Yuanzhang, overthrew Emperor Jianwen and declared himself emperor. In 1421, he moved the capital to Beijing and ordered the compilation of the 'Yongle Encyclopedia.' Died in 1424 at the age of 65.
Emperor Ren Zhu Gaochi (1378-1425), reign title 'Hongxi,' enthroned in 1424, reigned for 1 year. Emperor Ren, the eldest son of Emperor Cheng, had a relatively clear political administration and implemented measures to alleviate social contradictions. He reigned for 1 year and died in 1425 at the age of 48.
Emperor Xuan Zhu Zhanji (1398-1435), reign title 'Xuande,' enthroned in 1425, reigned for 10 years. Emperor Xuan, the eldest son of Emperor Ren, like his father, was able to listen to the opinions of his officials. Together with his father, they were known for the 'Rule of Renxuan.' During Emperor Xuan's reign, the relationship between the emperor and his officials was harmonious, and the economy steadily developed. Emperor Xuan died in 1435 at the age of 38.
Emperor Ying Zhu Qizhen (1427-1464), reign titles 'Zhengtong' and 'Tianshun' (1435-1449, 1457-1464), reigned for 23 years. Emperor Ying, the eldest son of Emperor Xuan, was only 9 years old when he ascended the throne. The eunuch Wang Zhen monopolized power. In 1449, the Oirats launched a major invasion. Wang Zhen persuaded Emperor Ying to lead a personal campaign, resulting in Emperor Ying's capture, an event known as the 'Tumu Crisis' (also known as the Tumu Fort Crisis). He was released in 1450 and only regained the throne in 1457. Died in 1464 at the age of 38.
Emperor Jing Zhu Qiyu (1428-1457), reign title 'Jingtai,' enthroned in 1449, reigned for 8 years. The second son of Emperor Xuan. After Emperor Ying was captured, he was enthroned as emperor. After his enthronement, he appointed Yu Qian as Minister of War and crushed the Oirat attack on Beijing, forcing the Oirats to release Emperor Ying. Upon Emperor Ying's return, Emperor Jing placed him under house arrest until 1457. When Emperor Jing was critically ill, Emperor Ying was again enthroned. Emperor Jing died in 1457 at the age of 30.
Emperor Xian Zhu Jianshen (1447-1487), reign title 'Chenghua,' enthroned in 1464, reigned for 23 years. Emperor Xian, the eldest son of Emperor Ying. Emperor Xian was fond of esoteric arts and indulged in women, leading to eunuchs 'deceiving the state.' Emperor Xian died in 1487 at the age of 41.
Emperor Xiao Zhu Youchang (1470-1505), reign title 'Hongzhi,' enthroned in 1487, reigned for 19 years. Emperor Xiao, the third son of Emperor Xian. Emperor Xiao 'renewed various policies and opened up avenues for remonstrance,' rectifying the situation of treacherous officials in power since Emperor Ying's reign. He was hailed as a 'lord of revival.' Died in 1505 at the age of 36.
Emperor Wu Zhu Houzhao (1491-1521), reign title 'Zhengde,' enthroned in 1505, reigned for 16 years. Emperor Wu, the eldest son of Emperor Xiao. He was fond of pleasure and lustful, known as a decadent emperor of the Ming Dynasty. He died in 1521 due to excessive indulgence, at the age of 31.
Emperor Shi Zhu Houcong (1507-1566), reign title 'Jiajing,' enthroned in 1521, reigned for 46 years. Emperor Shi, grandson of Emperor Xian, son of Prince Xingxian. Emperor Shi made some achievements in his early reign, executing eunuchs and practicing frugality and benevolence. However, in his later years, he indulged in extravagance and corruption, leading to frequent peasant uprisings. Emperor Shi died of poisoning from elixirs at the age of 60.
Emperor Mu Zhu Zaigou (1537-1572), reign title 'Longqing,' enthroned in 1566, reigned for 7 years. Emperor Mu, the third son of Emperor Shi. He reigned for 7 years and died in 1572 at the age of 36.
Emperor Shen Zhu Yijun (1563-1620), reign title 'Wanli,' enthroned in 1572, reigned for 48 years. Emperor Shen, the third son of Emperor Mu. He was only 10 years old when he ascended the throne, with Empress Dowager Chen and Consort Li managing state affairs. After Emperor Shen took personal control, he secluded himself in the palace, indulged in pleasure, and corruption prevailed. During Emperor Shen's reign, Nurhaci established the Later Jin in the north, casting covetous eyes on the Central Plains. Emperor Shen died in 1620 at the age of 58.
Emperor Guang Zhu Changluo (1582-1620), reign title 'Taichang,' enthroned in 1620, reigned for 1 month. Emperor Guang, the eldest son of Emperor Shen. He was a greedy and lustful emperor. Due to excessive indulgence, he fell ill on the day of his enthronement and later died from excessive consumption of cinnabar. He was 39 years old.
Emperor Xi Zhu Youxiao (1605-1627), reign title 'Tianqi,' enthroned in 1620, reigned for 7 years. Emperor Xi, the eldest son of Emperor Guang. During his reign, he appointed the eunuch Wei Zhongxian, who took advantage of the situation to occupy Shenyang. Emperor Xi died in 1627 at the age of 23.
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