Zhu Yuanzhang and His Ministers

The late Yuan dynasty was an era of endless warfare. Ordinary people were driven from their homes and lived in rags. At this time, a young cowherd took on the great responsibility of saving the people. He was none other than Zhu Yuanzhang, the future founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, whose name would become famous throughout history. Heroes emerge in troubled times. Amid the chaos at the end of the Yuan dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang rose to prominence. In 1356, he led his troops across the river and captured Jiqing. He then renamed it Yingtian and made it his base, actively expanding his territory and standing against the powerful Yuan army. Zhu Yuanzhang could not have become emperor without the contributions of his generals and strategists. Celebrated military commanders and court officials such as Li Shanchang, Xu Da, Liu Ji, Chang Yuchun, Li Wenzhong, Tang He, and Lan Yu rendered outstanding service in helping him ascend the throne. Their courage and resourcefulness helped bring about the founding of the Great Ming dynasty.