Top Scholar Shen Kun Fights the Japanese Pirates

According to the History of the Ming Dynasty, the Ming Dynasty's tenth emperor, Wuzong, spent his life indulging in pleasures. He loved drinking, women, and military affairs, and was a scoundrel. Many of his actions were absurd and drew widespread criticism. Yet Wuzong was also resolute and decisive: with a snap of his fingers, he executed Liu Jin, suppressed the rebellions of Prince Anhua and Prince Ning, and defeated the Mongol prince at Yingzhou. He favored the Eight Tigers, built the Leopard House, and, though he had an imperial throne, proclaimed himself the Mighty General instead. He had an imperial palace but chose to live in the Zhen Guo Residence he had built himself.

Later generations judged Wuzong to be lecherous, violent, bizarre, and shameless, a rare example of a foolish ruler. After his death, he was buried in the Kangling Mausoleum and given the temple name Wuzong. As the saying goes, posterity will judge the merits and failings of those who came before.

After Wuzong's death, Zhu Houcong, the Ming Dynasty's eleventh emperor, ascended the throne as Emperor Shizong, adopting the era name Jiajing. With the change of reign came a new emperor who abandoned Wuzong's ways, implemented sweeping reforms, restored order at court, won the reverence of his officials, and brought joy to the people. This story invites you to follow in the footsteps of the top scholar and immerse yourself in Shen Kun's remarkable, eventful journey of growth. Beside the winding, bustling Grand Canal, an ancient town called Hexia comes into view, rich with the warmth and bustle of everyday life...