300 Years of the Great Ming

The Great Ming was a dynasty both glorious and corrupt, both full of brave souls and harsh judgment, an age that produced brilliant talents as well as countless treacherous officials. The Great Ming lasted nearly 300 years, and its 16 emperors each had their own character. Some were open, others secretive; some were strong, others gentle; some were tyrannical, others benevolent; some diligent, others lazy; some eccentric, others suspicious... Some enjoyed an excellent reputation, while others were widely reviled. Among the sixteen emperors, it would be hard to find even two who were alike. Yet at the national level, they all upheld two principles: first, “No marriage alliances, no indemnities, no ceding territory, no tribute”; and second, “The Son of Heaven guards the gates of the realm, and the ruler dies with the state.” Though the spirit of the Ming was not as freewheeling as the Tang or as carefree as the Song, a fierce and resolute force ran through it from beginning to end. Whether scholars, warriors, commoners, or gifted men, they all embodied the spirit of the dynasty, just like the emperors in the Forbidden City. This was why the Ming could produce Yu Qian, Wang Yangming, Hai Rui, and Zhang Juzheng, and why, even after its fall, it could still produce Zhang Huangyan, Shi Kefa, Li Dingguo, and Gu Yanwu. This, perhaps, is what Mencius meant by “qi.”