Zhu Yuanzhang, Emperor Taizu of Ming (October 21, 1328–June 24, 1398), courtesy name Guorui, was originally named Zhu Chongba and later Zhu Xingzong. He was from Zhongli, Haozhou (present-day Fengyang, Anhui), and was the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty, ruling under the era name Hongwu.
At the age of twenty-five, Zhu Yuanzhang joined the Red Turban Army led by Guo Zixing to fight against the Yuan dynasty. In 1356, he captured Jiqing Circuit and renamed it Yingtian. In 1364, he declared himself King of Wu and went on to defeat rival powers including Chen Youliang and Zhang Shicheng. In 1367, rallying support with the call to
