A Bowl from the Start, a Noose at the End

Late autumn, 1328. The north wind howled like a blade across the barren plains of Huaibei.

The Zhu family's thatched cottage was in ruins. Zhu Wusi crouched in a corner, counting the few copper coins he had left.

“Another boy!” The midwife's announcement held no hint of joy.

The infant, called Zhu Chongba, wailed in the icy wind. No one knew his cries would one day topple the Great Yuan Dynasty.