The Yongle Emperor, Zhu Di: a formidable ruler of the early Ming! He rose to the throne by launching the Jingnan Campaign, moved the capital to Beijing and set the course for the empire, sent Zheng He on voyages to the Western Seas to proclaim the nation’s might, compiled the Yongle Encyclopedia to preserve culture, and led five campaigns beyond the northern frontier to defend the borders. He forged the Yongle golden age with his own hands, reaching the Ming dynasty’s peak in both civil governance and military achievement. Controversy and legend go hand in hand in his story!
