Ming Dynasty Family Reunion: The Princes Return to the Capital with Their Fortunes

Zhu Yuanzhang issued an imperial decree: “Third son, return to the capital to report on your duties. Bring only a hundred personal guards.”

Zhu Gang clutched the decree, tears of joy streaming down his face. “Father misses me! I have to show him filial devotion!”

And so

Second brother Zhu Shuang: “Third brother is right! The entire Xi'an Guard is mobilizing!”

Fourth brother Zhu Di: “Third brother, you can count on me. I won't let you down! The three Yan Mountain Guards are heading south!”

Seventeenth brother Zhu Quan: “Third brother, take me with you! The three Duoyan Guards are ready!”

The Prince of Zhou, the Prince of Chu, the Prince of Qi, the Prince of Tan... Everyone joined in.

An army of three hundred thousand advanced on Yingtian Prefecture from every direction.

Officials along the way were so terrified their legs went weak. “An urgent report, by express courier! The princes are rebelling!”

Zhu Yuanzhang waited in the Fengtian Hall for his son to report on his duties. Instead, he received a blizzard of emergency reports.

The teacup in his hand shattered with a sharp crack.

“I told the third one to bring a hundred men, and he brings me thirty thousand??”

“No, wait. Three hundred thousand!!”

Below the city gate, Zhu Gang knelt ramrod straight, tears streaming down his face. “Father! Your son has brought his brothers home to see you!”

Zhu Yuanzhang stood atop the city wall, staring at the vast army. He was silent for a long time.

Then he smiled, tears in his eyes. “My good sons... My good sons...”

He issued the order to open the city gates.

“Serve the meal! Today, I'm having a reunion dinner with my sons!”

Zhan Hui knelt on the ground, muttering to himself, “It's over. The Great Ming is finished...”

Later, Northern Yuan invaded.

Zhu Gang slapped his thigh. “Brothers, perfect timing! We can beat up the barbarians on the way!”

And so this “family reunion” turned into a “whole family heading north to beat someone up.”

The most hardcore family gathering in history had officially