Taking Power in the Ming

He was not exactly incorruptible, but he won the people’s hearts more than any honest official, and the common folk praised him endlessly.

He was mild-mannered and graceful in his dealings, but he was more cunning than any corrupt official, toying with his opponents in the palm of his hand.

He never built a faction for personal gain, yet he had deeper roots than any clique, with old friends and close companions all over the civil and military courts.

He fought powerful ministers, punished corrupt officials, urged the people to farm and weave, and encouraged commerce and industry, moving with ease among civil officials, hereditary nobles, and the inner court, with a transcendent position.

Starting as a tiny county magistrate of the seventh rank, he advanced step by step, steadily and cautiously, weathering storms until he finally governed the realm. With both civil and military achievements, he expanded the borders, brought the four barbarians to submission, and created a glorious era for the Ming Dynasty.