Chronologic Timeline of Ming Emperors 1368 AD - 1644 AD ; Descendancy of the Ming House explained.
Imperial Ming-styled Dragon Logo, symbolising the Emperor, his might, longevity of Reign and prosperity. During the early Ming Dynasty China was the most influential trade nation and most important military power in East and South-East Asia.
This page was last updated on: May 23, 2017
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Artist Impression of Ding Ling Tomb located at the Ming Tomb Valley outside Beijing. This burial site of Emperor Renzhong was for long the only underground mausoleum to be opened and excavated and is well studied.
Life 1378 - 1425 AD
Reign 1424 - 1425 AD , Reign Period HongXi
Zhu Gaochi , Name as Emperor Renzong
Eldest son of Zhu Di. ZHu Gaochi was known as a Generous Man.
Achievements: Zhu Gaochi was the eldest son of Emperor Zhu Di who was an intelligent Man and an excellent
military leader. In his role as eldest Son , Zhu Gaochi was regularly left in charge of the Beijing Garrison, when his
father was out, leading his armies in the field at war with Northern Tribes, remnants of the Yuan Dynasty Army or
The Reign of HongXi was too short to achieve anything much. However Zhu Gaochi did leave his mark on history,
when during the Civil War against the Jianwen Emperor, his father Zhu Di, left him in charge of the Beijing Garrison. While his father Zhu Di was attacking the Imperial Capital of Nanjing (in current day Jiangsu Province) with the majority of the Ming troops, the Beijing Garrison was attacked in a counter-move by the Jianwen Emperor. As such, Zhu Gaochi, found himself defending his fathers main base against an overwhelming majority of no less then 500.000 troops. All seemed lost for the Ming. Zhu Gaochi however forever found his fathers' favor when he won a crucial victory in the war, managing to hold the
City of Beijing with his garrison of only 10.000 loyal troops. Father Zhu Di was then able to conquer Nanjing , usurp the Throne and install a new Rule and Ruling Clan under the same Dynastic name.
The main historically known achievement of Zhu Gaochi in his short career as
Renzong Emperor was the pardon of several high officials who had been serving the
deposed Jianwen Emperor. Restoring their titles and duties, and often counting their
expert advice into his decision making, the HongXi Emperor showed himself a wise
politican and a generous man, setting the political scene for reconciliation within the
renewed Empire. The Ming Dynasty entered a stable period with the actions of the HongXi
Emperor. As Emperor HongXi recognised the plight of the poor, under his orders relief
policies for stricken groups were established.
Death & Succession : The death of the Emperor only one year after taking power left little
time for intrigue. Zhu Gaochi fell seriously ill and soon after died at the Imperial Palace in
Beijing. As a result the eldest son of the Renzhong Emperor and Crown Prince, Zhu Zhanji
