Hongwu Emperor
Hongwu Emperor (洪武帝; 1328–1398), born Zhu Yuanzhang (朱元璋) and also known as Ming Taizu (明太祖), founded China's Ming dynasty and ruled from 1368 to 1398. He rose from a poor farming family through rebellion against the Yuan dynasty to establish a new imperial government.[1]
Life and reign
Zhu entered a Buddhist monastery as a young man after his family was devastated by poverty and disease. He later joined the Red Turban rebels, built a military following, and defeated competing leaders before proclaiming the Ming dynasty in 1368.[1]
As emperor, he concentrated authority in his own hands. His government registered land and tax obligations and supported the restoration of agriculture, including irrigation. His rule also involved repeated purges of officials and military leaders, with thousands executed. He died in 1398 and was succeeded by his grandson, the Jianwen Emperor.[1]
Commentary on the Tao Te Ching
Hongwu was among the Chinese emperors associated with commentaries on the Tao Te Ching, the text traditionally attributed to Laozi.[2] His commentary survives as 大明太祖高皇帝御注道德真經. In its discussion of government, it connects the people's prosperity with the security of the state: 「民富則國之大本固矣」—when the people prosper, the state's foundation is secure.[3]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Mark Cartwright (2019-02-13). "Hongwu Emperor". World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved 2026-09-28.
- ↑ "Laozi". Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved 2026-09-28.
- ↑ "大明太祖高皇帝御注道德真經". 識典古籍. Retrieved 2026-09-28.