In 1399, a battle for the throne unfolded fiercely, and Zhu Gaochi, as Zhu Di's eldest son, played a role in this turmoil? How did he use his own way to guard the city of Beiping and face the pressure of 500,000 troops without yielding? Today, let us walk into this little-known history to see how this prince turned the tables in a desperate situation and proved that he was extraordinary. Or a misunderstood hero?Let's uncover the veil of history and explore the little-known stories of the Ming Dynasty!
In 1399 AD, a magnificent battle was brewing under the sky of the Ming Dynasty. This civil strife, known in history as the "Battle of Jingyan", was not only a contest of strength, but also a duel of wisdom and strategy. Zhu Di's military layout seems simple and crude - the troops are divided into two routes, directly taking Nanjing, and the clear goal is to overthrow Emperor Jianwen. Behind the war, solid rear support is also needed, and this is the moment when Zhu Gaochi appeared on the stage.
Many people may ask, how can Zhu Gaochi, a prince who is so frail and sick that he needs help even to walk, can take on such a heavy responsibility? Zhu Di's other sons, whether they are the brave Zhu Gaochu or the smart Zhu Gaosui, seem to be more suitable for such a task than Zhu Gaochi. However, history often inadvertently surprises people.
He began to run around the city of Beiping, from mobilizing troops to pacifying the people, from preparing grain and grass to manufacturing equipment to defend the city, Zhu Gaochi was busy almost day and night. Although this city was Zhu Di's lair, the defense force at that time was far inferior to the main army. Zhu Gaochi faced the double pressure of disparity in troops and lack of resources.
He not only made material preparations for defense, but also strengthened the confidence of the whole city spiritually. He used his wisdom and perseverance to turn an empty city that was almost impossible to defend into an impregnable fortress. In the face of Li Jinglong's elite troops, Zhu Gaochi did not retreat, but wittily used the city defense, through night attacks, ambushes and other tactics, so that the enemy could never step into the city half a step.
During the difficult period of Zhu Di's southern expedition, the stability of Beiping City became the key to the entire battle situation. If Beiping is lost, then Zhu Di's army will lose its rear support, and the entire battle situation may collapse. Zhu Gaochi is well aware of this, and every decision he makes shows extraordinary calmness and wisdom. Through strict military discipline and effective resource allocation, Zhu Gaochi successfully transformed a possible disaster into an opportunity to demonstrate responsibility and courage.
This prince, who was once regarded as a "waste man", actually has an unknown tenacity and intelligence. His strategic vision and firm execution provided solid rear support for Zhu Di's southward movement, and also wrote a profound stroke in the history of the Ming Dynasty. Zhu Gaochi's story is about perseverance and struggle, and about finding his place in the face of adversity.
Under the command of Zhu Gaochi, the city of Beiping was not broken by the enemy in the end, which became a key turning point in the Battle of Jingyan. When Zhu Di's army won a complete victory in Nanjing, Emperor Jianwen lost the throne, and Zhu Di ascended the throne to become the ancestor of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Gaochi's contribution was also fully affirmed. Although he did not gallop on the battlefield like his father, his talents in politics and military defense should not be underestimated.
Zhu's story tells us that true heroes don't always charge the front line, and sometimes they need to be silently guarded behind the scenes, which also requires incomparable courage and wisdom. In the long river of history, although Zhu Gaochi did not have too many records for future generations to praise, he proved in his own way what responsibility and what is heroic in that turbulent era.
His story is not just about war, but also about how to stand firm in the face of adversity and show self-worth. Zhu Gaochi may not be the most glamorous hero, but his perseverance and wisdom are enough for each of us to find a trace of inspiration in the face of difficulties.