The six founding kings of the Ming Dynasty refer to the six heroes of the founding of the Ming Dynasty, who made great achievements in the process of Zhu Yuanzhang's establishment of the Ming Dynasty and played an important role in the establishment and maintenance of the Ming Dynasty. Of course, these six people were posthumously crowned kings after their deaths. After all, in history, it is still difficult to be crowned a king with a different surname. So, the question is, what are the endings of the six founding kings of the Ming Dynasty?
1. Xu Da
Birth background and early experiences
Xu Da was born into a peasant family and lived during the turbulent period of the late Yuan Dynasty. He later joined the rebel army led by Zhu Yuanzhang and became one of the twenty-four generals of Huaixi, which marked the beginning of his military career. With his outstanding military talents and loyal qualities, Xu Da quickly rose to prominence in the rebel army.
Military achievements
Battle of Poyang Lake: In the twenty-third year of Yuan Zhizheng (1363), Xu Da defeated Chen Youliang in the Battle of Poyang Lake, which was a key battle in the rise of Zhu Yuanzhang's power, and Xu Da's victory laid the foundation for Zhu Yuanzhang's eventual unification of the Jiangnan region.
Northern Expedition and Destruction of the Yuan Dynasty: In the following years, Xu Da continued to expand the results of the war, conquering Huaidong, Pingjiang and other places, and extinguishing Zhang Shicheng's forces. In the first year of Hongwu (1368), Xu Da, as a general of the conquest, and the deputy general Chang Yuchun together with the Northern Expedition, successfully invaded Dadu (now Beijing) and overthrew the rule of the Yuan Dynasty. After that, he sent troops for many years to fight against the remnants of the Yuan court and consolidate the rule of the Ming Dynasty.
Consolidation of border defense: After the sixth year of Hongwu (1373), Xu Da stayed in Beiping (present-day Beijing) for a long time, where he trained soldiers, implemented Tuntian, and repaired city defenses, making great contributions to the consolidation of border defense in the Ming Dynasty.
Political status and honor
Because of his outstanding military talents and contributions, Xu Da gained a very high political status and honor after the establishment of the Ming Dynasty. He was tired of officials to the Taifu, the right prime minister of Zhongshu, the military state affairs and the prince and young master, and was named the Duke of Wei. After Xu Da's death, Zhu Yuanzhang posthumously named him the king of Zhongshan, gave him the nickname "Wuning", and made a Shinto inscription for him, allowing him to portrait of the meritorious temple and the Taimiao, which are extremely high affirmations of Xu Da's achievements.
Xu Da is cautious and good at governing the army, he has experienced a hundred battles, fought all his life, and made immortal contributions to the establishment and consolidation of the Ming Dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang once compared Xu Da to the "Great Wall", which shows the trust and reliance on his military talent and loyalty. Later generations also recognized Xu Da as the first hero of the founding of the Ming Dynasty, ranking first among the "six kings" of the founding of the country, and his deeds and contributions have been recorded in history and will be recorded in history forever.
2. Deng Yu
Early experience and defection to Zhu Yuanzhang
Deng Yu, formerly known as Deng Youde, was born in Hong County, Sizhou (now Si County, Anhui Province), and showed a burly physique and extraordinary bravery since he was a child. At the age of 16, he began to lead the army against the Yuan, showing extraordinary military talent and leadership. In the fifteenth year of Zhizheng (1355), Deng Yu led more than 10,000 people from Xuyi to Zhu Yuanzhang, which not only opened a new chapter in his personal military career, but also contributed an important force to the establishment of the Ming Dynasty. Zhu Yuanzhang appreciated Deng Yu's bravery and talent, gave him the name Deng Yu, and appointed him as the head of the army.
Follow Zhu Yuanzhang to fight in the south and in the north
Deng Yu followed Zhu Yuanzhang across the Yangtze River and participated in a series of important battles. They successively conquered Taiping (now Dangtu, Anhui), Jiqing (now Nanjing, Jiangsu) and other places, and directly took Zhenjiang, making many military exploits. With his outstanding military talent and brave and warlike spirit, Deng Yu won the trust and reuse of Zhu Yuanzhang, and his official position was constantly promoted, and he successively served as Marshal Guangxingyi, Privy Councillor, and Governor of Jiangxi Province.
In the process of moving to western Zhejiang, Deng Yu repeatedly defeated the Yuan army, further consolidating Zhu Yuanzhang's dominance in the Jiangnan region. He was simple and prudent, wise and brave, strict in governing the army, and good at pacifying the surrenderers, which made him extremely prestigious in the army and made a great achievement.
Expedition to Gansu and surrender to Tibet
In the third year of Hongwu (1370), Deng Yu followed Xu Da on an expedition to Gansu, which was a major blow to the Northern Yuan forces. In the battle, Deng Yu performed well, successfully defeated the Northern Yuan army, and surrendered the Tubo, Wusizang and other tribes. This victory not only expanded the territory of the Ming Dynasty, but also strengthened the central government's control over the frontier regions. As a result, Deng Yu was awarded the title of Ronglu Doctor, Right Pillar State, and Weiguo Gong, which is the highest affirmation of his outstanding contributions.
Died of illness in his later years and was posthumously sealed
However, Deng Yu's brilliant life did not last long. On the ninth day of November in the tenth year of Hongwu (1377), Deng Yu died of illness in Shouchun (now Shou County, Anhui) at the age of 40. His death made Zhu Yuanzhang deeply regret, in recognition of his merits and loyalty, Zhu Yuanzhang posthumously named him the king of Ninghe, and gave him the nickname "Wushun". This title not only reflects Deng Yu's military bravery and wisdom, but also expresses his high respect for his loyalty to the country and the people.
Deng Yu was an outstanding general and founding hero in the early Ming Dynasty. With his burly physique, extraordinary bravery and outstanding military talent, he made great contributions in the struggle against the Yuan Dynasty and the establishment of the Ming Dynasty. He was simple and prudent, wise and brave, strict in governing the army, and good at appeasing the surrenderers, these qualities made him extremely prestigious in the army, and he made a great achievement. Although his life was short, his contribution to the establishment and consolidation of the Ming Dynasty will forever be recorded in the annals of history.
3. Spring is often encountered
Birth background and early experiences
Chang Yuchun, whose name is Boren and whose name is Yanheng, was born in Huaiyuan County, Fengyang Prefecture, Nanzhili (now Huaiyuan County, Bengbu City, Anhui Province). He showed extraordinary courage and strength from an early age, and had a keen interest in martial arts and military affairs. During the turbulent period at the end of the Yuan Dynasty, Chang Yuchun joined the Red Turban Army and gradually rose to prominence as an outstanding general.
Attached to Zhu Yuanzhang and his military career
In the fifteenth year of Yuan Zhizheng (1355), Chang Yuchun attached himself to Zhu Yuanzhang and invited himself to be the striker, and began his brilliant military career. He fought hard to defeat the enemy, repeatedly performed miraculous feats, and once said that he could run 100,000 people rampant in the world, so the army called him "Chang 100,000". Under the command of Zhu Yuanzhang, Chang Yuchun participated in many important battles, such as conquering quarry, Taiping, Jiqing and other places, as well as the later Northern Expedition to the Central Plains, etc., and made great achievements.
Official positions and rewards
Due to Chang Yuchun's outstanding contributions, his official position has also been continuously promoted. He once served as a military minister in Zhongshu Pingzhang, and was also the crown prince and the prince of Hubei. These official positions not only reflected his important position in the military, but also showed his political influence. In addition, Zhu Yuanzhang also rewarded him many times in recognition of his merits and loyalty.
Hokusai Nakahara Yobi Graduate
In the second year of Hongwu (1369), Chang Yuchun was ordered to make a northern expedition to the Central Plains. He led the army like a bamboo, and won successive battles, making great contributions to the unification of the Ming Dynasty. However, during the march, Chang Yuchun suddenly died at the age of forty. This news shocked the whole army and the government and the opposition, and people felt sorry and saddened for this young and heroic general.
Posthumously and with the Taimiao
In recognition of Chang Yuchun's merits and loyalty, Zhu Yuanzhang posthumously presented him with a series of lofty honorary titles and official positions after his death, including Yiyun Tuicheng Xuande Jingyuan Meritorious Hero, Kaifu Yitong Sansi, Shangzhuguo, Taibao, Zhongshu Right Prime Minister, etc. At the same time, he also posthumously crowned Chang Yuchun as the king of Kaiping, nicknamed "Zhongwu", and allowed him to enjoy the Taimiao. These measures are not only an affirmation of Chang Yuchun personally, but also a commemoration and remembrance of his great contribution to the establishment of the Ming Dynasty.
Chang Yuchun was an outstanding general in the late Yuan and early Ming Dynasty and the founding general of the Ming Dynasty. He was known for his bravery and military prowess, and made immortal contributions to the establishment and unification of the Ming Dynasty. His life deeds and heroic spirit will forever be engraved in the long river of history, inspiring future generations to continue to move forward and struggle.
4. Li Wenzhong
Family background and early experiences
Li Wenzhong, whose name is Siben, nicknamed Bao'er, is the nephew of Zhu Yuanzhang, the Taizu of the Ming Dynasty. He was born into a military family and was influenced by the military atmosphere since he was a child. During the turbulent period of the late Yuan Dynasty, Li Wenzhong joined the rebel army and attracted the attention of Zhu Yuanzhang with his bravery and outstanding performance. Later, he was adopted by Zhu Yuanzhang as a son and became Zhu Yuanzhang's right-hand man and relative.
The rise of a military career
Li Wenzhong began to lead the pro-army at the age of nineteen, marking the official rise of his military career. With his bravery and military prowess, he quickly rose to prominence in the army and became the leader of the army. In many battles with the Yuan army, Li Wenzhong repeatedly performed miraculous feats and displayed outstanding command ability and combat courage. He successfully quelled the Jinhua Rebellion and captured Hangzhou and other important cities, making great contributions to the establishment and consolidation of the Ming Dynasty.
Northern Expedition and Reward
In the second year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1369), Li Wenzhong and Chang Yuchun went out to conquer outside the Saiwai Dynasty and continued to attack the remnants of the Yuan Dynasty. After Chang Yuchun's death, he took over Chang Yuchun's command of the army and continued to lead the Northern Expedition. In the third year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1370), Li Wenzhong and Xu Da parted ways for the Northern Expedition, successfully attacked Yingchang, and captured important figures such as the Eight Thorns and a large number of treasures bought by the Yuan Prince. This victory greatly weakened the remnants of the Yuan Dynasty and laid a solid foundation for the great cause of unification of the Ming Dynasty. Therefore, Li Wenzhong was awarded the title of Zuo Du Governor of the Dadu Governor's Mansion and was named Cao Guogong, becoming one of the founding heroes of the Ming Dynasty.
Later contributions and deaths
In the fourth year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1371), Li Wenzhong was sent to Sichuan to pacify and take charge of the construction of Chengdu New City. He succeeded in quelling local rebellions and unrest, laying the groundwork for Ming rule in the Sichuan region. After that, he was often responsible for training troops, patrolling the border and staying in the garrison, and made important contributions to the border security of the Ming Dynasty.
However, Li Wenzhong's old age did not go well. He angered Zhu Yuanzhang because of a certain admonition, which led to tension between the monarch and the minister. Soon after, he died at the age of forty-six. Although his death is regrettable, his great contribution to the establishment and consolidation of the Ming Dynasty will forever be etched in history.
Li Wenzhong was an outstanding general and adviser in the early Ming Dynasty, and he was known for his bravery and military prowess. In the process of establishing and consolidating the Ming Dynasty, he repeatedly performed miraculous feats and made outstanding achievements, and became one of the founding heroes of the Ming Dynasty. His life story and heroic spirit will forever inspire future generations to continue to move forward and struggle.
5. Soup and
Family background and early experiences
Tang He, whose name is Dingchen, was born in an ordinary family in Donghu Village, Guangde Township, Haozhou (now Fengyang, Anhui). From an early age, he showed great courage and wisdom, and had a keen interest in military affairs. In the twelfth year of Zhizheng (1352), Tang He resolutely joined Guo Zixing's rebel army and began his military career.
The rise of a military career
Among the rebels, Tang He quickly stood out with his fighting courage and charging forward. He rose to the rank of commander of the army and became an important general in the rebel army. With the rise of Zhu Yuanzhang, Tang He also firmly followed his left and right, and fought together to overthrow the rule of the Yuan Dynasty. In the battles of crossing the Yangtze River, Kejiqing, and taking Zhenjiang, Tang He repeatedly performed miraculous feats and displayed outstanding military ability and command ability.
Defend and fight
In the seventeenth year of Zhizheng (1357), Tang He was appointed as the Privy Council of Jiangnan and guarded Changzhou. He defeated the attacks of Zhang Shicheng's troops many times here, ensuring the safety of Changzhou. After that, Tang He continued to follow Zhu Yuanzhang to fight in the south and the north, and made great contributions to the establishment of the Ming Dynasty. In the battles of the first year of Wu (1367) and the first year of Hongwu (1368), he successfully defeated Fang Guozhen and Chen Youding, making an important contribution to the unification of the Ming Dynasty.
Reward and knighthood
In the third year of Hongwu (1370), the Ming Dynasty was awarded the title of Marquis of Zhongshan because of his outstanding military exploits, and he ate 1,500 stones. Since then, he has gone on many expeditions with the army, and has repeatedly performed miraculous feats and made outstanding achievements. In the eleventh year of Hongwu (1378), his meritorious number was added as "Tui Cheng", and he was promoted to Guanglu Doctor, promoted to the Zuo Du Governor of the Metropolitan Governor's Mansion, and Zuo Zhu Guo of the Order Rank, and entered the Jue as the Duke of Xinguo, discussed military and state affairs, and added Lu to 3,000 stones.
Later life and death
In the twenty-second year of Hongwu (1389), Tang He returned to his hometown due to old age and physical decline. Zhu Yuanzhang gave him a rich reward, including 15,000 banknotes, 2,000 taels of platinum, 300 taels of gold, 40 ends of Wenqi, and Fengyang's mansion. However, Yuwa's later life was not entirely peaceful. He still kept an eye on the country's military dynamics and often made his own proposals to the imperial court. In the twenty-eighth year of Hongwu (1395), Tang He died at home at the age of seventy. Zhu Yuanzhang posthumously named him the king of Dongou and gave him the nickname "Xiangwu" in recognition of his life's exploits and contributions.
Tang He was an outstanding general and hero in the early Ming Dynasty, and he was known for his bravery and good command in battle. In the process of establishing and consolidating the Ming Dynasty, he repeatedly performed miraculous feats and made outstanding achievements, and made important contributions to the prosperity and stability of the Ming Dynasty. His life story and heroic spirit will forever be etched in history.
6. Mu Ying
Early years and military career
Mu Ying was born in 1345, the name Wenying, originally from Dingyuan, Haozhou (now Fengyang County, Anhui Province). He lived a difficult life since childhood, and was adopted as a righteous son by Zhu Yuanzhang at the age of eight, and since then he has a deep relationship with the future founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Since the sixteenth year of Zhizheng (1356), Mu Ying, who was only twelve years old, followed Zhu Yuanzhang to fight in the south and the north and began his military career. In the long-term campaign, Mu Ying won the trust and reuse of Zhu Yuanzhang with his bravery, loyalty and reliability.
Military achievements and rewards
Mu Ying showed outstanding talent in military affairs. In the ninth year of Hongwu (1376), he accompanied Deng Yu to conquer Tibet as a deputy marshal, made great military achievements, was named the Marquis of Xiping, and was given the Danshu iron coupon that symbolizes honor and privilege. In the fourteenth year of Hongwu (1381), Mu Ying led his troops again, and together with Fu Youde, Lan Yu and other generals, he led an army of 300,000 to pacify Yunnan. After this battle, Mu Ying was left behind in Yunnan to defend the town and became an important military and political force in the region.
Stabilizing the frontier and spreading culture
During her ten-year stay in Yunnan, Mu Ying not only effectively maintained the stability of the frontier, but also vigorously implemented a series of policies conducive to local development. He greatly revitalized the fields, encouraged farming, and promoted the restoration and development of agricultural production; At the same time, he also attaches great importance to education, rejuvenates learning, disseminates the culture of the Central Plains, and improves the cultural literacy of the local people. These measures not only strengthened the Ming dynasty's rule over Yunnan, but also laid the foundation for the region's long-term prosperity.
Loyalty and grief
Mu Ying was loyal to the Ming Dynasty and Zhu Yuanzhang all his life, and his loyalty and dedication were highly praised and recognized by Zhu Yuanzhang. However, Mu Ying's life is also full of tragedy. In the fifteenth year of Hongwu (1382), he was so grief-stricken by the death of the mare queen that he even coughed up blood. In the twenty-fifth year of Hongwu (1392), he suffered a heavy blow due to the death of the crown prince Zhu Biao, and soon died of illness in Yunnan at the age of forty-eight. Zhu Yuanzhang deeply regretted Mu Ying's death, not only ordered him to be buried in Beijing, but also posthumously named him the king of Qianning, gave him "Zhaojing", and let him enjoy the Taimiao in recognition of his loyalty and achievements.
Mu Ying's descendants continued to inherit his title and responsibilities and guarded Yunnan for generations. Their rule in Yunnan lasted for hundreds of years, coinciding with the rise and fall of the Ming dynasty. The Mu family's profound influence and contributions in Yunnan are not only reflected in military and political aspects, but also in many aspects of cultural and social development. They have made important contributions to the prosperity and stability of Yunnan and have also left a glorious page in China's history.