Chapter 16 Section 16: The Big Traitor and the Daxiong

Usurpers are often high achievers.They are usually more industrious, harder, and more self-restrained than those legitimate emperors, and they do their best to build meritorious deeds to prove that they are worthy of the throne.Tang Taizong, Ming Chengzu, and Emperor Yongzheng were all like this. The reputation of "usurpers" is like a whip, spurring them to become wise kings through the ages. As one of the greatest emperors in Chinese history, Zhu Di's remarkable achievements were partly due to his majestic nature and partly due to the need to show his ability.He made many great projects, built Beijing City, built the Dabaoen Temple, and cast the Yongle Bell.He couldn't understand his father's pettiness, and shortly after he came to the throne, he broke the maritime ban policy left by his father, sent Zheng He's fleet to the Western Seas seven times, and personally led the army to conquer Mobei five times.He continued to expand outwards. In the east, he extended the frontier to Sakhalin Island; in the west, the Muslims on the oasis established tributary relations with him; included in the Chinese territory.He sent 800,000 troops to attack Annan (Vietnam), and once incorporated Annan into China.

A considerable part of Yongle's actions is just to satisfy his vanity and to prove his greatness.He is keen to create a lively atmosphere where the heavenly dynasty is strong and the nations come to court.Spending huge sums of money on a voyage to the West, he used commercial interests to attract seven Southeast Asian kings to come to China for pilgrimage.He made five expeditions to Mongolia, several of which were unnecessary.The loss outweighed the gain by sending troops to Annan. After barely maintaining it for 22 years, the Ming Empire had to restore Annan's independence again. However, in addition to the thirst for honor, Zhu Di's extravagant behavior has another motive.Once again coincides with Zhu Di.In the chapter "How a monarch should act to win respect", he said in the first name: "There is nothing that can make a monarch highly appraised than a great cause and extraordinary actions." Never forget. "Awe-inspiring actions give prestige", the great prince "is always like this, after one great thing is done, another big thing is planned, so that the subjects are overwhelmed and confused, and every time they see the result, they are stunned. These actions follow. One, there is no gap between one action and the next, no respite for the people to use against him".

This is exactly the fact, and the continuous actions have highlighted Zhu Di's image of a strong man.This is an effective means to consolidate his rule.His father's decades of business management laid the foundation for his big plays again and again, and his talent is enough to enable him to perform every performance with vibrancy.Of course, in addition to creating conspiracies and wars, his intelligence, energy, and perseverance made him manage the empire with ease.He wakes up every day and often works late into the night, without the concept of a rest day at all.In addition to five expeditions to Mongolia, he also travels outside the country all the year round, so that he is rarely able to officially celebrate his birthday in the capital.

Facts have proved that the throne was created for people like Zhu Di.His languid grandchildren were maggots next to him.Almost all the most eye-catching events of the Ming Dynasty were done by him. Under his rule, the Ming Dynasty was powerful, its people were prosperous, its politics was stable, and its culture was prosperous.The Yongle period became one of the few times in Chinese history full of vitality and pioneering spirit.Only people like Zhu Di who have a clear understanding of the Eastern society, the psychology of the Eastern people, and the mysteries of power can succeed in this land with a chic posture.