Jianwen Emperor
[5] He was known for his polite demeanor and adherence to Confucian values, such as ren (benevolence), li (propriety), zhong (loyalty to one’s true nature), shu (reciprocity), and xiao (filial piety).
His closest advisors were Huang Zicheng, Qi Tai, and Fang Xiaoru,[6] all of whom were idealistic reformers, but they lacked practical experience in governing the country.
The Jianwen Emperor relied on Huang Zicheng, Qi Tai, and Fang Xiaoru to lead the government, discussing policies with them and overseeing their implementation by the ministries.
This reform proved beneficial for the administration of the empire, but it went against the edict of the Hongwu Emperor, which strictly prohibited the restoration of the chancellery in any form[8] due to concerns about the potential threat from the authority and autonomy of the chancellor.
He also strengthened the influence of Hanlin scholars in educating princes by creating new positions in the Household Administration of the Heir Apparent.
A series of changes were made to the powers and titles of offices, following the patterns of the ancient Zhou dynasty (c. 1046 – 256 BC).
The following year, the tax exemptions for Taoist and Buddhist clergy were limited, and they were required to hand over land exceeding a certain amount to be distributed to the needy.
[14] The policy of "reducing the feudatories" (削藩; xuefan) was supported by Qi Tai and, most notably, by Huang Zicheng, who cited past dynastic experiences, such as the Rebellion of the Seven States during the Han dynasty.
For example, his personal guard of 15,000 men was transferred outside of Beijing, and the generals serving in the northeast, close to Zhu Di, were gradually replaced by commanders loyal to the Jianwen Emperor.
[20] Zhu Di justified his actions by claiming that he wanted to end internal disorder and confusion, defend the Hongwu Emperor's statutes and laws defining the duties of princes, and honor his deceased father.
He also stated that he had no interest in the throne, but as the eldest surviving son of the deceased founder of the dynasty, he felt obligated to restore the law and legality that had been subverted by the emperor's criminal advisers and ministers.
Zhu Di was a decisive and exceptionally capable commander, leading elite units that included a large number of Mongol cavalry.
On the other hand, the imperial party was weakened by the indecision and poor coordination of its commanders, as well as the conflicting views between those who supported aggressive tactics and those who favored a more conciliatory approach.
Geng Bingwen led 130,000 troops to Zhending, a city southwest of Beijing, but was ultimately defeated by Zhu Di in late September, resulting in heavy losses for the imperial army.
The new commander of the imperial army, Li Jinglong, took advantage of Zhu Di's absence from Beijing and laid siege to the city in November 1399.
The Imperial forces were unable to utilize their numerical advantage or mobilize additional troops, allowing Zhu Di to strengthen his position in the north.
[23] The government army used firearms and rocket weapons to kill tens of thousands of rebels at Dongchang in Shandong in January 1401.
In response, the emperor promoted Ru Chang and Li Jinglong, who were leaders of the "peace party" at court, but Zhu Di rejected their offer for negotiations.
The insurgents continued to raid the enemy's supply lines throughout the summer, while the front in Shandong and southern Beijing was moving back and forth.
On the advice of the Nanjing eunuchs, he chose to advance westward instead of through the fortified cities along the Grand Canal, where the government forces were stronger.
This strategic decision proved successful as the government forces in the west were weaker, allowing the rebels to disrupt their lines.
[24] The government's attempt to stop the rebel advance by sending reinforcements led by General Xu Huizu to the north failed.
[24] From April to June 1402, the rebel army engaged in fierce battles and successfully advanced from Xuzhou to the banks of the Yangtze River.
Although Zhu Di hoped that Fang Xiaoru, known for his integrity and honesty, would join his side and bring confidence to the new government, he was resolutely rejected.
However, later versions of the history paint the Jianwen Emperor as an honest and benevolent leader who followed the advice of devoted Confucians and worked to correct the cruelties of his predecessor.
