Chronicles: General History, 1354–1360

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1. The Year 1354

First Month. In the east of Bianliang, the ice on the Bian River became painted with five-colored flowers and grasses, resembling a work of art, and did not melt for three days.

First Month. The emperor said to Toqtogha: “I once performed the Dosikur’s charitable deeds, welcomed the white parasol, and toured the imperial city, all for the sake of the world’s living beings. Now I order Larma to select 108 monks to again perform the Dosikur’s charitable deeds. All items required shall be provided by the government; the people are not to be disturbed.”

First Month. Orders were given for Sanggeshili and Halintu to guard Zhongxing.

First Month. Dasibadulu was restored to govern Xiazhou.

Second Month. The Pacification Commissioner of Huguang Province, Gour, was made Pacification Commissioner of Huainan Province and led troops to attack Gaoyou.

Second Month. Lü Sicheng was appointed Left Vice Pacification Commissioner of Huguang; Pacification Commissioner Right Vice Berian Puhua of Huguang, Central Pacification Commissioner Manzi Haiya of Jiangnan, Pacification Commissioner Buyan Temur of Jiangzhe, and Deputy Administrator Ali Wensha were ordered to join forces with Pacification Commissioner Yesen Temur of Huguang to suppress the coastal unrest.

Second Month. The Zhenjiang Naval Commandery was established and placed under the command of the Jiangzhe Province Right Vice Pacification Commissioner, Fojianu.

Second Month. Orders were issued for the provinces of Henan and Huainan to each establish a Volunteer Commandery of Ten Thousand Households.

Second Month. The Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, Gong Shitai, was dispatched to purchase grain in western Zhejiang. At the time, war had broken out in Jiangzhe, and the capital was short of food. Shitai managed to procure a million piculs of grain.

Second Month. The Grand Longevity and Loyal State Temple was built on Qing River, with lands from abandoned temples in Jiangzhe assigned to it.

Third Month. The court held an examination for scholars; sixty-two passed, with Xue Chaowu and Niu Jizhi granted the title of Jinshi, and the rest appointed with varying ranks.

Third Month. The Crown Prince set out on a journey, purchasing camels and horses by barter.

Third Month. Prince Suke Temur was ordered to suppress rebels in Suzhou.

Third Month. Yingzhou fell.

Third Month. The Central Secretariat decided that those volunteers who distinguished themselves in battle would be temporarily assigned military positions and, once peace was restored, would be given civil posts. This was agreed upon.

Third Month. The Right Vice Pacification Commissioner of Sichuan, Dasibadulu, was promoted to Pacification Commissioner of his province and made concurrently in charge of the Provincial Privy Council, commanding the armies of Jing and Xiang, with full discretion to deploy as needed. Orders were given to purchase horses on the northern border for military use; every household with horses was to sell two out of every ten, receiving ten strings of paper currency per horse.

Fourth Month. The Censorate reported the crimes of Tielie Temur, Left Censorate Attendant Danashili of Jiangnan, and others. Pacification Commissioner Ali Wensha of Jiangzhe was promoted to Right Vice Pacification Commissioner; Enningpu, Inspector of Eastern Zhejiang, was made Deputy Pacification Commissioner of Jiangzhe. All were tasked with suppressing Fang Guozhen.

Fourth Month. Troops from Shaanxi were dispatched to suppress rebels in Henan, with orders to provide their own saddles and weapons, totaling 25,000 men and 7,500 horses. Artisans and miscellaneous households along the Yongchang and Gongchang borders were also included.

Fourth Month. A pagoda was constructed at Lugou Bridge to cross the street, and officials were ordered to provide materials and artisans, with Grand Counsellor Yesen Bukhua supervising.

Fifth Month. Anfeng and Zhengyang rebels besieged Luzhou.

Fifth Month. Orders were given to repair roads along the northern tour over Sezeling and Heishitou Rivers and to build stone bridges at Longmen and other locations.

Fifth Month. The Mao Hulu Volunteer Commandery was established at Nanyang and Dengzhou, recruiting locals for the army, exempting them from corvée, and ordering them to suppress bandits. Since the locals organized themselves and were called Mao Hulu, the name was adopted.

Fifth Month. Guo Zixing appointed Zhu Yuanzhang, the local pacifier, as general commander, led troops to attack Quanjiao, and captured it.

Fifth Month. Jade Privy Tiger Ertuhua was ordered to recruit ten thousand troops to march down the Shu River, replacing Dasibadulu in guarding Zhongxing and Jingmen; Dasibadulu was ordered to lead troops to Runing.

Fifth Month. Deputy Administrator of Huguang Province, Arhui, was promoted to Right Vice Pacification Commissioner to suppress Luzhou.

Fifth Month. Skilled archers from Ningxia and wealthy families from various places, including Hui and Shuhu, were recruited to join the army in the capital.

Fifth Month. The Turban Army was again mobilized, with Grand Tutor Arji in command.

Fifth Month. Prince Jing, Dama Shili, was ordered to replace Kuotun Ahe in patrolling Hexi and suppressing Western Tibetan bandits.

Sixth Month. Hail fell in Jizhou.

Sixth Month. Zhang Shicheng of Gaoyou attacked Yangzhou. Dashitemuer led troops to suppress Zhang Shicheng but was defeated, and all the armies collapsed.

Sixth Month. Orders were given for Jiangzhe Province Deputy Administrator Fojianu to join Dashitemuer and renew the attack.

Sixth Month. The moon entered the Dipper constellation.

Sixth Month. Peng Zaozhu and Zhao Junyong captured Xuyi County.

Sixth Month. Peng Zaozhu and Zhao Junyong seized Sizhou, causing the government troops to collapse. The Minister of Justice, Alu, was ordered to recruit troops at Haining and other places to suppress Sizhou.

Seventh Month. Taxes and grain for the capital, Shangdu, and Xinghe were remitted for the year.

Seventh Month. The Minister of Justice, Alu, was ordered to recruit troops at Runing and other places to suppress Sizhou.

Eighth Month. Peach and plum trees blossomed in Yuci, Jining.

Eighth Month. The imperial carriage returned from Shangdu.

Eighth Month. Toqtogha was appointed as Grand Preceptor and Right Chancellor of the Secretariat, overseeing all the royal horses of various princes and provincial armies, supervising all commanders and officers, and leading the expedition against Gaoyou.

Eighth Month. The King of Goryeo, Toqto Bukhua, was given the title "Prince of Shen."

Eighth Month. Mongol troops of Henan were exempted from miscellaneous labor duties.

Eighth Month. Hundreds of rooms and thousands of doors and windows were built for the sea-hawk falconry, filled with women for merriment.

Eighth Month. The sale of alcohol was banned in Henan and Huainan.

Eighth Month. Western Tibetan bandits rose in Jiezhou; troops were sent to suppress them.

Eighth Month. Troops from Haozhou captured Liuhe County.

Eighth Month. Fang Guozhen detained Grand Marshal Yetemishi, Dalu Huachi of Huangyan, Song Boyan Bukhua, and Prefect Zhao Yihao, awaiting an imperial decree.

Tenth Month. Orders were given for Dasibadulu and Taibuhua to join forces to attack Anfeng.

Eleventh Month. A decree: The Secretariat, Privy Council, and Censorate must first report all matters to the Crown Prince.

Eleventh Month. Toqtogha led the main army to Gaoyou, fought outside the city, and utterly defeated the rebels.

In this campaign, all military supplies, armor, weapons, grain, and firewood were requisitioned from Jiangzhe; Pacification Commissioner Qingtong managed logistics, and river and land transportations were well-coordinated. The court depended on these efforts.

Previously, Xu Renshi Pu, an officer of the Privy Council known for his military acumen, had remained at Huai’an with other council officials and presented a plan for taking Gaoyou directly to Chancellor Toqtogha, saying: “Gaoyou relies on the protection of the great lake and its marshy terrain; cavalry cannot advance. Grant me thirty thousand infantry, and I guarantee its capture.” Toqtogha appointed him Acting Commander of the Shandong Volunteer Commandery, recruiting local volunteers. At Ruzhong Baiyin, half his army was lost. Initially, he was given discretionary power, but later was ordered to obey the Huainan Provincial Secretariat. At Fanshui Village, at the third watch of the night, he ordered an assault on Baoying, while maintaining the appearance of normal activity in camp. Upon arrival, they raised the flag atop the city walls, causing the enemy to panic and flee. He pacified the people, advanced by land and water, and captured over ten stockades in succession. Approaching Gaoyou, he divided his troops into three groups: one to the east for water combat, one as a flanking force, and one under his direct command to attack the north gate. The enemy was routed and retreated into the city. Xu’s vanguard pursued, set fire to the gate, and the rebels, frightened, planned to abandon the city. The supporting army hesitated, jealous of Xu’s success, and sent a thousand Mongol cavalry to rush ahead to claim credit. The rebels fought desperately, and the Mongol troops retreated in fear, falling into the water and being slaughtered. Xu led his remaining men in a desperate fight, shouting, “A true man dies for his country! Whoever does not advance, I’ll cut him down!” With only thirty followers, he charged into the enemy, fighting until sunset, outnumbered, wounded by a spear, but still fought, cutting down enemies. He and all his men perished in battle.

Eleventh Month. Toqtogha dispatched troops west to pacify Liuhe County.

Liuhe sent envoys to Chuzhou for help. Guo Zixing, holding a grudge against their leader, refused to send troops. Zhu Yuanzhang said, “If Liuhe falls, Chuzhou will not survive either. It is like lips to teeth—can we sacrifice the greater for a minor grievance?” Zixing realized his error and asked his generals, “Who will go?” The government army was said to number a million, and no general dared volunteer, making excuses of ill omens in divination. Yuanzhang said, “Decisions must be made by the heart, not by divination!” He led the army to Liuhe, joined Geng Zaicheng to defend Waliang Fort.

The government troops attacked every evening, nearly breaching the defenses, but retreated by morning, allowing the defenders to repair and prepare for battle again. Using a ruse, they feigned withdrawal, stored rations, sent women to the gates to curse and mock the attackers, causing confusion and allowing the defenders to retreat to Chuzhou. The government troops regrouped and attacked again. Yuanzhang had Zaicheng feign retreat, lured them across a ravine, then ambushed them; those in the city charged out, and the government troops were routed. Yuanzhang, fearing a larger enemy force, offered gifts of cattle and wine and returned captured horses, telling their leader, “The city lord is too ill to come out; all in the city are good people, only defending against other thieves. Please treat them well, and we will supply your army. The great rebels at Gaoyou are still at large—how can we split our forces to attack good people?” The leader believed him and withdrew, thus saving Chuzhou. Zixing had no ambitions for conquest, wanting only to rule Chuzhou. Yuanzhang advised, “Chuzhou is a mountain city, inaccessible by boat, unattractive to merchants, and offers no strategic advantage. It is not a place to settle.” Zixing was silent, and Yuanzhang said no more.

Eleventh Month. Dasibadulu recaptured Zheng, Jun, and Xu, held by the Miao army.

Eleventh Month. The Crown Prince held Buddhist ceremonies and pardoned all prisoners in the capital below the death penalty.

Twelfth Month. Kang Li was made Left Chancellor, Hama was appointed Pacification Commissioner of the Secretariat.

Twelfth Month. In the north of Jiangzhou, a red glow covered the sky like fire.

Twelfth Month. Censor Yuan Sai and others impeached Toqtogha for campaigning for three months without achievement, squandering the nation’s wealth for personal gain, and appointing half the court to his own followers. His brother Yesen Temur was of mediocre ability and sullied the Censorate, failing to uphold discipline. The memorial was three times submitted. An edict ordered Yesen Temur to leave the capital and await instructions; Wang Jianu, the Grand Herald, was made Grand Councillor.

Twelfth Month. An edict stated that Toqtogha’s campaign was wasteful; after three months, he ignored the bandits, was stripped of his rank, exiled to Huai’an, and his brother Yesen Temur was exiled to Ningxia.

At this time, the Chancellor was commanding the army, and the generals were on the verge of taking Gaoyou, when suddenly an imperial edict came to disband the army, and there was great mourning in the camp.

When the edict arrived, Councillor Gong Boxuan said, “When a general is in the field, he does not necessarily obey the emperor’s orders. The Chancellor had a secret decree when he set out; now, let’s continue the attack, and not open the edict—if you open it, the great cause is lost.” Toqtogha said, “If the emperor commands and I do not obey, it is rebellion. What becomes of the bond between ruler and minister?”

Previously, sons of senior officials who led troops in the army had been secretly warned by Hama to tell their families: “The edict will soon arrive. If you do not disperse immediately, your families will be executed.” Therefore, as soon as the edict was announced, the army was disbanded, and those who could not join another force joined the Red Turbans, such as the Ironclad Army that entered Xiangyang, led by Ironclad Wu.

That day, Toqtogha distributed three thousand sets of armor and famous horses to the generals, ordering them to lead their troops as directed by Ikhochaoer and Shusu. Assistant Vice Minister Hala Tai said, “If the Chancellor leaves, we will surely die at another’s hand; better to die before the Chancellor!” He drew his sword and killed himself.

A report was made that Gong Boxuan advised Toqtogha to lead the army north; the case implicated Left Vice Chancellor Wugusun Liangzhen of the Secretariat, but the investigation found no evidence. Boxuan was executed, and Liangzhen was reinstated as Left Vice Chancellor.

Twelfth Month. Taibuhua, Pacification Commissioner of Henan, was made Left Chancellor of the province; Yuekuochaoer, Pacification Commissioner of the Secretariat, was promoted to Grand Commandant. Grand Academic Xuexue was made head of the Privy Council, commanding all troops and military movements, including the princes, imperial sons-in-law, and all provincial and military officers. The Metli, Buyishini Mountain, Habaertub, Haju Lai, Batud, Yundu Chi, Turqieliwu, Boko, Western Tibetan soldiers, all horse-loving Dolianci, Koreans, Hui volunteers, and other armies were placed under the supreme command.

Twelfth Month. Hama was ordered to oversee the Directorate of Rectification, Waterworks, and the Court of Reception, and to preside over the lectures, carrying the imperial tiger tally.

Twelfth Month. An edict restored Wang Chupu, King of Weishun, to his post in Huguang. He had previously lost his royal seal when Huguang fell to the rebels, but having distinguished himself in suppressing the rebels, was restored to his rank and ordered to guard his old territory.

Twelfth Month. Gansu Right Vice Pacification Commissioner Weidi was ordered to suppress Western Tibetan bandits.

Twelfth Month. Dasibadulu recaptured Heyin and Gongxian.

Twelfth Month. The Yao bandits from Leiyang raided Hengzhou; Commander Xu Tuoyin died in battle.

That year, Privy Council Officer Dong Tuanxiao followed Chancellor Toqtogha on the Gaoyou campaign, garrisoned Yancheng and Xinghua, and destroyed twelve bandit nests between the two lakes of Dazong and Desheng. He built Hibiscus Fort there, and whenever bandits entered, they lost their way and were all killed, so the bandits no longer dared return. The bandits, adept at water warfare, crossed the Huai River to hold Andong Prefecture. Tuanxiao recruited five hundred skilled water fighters, defeated the bandits at the Great Lake of Andong, and recaptured the city.

That year, since the twelfth year, Wuchang had been ravaged by bandits, with seventy to eighty percent of the population perishing from war and plague. The upper and lower reaches of the Yangtze were blocked by fierce bandits, causing rice prices to soar and widespread panic. General Cheng Zun persuaded the provincial authorities to lend ten thousand strings of paper money to recruit brave men, build war boats, and both fight and purchase grain at Taiping and Zhongxing, saving many lives. When the provincial authorities went to war, Zun took over, organized the city’s defense, enrolled over five thousand men, appointed four commanders to defend the gates, set clear rules and rewards, and so deterred the bandits that they never dared approach the city, which remained safe.

That year, Zhu Wenzheng and Li Wenzhong returned.

Wenzheng, son of Zhu Yuanzhang’s uncle, had fled with his mother and uncle to avoid chaos; upon hearing of the army in Chuyang, he returned. His nephew Li Wenzhong, having lost his mother, followed his father among the rebels and barely survived; he too returned. At twelve years old, he tugged at his uncle’s sleeve and played. Yuanzhang said, “A nephew should see his uncle as his mother.” He ordered him and Mu Ying to take his surname, Zhu. Ying, from Dingyuan, was orphaned young, and Yuanzhang, pitying him, adopted him as a son.

That year, an edict was issued: “Private rents among the people are too heavy; henceforth, all rents shall be reduced by twenty percent and this shall be the permanent rule.”

That year, there was a great famine in the capital, compounded by plague, and cases of cannibalism occurred.

2. The Year 1355

Right Chancellor Wang Jianu served for two months before handing over to Kang Li. In April, Hama became Left Chancellor, Xuexue became Grand Councillor.

First Month. Kiboryan Bukhua, Left Vice Pacification Commissioner of Liaoyang, was promoted to Pacification Commissioner.

First Month. The false general of Xu Shuhui, Ni Wenjun, recaptured Mianyang. King of Weishun, Wang Chupu, sent his sons Baoennu, Jiedainu, Fojianu, and Hunan marshal Asilan with over forty ships, advancing by land and water to Mianyang to attack Ni Wenjun, bringing concubines along. At Jiming Fork in Hanchuan, the water was shallow, and Wenjun used fire rafts to burn all their ships. Jiedainu and Fojianu were killed, Baoennu committed suicide, the concubines were captured, and Wang Chupu fled to Shaanxi.

First Month. Toqtogha was exiled to Yijinai, and his awarded lands confiscated.

First Month. Bandits in Henan repeatedly crossed the river, burning and looting prefectures and counties.

Councilor Cheng Zun said to the Chancellor: “More than half the prefectures and counties are lost to chaos. Hebei is relatively secure only because the Yellow River forms a natural barrier; the rebels cannot cross easily. Thus, the people endure heavy exactions for military supplies but do not complain deeply, and, compared to Henan, can keep their homes. If the rebels cross north, and the government does nothing, even the river cannot protect Hebei. Once the people of Hebei lose confidence, what then for the nation?”

The emperor immediately punished the river commanders and strengthened defenses, appointing Deputy Administrator Hong Choulü to guard Henan, Deputy Administrator Shulu Duerzhi to Tongguan, Prince Zhaya Shili to Xingyuan, Deputy Administrator Aru Wensha to Shangzhou, and Director Dorlai to Shandong.

First Month. The Chuzhou commander ran out of grain.

The generals discussed where to go next. Zhu Yuanzhang said, “Defending an isolated city is not wise. If we must move, Heyang is a good target—small but well-defended. We can take it by trickery, not by force.” Guo Zixing asked how. Yuanzhang said, “When we attacked the civilian camps, we captured uniforms labeled ‘Loyal Volunteer Army of Luzhou.’ Let’s prepare three thousand, pick brave fellows, tie their hair in topknots, wear blue uniforms, and pretend to be government troops, driving four camels loaded with gifts, claiming to be Luzhou volunteers delivering rewards to Heyang. Heyang will open the gate. Behind them, ten thousand men in crimson uniforms will follow about ten miles behind; when the blue-uniformed soldiers approach and signal with fire, the crimson troops will rush forward—then victory is certain.”

Zixing agreed. He sent Zhang Tianyou to command the blue-uniformed troops, Zhao Jizu as envoy, Geng Zaicheng leading the crimson troops. Tianyou reached Douyang Pass, and the elders of Heyang came out with cattle and wine. At noon, Tianyou’s men took an alternate route to eat, missing the agreed signal. Zaicheng, thinking Tianyou had already captured the city, led his men straight to the gate; the commander, Esentemur, hurriedly closed the gate and sent troops out by a drawbridge. Zaicheng was wounded and retreated, pursued by government troops to Qianqiuba. At dusk, he withdrew. Tianyou’s group arrived just then, encountered the government troops, and defeated them, pursuing them to the small west gate. On the city wall, the bridge was cut by Tang He, who then led the troops up, capturing the city as Esentemur fled at night. Zaicheng, believing Tianyou lost, was soon informed the government troops had entered Chuzhou and sent envoys to persuade surrender. Zixing, even more alarmed, called Yuanzhang to discuss. Yuanzhang summoned the envoy, made him crawl on his knees before Zixing. Some wanted to kill him, but Yuanzhang said, “Killing him will only hasten their attack. Better to frighten them with bold words and release him—they will fear us and not advance.” Zixing agreed, and Yuanzhang was sent to Heyang, which Tianyou had already captured and pacified. Zixing made Yuanzhang commander of Heyang. Most generals were Zixing’s men and did not submit, except Tang He, who was obedient, and Li Shanchang, who worked to smooth relations. Many soldiers plundered, making life unsafe; Yuanzhang, moved with pity, called the generals together and said, “You have all seized women from the city. Without discipline, how can we keep order? All women taken must be returned!” The wives were returned, and the people rejoiced.

Intercalary First Month. Shangdu suffered famine, and a strict prohibition on alcohol was decreed.

Intercalary First Month. Deputy Administrator of Henan, Taishi Temur, was put in charge of Shaanxi troops, defending Henan.

Second Month. Liu Futong and others escorted Han Lin’er from Dangshan across the river, enthroning him as emperor, known as the “Little Ming King.” The capital was set at Bozhou, the state named Song, the era changed to Longfeng. His mother Lady Yang became Empress Dowager; Du Zundao and Sheng Wenyu were chancellors, Luo Wensu and Liu Futong were Pacification Commissioners, Liu Liu was Privy Councilor. They dismantled the Supreme Clarity Temple in Luyi County for palace building. Zundao’s sons were sent to attend the court. Zundao monopolized power, which Liu Futong resented, so he had armored soldiers beat Zundao to death, then became chancellor and later Grand Guardian. The “Little Ming King” held only a nominal reign; all decisions were made by Futong. Wherever he captured a city, people were eaten as food; when exhausted, he moved on, leaving devastation in his wake.

Second Month. Henan Pacification Commissioner Yaoyao was made Left Chancellor of Liaoyang.

Second Month. The Huai East Pacification Command, headquartered at Tianchang County, was established, overseeing the Hao and Si Volunteer Commanderies and other volunteer armies. Wealthy families willing to send five thousand men became Commanders of Ten Thousand, five hundred became Commanders of One Thousand, and one hundred became Commanders of One Hundred, with official decrees and plaques issued.

Second Month. The Minister of Justice, Dong Quan, and others, along with Pacification Commissioner Huinichi of Jiangxi, were put in charge of military campaigns, authorized to act with discretion, and sent envoys to offer conditional amnesty: those who surrendered would be pardoned; those who persisted would be attacked.

Third Month. Xu Shuhui’s forces captured Xiangyang.

Third Month. Wang Jianu acted as Grand Commandant, presenting the imperial jade tablet to Crown Prince Ayushiridala and bestowing the nine-stringed crown and ceremonial robes for worship at the ancestral temple.

Third Month. On the advice of the Censorate, Toqtogha was exiled to Yunnan’s Zhenxi, Yesen Temur to Sichuan’s Diaomen, eldest son Harazhang to Suzhou, second son Sanbaonu to Lanzhou, and their family property confiscated.

Third Month. Government troops numbering 100,000 attacked Hezhou; Zhu Yuanzhang defended with 10,000 and used surprise attacks to inflict many casualties, causing the government troops to withdraw. The city was again short of food.

At this time, the Crown Prince Tuchin and Privy Vice Envoy Bianzhuma, with People’s Army Marshal Chen Yesen, each sent troops to garrison Xintang, Gaowang, Qingshan, and Jilongshan, blocking the roads. Yuanzhang attacked and drove them off. Sun Deya, former Haozhou commander, was also short of food and joined Yuanzhang in Hezhou. Guo Zixing, who had a grudge against Deya, was angered and moved from Chuzhou to Hezhou. Deya, learning of Zixing’s arrival, tried to leave but his army went first, and Deya followed. Yuanzhang escorted the troops out twenty miles. Suddenly, news came that the Chuzhou and Deya armies had fought, and Deya was captured. Yuanzhang was shocked, called Geng Bingwen and Wu Zhen, and rode back. Deya’s men, angry, detained Yuanzhang for several miles, intending harm, but Zhang intervened. Zixing, learning Yuanzhang was detained, felt as if he had lost his right hand and sent Xu Da to negotiate. Zhang persuaded the troops to return to Yuanzhang. Zixing then released Deya, and Xu Da returned as well. Zixing was brave and a good fighter but had a narrow temperament and could not tolerate others. Because of the grudge with Deya, he died with regret. After Zixing’s death, the troops chose his eldest son Tianxu as marshal, but Deya, as a veteran, wanted to command; Tianxu, fearing he couldn’t control the army, invited Zhu Yuanzhang to assist him.

Fourth Month. Chang Yuchun came to join Yuanzhang.

Yuchun, a native of Huaiyuan, was resolute, wise, brave, and exceptionally strong. At twenty-three, he was captured by bandit leader Liu Ju, but seeing that Liu Ju’s band had no long-term plans and hearing that Yuanzhang was known for kindness and discipline in Hezhou, he led more than ten men to surrender and requested to serve as vanguard. Yuanzhang said, “You only come because you’re hungry. You have a former master—how can I take you from him?” Yuchun knocked his head to the ground and wept, saying, “Liu Ju is a mere bandit, incapable of great things. If I can serve a worthy lord, I would rather die than live as I am.” Yuanzhang said, “Will you follow me across the river? Once we take Taiping, you will be part of my forces—it’s not too late.”

Fourth Month. The imperial carriage made a tour to Shangdu.

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