Yongle Emperor: Encyclopedia II - Yongle Emperor - Early Years

Yongle Emperor - Early Years

Emperor Yongle was born Zhu Di on May 2nd, 1360 (mother unknown) to a monk and future emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Zhu Di grew up as a prince during the Ming Dynasty in a loving, caring environment. His father, Emperor Hongwu supplied nothing but the best education for his sons and eventually entitled them their own princedoms. Zhu Di was entitled as the Prince of Yan, the area around Beijing.

When Zhu Di moved to Beijing, the city had been devastated by famine and disease and was under threat of invasion from Mongolians from the north. Zhu Di, with help from his father-in-law, General Xu Da, secured the northern borders and became an excellent field marshal in the process. As he ruthlessly battled Mongols in Northern China, Zhu Di's supposed mother, Empress Ma, passed away, only to be followed by General Xu Da three years later.

Zhu Di had been very successful against the Mongols and impressed his father with his energy, risk taking ability, and leadership. Even Zhu Di's troops praised his effectiveness - especially when Emperor Hongwu rewarded them for their service. But Zhu Di was not the oldest brother, forcing his father to name the Prince of Jin the crown prince. When the Prince of Jin died of illness in 1392, worries of imperial succession ensued. Zhu Di was hopeful his father would choose him to be heir apparent, but to the surprise of few Hongwu complied with imperial law and named his grandson, Zhu Yunwen, crown prince. Zhu Di did not trust his nephew and would eventually become his biggest obstacle in becoming emperor.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Early Years", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki