Introduction: A Peasant’s Rise to Political Fame

In the early years of the Ming dynasty, amid the sweeping reforms and consolidation of power under the founding emperor Zhu Yuanzhang , a remarkable story emerged from the rural heartland of Jiangsu province. Chen Shouliu, an ordinary farmer from Changshu, unexpectedly became one of the most celebrated political figures of his time. His bold act of tying up a corrupt local official and personally presenting the case in the imperial capital not only won him imperial favor but also symbolized a significant shift in the relationship between the common people and the imperial government.

This article explores Chen Shouliu’s story, the broader context of anti-corruption campaigns during the Hongwu era, the emperor’s innovative policies encouraging popular participation in governance, and the lasting cultural and political legacy of this unique episode in Chinese history.

Historical Context: The Hongwu Emperor’s Vision for Governance

When Zhu Yuanzhang founded the Ming dynasty in 1368 after overthrowing the Yuan dynasty, he faced the daunting task of rebuilding a war-torn country and establishing a new imperial order. The Hongwu Emperor was infamous for his stringent and often ruthless governance, determined to eradicate corruption and restore morality in government.

One of his major concerns was the abuse of power by local officials—county magistrates, clerks, and minor functionaries—who often exploited peasants and local communities. The imperial court was frequently plagued by reports of bribery, extortion, and official misconduct. To address this, Zhu Yuanzhang implemented a series of legal codes known as the “Dazhao” , which laid down strict behavioral guidelines for officials and established mechanisms for citizen complaints.

However, mere laws were insufficient. The emperor recognized that local power structures could be deeply entrenched, and official channels might be compromised. Thus, he innovated by directly empowering ordinary people to act against corrupt officials, even encouraging them to capture and present offenders to the capital for justice. This was unprecedented in Chinese imperial history and reflected a radical shift towards populist participation in governance.

The Story of Chen Shouliu: Justice at the Grassroots

Chen Shouliu’s story illustrates this dynamic vividly. Living in Changshu, Chen suffered under a particularly oppressive and notorious local official named Gu Ying, whose abuses had made life unbearable for many villagers. Unable to find redress through normal channels, Chen joined forces with his brother and nephew to take matters into their own hands. They physically restrained Gu Ying and carried him to the imperial city.

What made their act extraordinary was that Chen and his companions were armed not merely with physical restraint but with the emperor’s own legal code—the Dazhao. This document was a symbol of imperial authority and justice, signifying that their actions had the emperor’s implicit support.

Upon receiving the complaint, Zhu Yuanzhang was impressed. Not only did he reward Chen Shouliu generously with silver ingots and fine clothing, but he also exempted him from corvée labor for three years. More importantly, the emperor issued a nationwide proclamation praising Chen’s courage and designating him the “First Citizen” under direct imperial protection. Zhu Yuanzhang warned that anyone seeking to retaliate against Chen would face severe punishment, including collective family execution, a harsh but effective deterrent.

At the same time, the emperor cautioned that Chen was not above the law; if he misused his position, only the imperial court—not local officials—could judge him. This delicate balance underscored the emperor’s intention to empower the people while maintaining centralized control.

The Broader Anti-Corruption Campaign: Empowering the People

Chen Shouliu’s case was not isolated. During the 18th and 19th years of the Hongwu reign , it was common to see groups of villagers traveling along the roads to the capital with bound corrupt officials in tow. These groups carried official complaint documents and were often allowed passage by local authorities who recognized the legitimacy granted by the emperor’s edicts.

The key legal innovation was the formal encouragement of collective citizen action against corrupt or abusive officials, as outlined in the “Dazhao.” The emperor’s policies allowed respected elders and community leaders—scholars, gentlemen, and village elders—to form groups and jointly petition the emperor. These petitions could accuse local officials of wrongdoing or praise them for good governance.

To prevent frivolous or personal vendettas, the system imposed strict requirements on petitioners. Small groups of three to ten people were not permitted to bring accusations; rather, petitions needed to be signed by a broad coalition of community elders to ensure credibility. For example, praising a prefect had to be supported by elders from all counties under that prefect’s jurisdiction. This requirement made it difficult to fabricate complaints or praise and maintained a level of administrative order.

Furthermore, yearly gatherings of large groups—sometimes numbering over a thousand people—were allowed to present collective grievances or commendations to the imperial court. This formalized and institutionalized a channel of communication from the grassroots to the emperor, unprecedented in Chinese history.

The Cultural Impact: A New Era of Popular Justice

The empowerment of ordinary people to take action against corrupt officials had deep cultural and social implications. Traditionally, Chinese governance was hierarchical and paternalistic, with the emperor at the top, followed by officials who were expected to be virtuous and just. The common people had little direct power to hold officials accountable, relying on indirect mechanisms or fearing reprisals.

By explicitly encouraging peasants and townsfolk to report abuses and even detain offenders, the Hongwu Emperor challenged these norms. This policy fostered a sense of agency among ordinary citizens and contributed to a more responsive government—at least in theory.

Moreover, this approach contributed to a distinct culture of vigilance and mutual oversight within communities. Villagers were no longer passive subjects but active participants in maintaining justice. This also instilled a fear among corrupt officials, who knew that their misdeeds could lead to public capture and imperial punishment.

However, this policy was a double-edged sword. While it could curb corruption, it also risked abuses by local groups and vigilantism. The emperor’s insistence on imperial oversight of any excesses by citizens like Chen Shouliu reflected this tension.

Legacy: The Ming Dynasty’s Model of Governance and Modern Reflections

Chen Shouliu’s story and the broader policy of popular anti-corruption activism left a lasting mark on Ming governance and Chinese political culture. The Hongwu Emperor’s efforts to institutionalize popular petitions and empower citizens to combat official corruption represented a pioneering experiment in public accountability.

While later dynasties often reverted to more rigid bureaucratic hierarchies with less popular involvement, the Ming model demonstrated the potential of integrating grassroots voices into imperial governance. This historical episode resonates with modern ideas about citizen participation, transparency, and anti-corruption measures.

Furthermore, Chen Shouliu’s elevation to the status of “First Citizen” under direct imperial protection serves as a powerful symbol of the ideal relationship between ruler and ruled—a ruler who listens to and protects his people, and citizens who actively defend justice.

Conclusion: A Tale of Courage, Justice, and Empowerment

The story of Chen Shouliu is more than an anecdote of a peasant capturing a corrupt official; it is a lens into the complexities of governance, justice, and social relations in early Ming China. It illustrates how a visionary ruler like the Hongwu Emperor sought to build a new political order where the common people could stand up against tyranny and corruption.

By encouraging popular participation and ensuring imperial justice extended to even those at the bottom of society, the Ming dynasty crafted a unique approach to governance—one that balanced centralized authority with grassroots empowerment. Chen Shouliu, the “First Citizen,” remains an enduring emblem of this dynamic legacy.