From Humble Beginnings to Rebel Leader

In the turbulent mid-14th century, as the Mongol-led Yuan Dynasty crumbled, countless ambitious men rose to challenge the collapsing regime. Among them was Ming Yuzhen, a native of Suizhou in Huguang province, whose early career followed a familiar path for regional strongmen during this chaotic era.

The spark came in 1351 when the Red Turban Rebellion erupted across central China. Seeing opportunity in the chaos, Ming Yuzhen gathered local elders and declared: “The Yuan ruler has lost the Mandate of Heaven. With armies rising everywhere bringing slaughter, how can we avoid being swept away?” The elders, recognizing his leadership potential, urged him to organize local defenses. Thus began Ming Yuzhen’s military career as he fortified strategic positions and amassed over 100,000 followers.

Service Under the Tianwan Regime

Ming Yuzhen’s first major political alignment came when Xu Shouhui, leader of the Red Turban’s Tianwan regime, demanded his submission with the threat: “I have raised armies to expel the Mongols. Join our great cause or face destruction.” Pragmatically recognizing Xu’s superior strength, Ming Yuzhen pledged allegiance in 1355 and was granted the title “Grand Marshal for Conquering Barbarians.”

His military campaigns in Sichuan between 1355-1357 proved spectacularly successful. After capturing Chongqing in 1357—a pivotal victory—he gradually became the de facto ruler of Sichuan while nominally remaining under Tianwan authority. Archaeological evidence, including his dragon robes and the “Stele of the Great Xia Founding Emperor” discovered in Chongqing, confirms his growing regional power during this period.

The Birth of the Great Xia Kingdom

The political landscape shifted dramatically in 1360 when Chen Youliang murdered Xu Shouhui and seized control of the Tianwan regime. Refusing to acknowledge the usurper, Ming Yuzhen took symbolic action—building a temple honoring Xu Shouhui while strategically fortifying the Yangtze gorges against potential attacks.

With Chen Youliang preoccupied fighting rival warlord Zhu Yuanzhang, Ming Yuzhen declared himself Prince of Longshu in 1360 before taking the ultimate step in 1362: proclaiming the Great Xia kingdom with its capital at Chongqing. His reign marked by:
– Administrative reforms dividing Sichuan into eight circuits
– Establishment of Confucian education systems
– Light taxation policies (10% rate)
– Military campaigns into Yunnan (1363-1364)

Diplomatic Maneuvering and Final Years

Understanding the threat from Chen Youliang, Ming Yuzhen cultivated relations with Zhu Yuanzhang, exchanging letters that invoked historical parallels to the Three Kingdoms period. Their correspondence reveals fascinating insights—including Zhu’s complaints about Chinese collaborators serving the Mongols.

Ming Yuzhen’s death in 1366 at age 38 left the kingdom to his 10-year-old son Ming Sheng under regency. His final admonition—”Defend our borders but never covet the Central Plains”—went unheeded as the young ruler abandoned his father’s cautious policies.

Collapse Before the Ming Tide

After initial diplomatic overtures, relations with Zhu Yuanzhang (now Emperor Hongwu) deteriorated rapidly. Ming Sheng’s ill-advised attack on Ming-controlled Xingyuan in 1370 provided the casus belli for invasion. In 1371, Ming armies launched a two-pronged assault:
– Eastern Route: Naval forces under Tang He through the Yangtze gorges
– Northern Route: Cavalry under Fu Youde through Shaanxi

Despite formidable terrain defenses, the Xia kingdom fell within months. Chongqing surrendered in June 1371, ending this short-lived Sichuanese state. The Ming integrated Sichuan into its administration, using it as a base for later Yunnan campaigns.

Legacy of a Regional Visionary

Though his kingdom lasted barely a decade, Ming Yuzhen left enduring marks:
– Demonstrated Sichuan’s capacity for regional autonomy
– Established governance models later adopted by the Ming
– His tomb (rediscovered 1982) remains a key archaeological site

The Great Xia interlude represents both the possibilities and limitations of regionalism during China’s dynastic transitions—a warlord’s dream of independence ultimately consumed by the tides of imperial reunification.