Chapter 747: Founding the Great Ming

The twenty‑eighth year of the Zhizheng era, autumn.

The Ming army entered the Yuan Great Capital without bloodshed.

The city walls stood empty; the last rearguard of the Kipchak Army had burned the West Direct Gate's grain store two days earlier and fled north.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) rode on horseback and entered the city through the Southern Yang Gate.

The streets were deserted, shops shut tight; only a few common folk hid in the cracks of doors, peeking out.

The air was thick with the smell of burnt residue, the smoldering remains of destroyed government offices and warehouses.

"Report to the Prince of Wu."

Xu Da, who had entered the city earlier, came forward to report.

"The Huangcheng, treasury, and government offices are all under control."

"The Yuan court fled in haste; aside from some grain stores and arsenals that were burned, most documents and records remain."

"No large‑scale traces of Yuneng Pollution have been found in the city."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) nodded.

"Well done."

"Issue orders to all armies: strictly prohibit looting and harassing the populace."

"Those who violate the order will be beheaded."

"Yes!"

Xu Da received the order and departed.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) urged his horse forward, slowly proceeding toward the Huangcheng.

The scale and order of this city caused certain memories deep in his mind to tremble slightly.

But at this moment he had no leisure for sentiment.

Upon reaching the outside of the Midday Gate, Liu Ji and Li Shanliang were already waiting there.

"Prince of Wu."

Liu Ji stepped forward.

"We have made a rough count of the palace buildings."

"The Yuan ruler fled north; the six palaces are completely empty, leaving only a few low‑level officials."

"How should we handle them? Please show your decision, Prince of Wu."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) dismounted.

"Seal the palace buildings; leave a small contingent of troops to guard them."

"We will not reside here."

Li Shanliang was slightly taken aback.

"Prince of Wu, this is the imperial palace; it ought to—"

"Too ostentatious, too conspicuous."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) cut him off.

"Find a suitably located, convenient former dynasty office for handling affairs; just prepare it."

"What's urgent now isn't where to live."

He gazed upon this vast Huangcheng.

"This is the founding of the state."

Ten days later.

The former Yuan Secretariat office has now been renamed the "Great Ming Provisional Regency Prince's Mansion."

In the main hall, civil and military officials gathered together.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) sat in the seat of honor, having changed into a dark‑colored robe with only a simple gold pattern embroidered on the chest.

"Everyone is here."

He spoke.

"Today we will discuss three matters."

"First, the state name."

Below, all was solemn.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) looked toward Liu Ji.

"Bo Wen, what do you say?"

Liu Ji stepped forward and clasped his hands.

"The Book of Changes says: 'Great Ming, from beginning to end, the six positions are fulfilled.'"

"'Ming' means the sun and moon mutually push forth light, giving rise to brightness, with the symbol of illuminating the world and dispelling darkness and gloom."

"Moreover, the Prince of Wu arose from the southeast, corresponding to the fire element, whose color is red."

"The single character 'Ming' precisely accords with heavenly timing, earthly advantage, and popular support."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) nodded.

"Any objections, gentlemen?"

Xu Da, Chang Yuchun, and the other generals naturally had nothing to say.

Among the civil officials, Li Shanliang and others likewise voiced their agreement.

"Good."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) settled the matter with a single strike.

"From today onward, the state name shall be—Great Ming."

Second, the era name.

He paused.

The Yuan ruler fled north, and the Central Plains were restored.

Heaven and earth are remade, all things renewed.

We will take the two characters "Hongwu".

Military force to quell rebellion, and 'Hong' to bring about peace.

Next year will be the first year of the Hongwu era.

The officials below the hall spoke in unison.

I will faithfully obey the king's order!

Third, the capital.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) stood up and walked to the hanging map.

The Great Capital lies to the north, which is advantageous for controlling the steppes, but it is far from the Jiangnan region's tax and grain lands.

Furthermore, the You threat looms to the north; situating the capital here is tantamount to living on the razor's edge.

He lowered his finger.

Yingtian Prefecture (Nanjing), a crouching tiger and coiling dragon, with the Yangtze River as a natural barrier.

It also enjoys the convenience of the Grand Canal, enabling control of the southeast and resonance with the Central Plains.

We will temporarily establish the capital here.

Once the realm is settled and the You threat has subsided, we will again discuss moving the capital.

Although this decision surprised everyone, upon reflection it is indeed the safest choice.

We have no objections.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) turned around.

Once the three matters are settled, we will immediately announce them to the realm.

Li Shanliang.

I am here.

You, as Director of Documents and Edicts, shall disseminate to all restored prefectures and counties.

Xu Da.

Your subordinate is here.

The Great Capital will be renamed Beiping Prefecture; a Garrison Office will be established, with you temporarily in charge, to organize defenses and settle refugees.

Chang Yuchun.

I'm here!

Lead the cavalry north to pursue the remnants of the Yuan court, but remember not to advance alone deep into the steppes; reaching the Great Wall line is enough.

Understood!

The remaining generals shall each return to their garrisons, fortify the defense zones, eliminate Yuan remnants, and guard against the You threat.

Yes!

The assignments are complete.

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) slowly walked out of the hall.

The autumn sun is just right, shining on the courtyard's blue stone.

Liu Ji followed him out and stood at his side.

"King of Wu... no, now you should be called Your Majesty."

Zhu Yue (Zhu Yuanzhang) shook his head.

The enthronement ceremony will be held after returning to Yingtian.

For now, the title is more important than the ceremony.

He gazed toward the northern horizon.

The state name has been decided, the era name has been decided, and the capital has been set.

But the true Great Ming...

His voice was low and deep.

It must be forged in the fires of war.

We must hold firm against the erosion of the You threat.

The road is still long.

Liu Ji remained silent, and also looked northward.

That is the direction of the Great Wall.

It is also the direction in which the You threat spreads.

The newborn Great Ming has not yet caught its breath.

It must now confront that darkest threat.

But at least.

The flag has been raised.

The bugle has sounded.

A new era.

From today onward.