Ming Yuzhen

Timeline

1. 1341–1352Suizhou · Han River regionBorn to a farming family in Suizhou, he lost one eye to an eye disease and was called 'Blind Ming.' During famines at the end of the Yuan he joined a local self-defense force and developed skill in archery and horsemanship. He had not yet joined the large-scale Red Turban uprising, but accumulated military experience amid the turmoil of the Han River region.
2. 1353–1360Mianyang · Jianghan PlainIn 1353 he led Suizhou militia to join Xu Shouhui's ranks; for his bravery in battle and repeated meritorious service he was promoted to marshal. Later he advanced westward with the Red Turbans, capturing Chongqing in 1357 and beginning to develop the Ba-Shu base area.
3. 1362–1366Chongqing · Ba-ShuProclaimed himself emperor in Chongqing in 1362, with the state name Great Xia and era name Tian Tong, holding the Ba-Shu region. During his reign he implemented military-agricultural colonies, reduced taxes and corvée, and kept his distance from Zhu Yuanzhang, Chen Youliang and other powers. He died of illness in the first month of 1366, ordering his young son Ming Sheng to succeed him.