Zhu Yuanzhang

Timeline

1. 1328–1343Zhongli, Haozhou (modern Fengyang, Anhui) · Fengyang CountyBorn into a peasant family in Zhongli, Haozhou; he lost his father young, worked as a cattle herder, and before entering Huangjue Temple as a monk endured a wandering life, forming his dissatisfaction with Yuan rule amid the late Yuan's harsh governance and natural disasters.
2. 1344–1351Huangjue Temple (Fengyang area) · Fengyang CountyImpoverished, he entered Huangjue Temple as a monk, later wandering the western Huai region begging for alms to survive, witnessing the people's suffering in the late Yuan and accumulating social experience and connections for his later participation in the uprising.
3. 1352–1368Jianghuai and Jiangnan · Jianghuai regionIn 1352 he joined Guo Zixing's forces, gradually gaining military command, recruiting generals like Xu Da and Chang Yuchun, and through the battles of Caishi and Jiqing (Nanjing) gained control of key Jiangnan positions, defeating separatist forces like Chen Youliang and Zhang Shicheng.
4. 1368–1398Yingtian Prefecture (Nanjing) · Nanjing CityIn 1368 he proclaimed himself emperor at Yingtian, state name Great Ming, era name Hongwu. The northern expedition drove out the Yuan court; he implemented the yellow-register, lijia and guard-garrison systems, strengthened centralization, and inaugurated the early Ming 'Hongwu governance' order.