Zhang Shicheng Proclaims Himself Prince of Wu

Timeline

1. 1356Jiangsu-Zhejiang region · JiangnanFrom his base in Gaoyou, Zhang Shicheng successively captured wealthy cities such as Pingjiang, Huzhou and Hangzhou in 1356, controlling the Grand Canal route and the Taihu Lake basin, greatly strengthening his military position.
2. 1356Pingjiang Circuit · JiangnanIn the 23rd year of Zhizheng (1363), Zhang Shicheng formally proclaimed himself Prince of Wu at Pingjiang, established the state name Wu with Pingjiang as his capital, began building an independent regime, and stood against the Yuan dynasty and Red Turban forces elsewhere.
3. 1356–1367Pingjiang Circuit · JiangnanThe Wu state established offices such as chancellor and pingzhang, minted coins like the Tianyou Tongbao, recruited scholars, and maintained Jiangnan's tax collection and grain transport. Zhang Shicheng's rule was relatively lenient, but militarily he gradually fell on the defensive and was ultimately destroyed by Zhu Yuanzhang.