Zhang Shicheng Captures Suzhou

Timeline

1. 1353–1356Changshu · JiangnanAfter rising in Gaoyou, Zhang Shicheng's forces expanded eastward, first taking Taizhou, Jiangyin, Changshu and other places, cutting off Yuan reinforcements to Suzhou and preparing for the siege of Pingjiang Prefecture's seat, Suzhou.
2. 1356Suzhou · JiangnanZhang Shicheng's forces besieged Suzhou in Pingjiang Prefecture; the defending commander Pan Yijian held the city firmly but it was eventually breached. After entering the city, Zhang Shicheng used Suzhou as his base, controlling one of the richest regions in Jiangnan, greatly boosting his military strength.
3. 1356Suzhou · JiangnanAfter taking Suzhou, Zhang Shicheng made Pingjiang his capital, proclaimed the state name Great Zhou, and styled himself Prince of Wu. He recruited scholars, reformed taxes and corvée, and built Suzhou into a political and military center in Jiangnan to rival the Yuan court and the various Red Turban forces.