Xuande Emperor

Reign: 1425 – 1435
Life: 1399–1435

Upon ascending the throne, he made the decision to reverse his father's plan to relocate the capital from Beijing to Nanjing. His uncle Zhu Gaoxu rebelled against the young emperor but was ultimately unsuccessful. With the guidance of capable advisors, the Xuande Emperor personally led his army against his uncle and easily defeated him. Early in the Xuande Emperor's reign, a prolonged war in Đại Việt (present-day northern Vietnam), which was then administered by the Ming as Jiaozhi Province, ended in a Ming defeat and the restoration of Viet independence.

During Xuande Emperor's reign, Henry VI of England ruled England, Charles VII of France ruled France, and Murad II ruled Ottoman Empire.

Want to learn more? Further reading

China: A History by John Keay

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

Meanwhile in history

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