IN YOUR TIME
Nanjing University, China
First Year – 2026
History Class – Chapter 1: The Ming Dynasty (The Death of King Jianwen)
King Jianwen was born on December 5, 1377.
People say he was a kind and compassionate king who believed in Confucian values. At that time, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Hongwu, was ruling the empire. He was Jianwen's great-grandfather.
After Emperor Hongwu, his eldest son Zhu Biao was supposed to inherit the Ming throne.
_"But sir, wasn't Jianwen the second emperor of the Ming Dynasty? Zhu Biao never became emperor."__Lee Xhou asked.
_" That's right," __the professor replied.
_"But Zhu Biao died in 1392, when Jianwen was only 15 years old."
_"I understand now, sir," __Lee Xhou said.
About six years later, in 1398, the great Emperor Hongwu passed away.
After his death, his beloved grandson Jianwen became emperor at the age of 21. Although he had only limited knowledge and experience in military affairs and ruling a country, he still ascended the throne of the Ming Dynasty.
__Rin raised her hand.
_ "But after Zhu Biao died, why was Jianwen chosen as emperor? Weren't there any capable sons of Hongwu who could have become emperor instead?"
__The professor smiled.
"_There are many possible reasons. Jianwen was the son of Hongwu's eldest son, and Hongwu loved him dearly. That may be why he chose him. However, no one knows the exact reason."
"After becoming emperor, Jianwen fought against his uncle Zhu Di (the Prince of Yan) in the Jingnan Campaign, which began in 1399.
Finally, in 1402, Zhu Di's army captured the imperial palace in Nanjing. During the battle, a mysterious fire broke out inside the palace. It is said that emperor Jianwen died in that fire."
"However, even today, historians have not found definite proof that emperor Jianwen actually died in the fire. There is still disagreement among historians about what really happened to him."....
_"That's all for today, students."
With that, the professor ended the class.
Rin stood up from the last bench and started walking toward the library.
In the middle of a small decorative fountain on the university campus, she noticed a shiny blue necklace.
_"I can't relate... I keep it light no no noo drama in my life........(she was humming a blackpink song )...Huh? What's that? It's glowing! Is that a diamond? If it is, I'm going to be rich very soon! Oh my gosh... hehehe!
Excited, Rin leaned over the fountain and reached for the blue necklace.
But while trying to grab it, she suddenly slipped and fell into the fountain.
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Bonus :
Rin is a first-year international student from California.
She came to China because she loves Chinese history and culture. she is also a kpop fan and simply put, she's a delulu girl ,like you and me ....! And she's always chill.
When she got the chance to study in China, she immediately decided to move there.
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