| dc.description.abstract | Despite his humble origin, Zhu Yuan-Zhang finally established the Ming Dynasty in 1368, A.D. and enforced draconian laws and severe punishment aiming at build a new state order in chaotic period. Distinguished persons for the foundation of the state were all rewarded by him, the foremost ones were Huai Xi Honored Vassal Group leaded by Hu Wei Yong and Li Shan Zhang, which later resulted in their increasing arbitrariness.
In 1308, A.D, Hu Wei-Yong, Chen Ning, Tu Jie and others were executed for cliquing and abusing Zhu Yuan-Zhang’s power together for usurping power. Thereafter, Zhu Yuan-Zhang abolished Secretariat, replaced the Great Governor-General with Five Chief Military Commissions, abolished the Yushitai, and set up Duchayuan 2 years later. The abolishment and replacement of three organizations made the military power in the hands of the Emperor alone, which was the optimal dictatorial system in Zhu Yuan-Zhang’s heart. In 1390 A.D, Li Shan-Zhang was put to death for his friendship with Hu Wei-Yong, thus stirred up a large scale prison storms, many meritorious persons were sentenced to death for being related to Li and Hu. The two cases of Hu Wei-Yong and Li Shan-Zhang were collectively known as “Jail for Hu Wei-Yong Clique” in history.
In 1392, A.D, The Prince Zhu Biao died of illness. In order to maintain Zhu’s political power, Zhu Yuan-Zhang took aim at Lan Yu, a member of Huai Xi Group and in 1393, A.D, Zhu stirred up the killing again, made massive slaughter of meritorious military officer led by Lan Yu, and taking this opportunity to smash local counterforce. Over 10,000 persons were involved in this case, known as “Jail for Lan Yu Clique” in history.
Through Hu and Lan’s two prison accidents, persons for the foundation of the state were nearly kill out. The state’s power center were transferred massively, military officers’ power became weak. Therefore, after many infantes were awarded as seigniors and gradually in control of the armed forces, they launched a military coup (Jing Nan Revolt) and controlled the royal court. The 2 jails for the political cliques influence can’t be ignored. This paper will discuss the causes of prison accident stirred up repeatedly in early Ming Dynasty, analysize the development after Hu and Lan’s prison accident and its influence to political society level in the late period of Hongwu years through analysis of the Two Jails for the political cliques and research in the doubtful point during the case process.
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