3rd entry: Witnessing Beijing's Rise as the Ming Dynasty Capital

Zhu Bang: Beijing.

Year: 1403

 

                    Today, I find myself on the cusp of history as I stand amidst the bustling streets of Beijing, a city that is about to undergo a profound transformation. It is a time for change, ambition, and destiny, as Beijing is set to become the capital of ancient China. As I look around, I see a Beijing vastly different from the one I have known. The city's name echoes through the ages as a symbol of power and imperial mind. But today, it is poised to send to even greater heights.

                    At the heart of this transformation is the Yongle Emperor, Zhu Di, a ruler with an audacious vision. He believes that Beijing, with its strategic location in northern China, holds the key to a new era for the Ming dynasty. But this ambition goes beyond mere geography; it is about consolidating power, rewriting history, and leaving an indelible mark on the world. The decision to make Beijing the capital is not taken lightly. It is a symbolic break from the past, a way for the emperor to distance himself from the southern capital of Nanjing, which bears the legitimacy of the Jianwen Emperor. The move is also strategic, as it places the capital closer to the northern borders, fortifying defenses against potential threats from the north.

                    The process of making Beijing the capital is nothing short of astonishing. The city undergoes a swift and dramatic change. The construction of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City is underway, its towering walls and majestic gates are testimony of the imperial authority. Policies, temples, and grand avenues spring to life, reshaping the city’s landscape.

                    

Until next time fellow travellers!