2006•Shixue yuekanRequires access
The Natural Disaster and Government Relief in Henan in the Beginning Years of Emperor Wanli of Ming Dynasty
Niu Jian-qiang
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Abstract
In the May of the 21st Year of Emperor Wanli of Ming Dynasty, the Yellow River flooded the three provinces of Henan, Shandong and Nanzhi, making a water country of this region. By the end of the year, lack of food resulted in starvation, and many people died. Thanks to the continued efforts of such officials as Yang Dongming, Wang Xijue and Zhong Huamin (the last being the special dispatch of the Emperor), the people in the flooded area were finally relieved. The disaster and subsequent relief reflect some information about social unrest in Ming Dynasty, and also the rule by person instead of by law.