The Ming Dynasty (A. D. 1368–1644)

The summer of A. D. 1370 was distingushed by a terrible drought in the north of China. The Emperor, assuming that this was due to some misconduct on his part, reformed his household and went and remained for three days by the Altar of Heaven and Earth, sleeping at night on the straw by it. In the beginning of A. D. 1371 Fuyuta set out with a large force for the pacification of Sz-chwan. The year A. D. 1373 was spent by Hung Wu in legislating for the prosperity of his people. In the early part of A. D. 1374 the Japanese again made a descent on the coasts of China. The year, A. D. 1408, was distinguished by a raid which was made by the Japanese on the Chinese coast and the despatch of a fleet under the command of Chen-suan to meet them; and also of an insurrection of the Tonquinese.