Chang Yuchun vs Zhu Ci

Chang Yuchun served as a key commander under Zhu Yuanzhang in the naval battle against Chen Youliang. The Ming victory at Lake Poyang eliminated a major rival and paved the way for the establishment of the Ming dynasty.

Chang Yuchun was the vanguard commander in the Ming army that captured Dadu. He led the assault that forced the Mongol emperor to flee, ending Yuan rule in China. He was later tasked with pursuing the Mongols into the steppe.

Chang Yuchun died suddenly while returning from a successful campaign against the Mongols in Inner Mongolia. The cause was reported as illness, possibly plague. His death at age 39 cut short a brilliant military career.

The Hongwu Emperor posthumously honored Chang Yuchun as Prince of Kaiping, the highest military honor. His family was granted hereditary privileges, and he was enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Zhu Ci was proclaimed emperor by mutinous Jingyuan troops in Chang'an after they rebelled against the Tang court. He established the short-lived Qin dynasty and controlled the capital for several months.

Zhu Ci's forces besieged the Tang emperor Dezong at Fengtian. The siege failed due to the arrival of loyalist troops, forcing Zhu Ci to retreat and weakening his position.

Zhu Ci was defeated by Tang loyalist forces led by Li Sheng. He fled Chang'an and was killed by his own troops. His death ended the Qin dynasty and the rebellion.