Ming Vassal Prince Yi in Nancheng

Nancheng county enjoys superior geographical location and scenic landscape. Ancient local chronicles described this place as "e;commanding five mountains, with unique terrain, numinous mountains, breathtaking forests and valleys and encircling mountains and rivers, which are beneficial to defending the invasion of tribes in Southern China and northern Vietnam."e; "e;A place like Nancheng is hard to find."e; There are Magu Mountain, the famous Taoist site in Southeast China, and Conggu Mountain, with its mountaintop resembling a round stool. In the fifth year of Emperor Gaozu of Han, Nancheng County was established as one of the 18 counties of Yuzhang Prefecture. From Song to Ming, Nancheng was government seat of Jianchangjun (Jianchanglu/Jianchangfu). 'Nancheng is known for its scenic beauty and brilliant talents.' From Song to Ming hundreds of Jinshi scholars came from Nancheng, sych as Yuan Deshao, Chen Pengnian, Yuan Jiang, Li Gou, Deng Runfu, Bao Hui, Li Hao, Cheng Jufu, Zhang Sheng, Luo Qi and Luo Rufang. 'While there was only one Jinshi scholar Li Taibo, in Yuan and Ming dynasties Nancheng scholars gradually developed their literary competence, making the place famous in Jiangxi.' It was due to the landscape and well-educated population that Ming emperors made Nancheng the fief of two vassals princes: Prince Jing and later Prince Yi. The book has five chapters: "e;Zhu Youbing was enfeoffed as Prince Yi"e;, "e;Prince Yi's family expanded in Nancheng"e;, "e;life in the prince palace"e;, "e;the last struggle"e; and "e;Prince Yi Rest in Peace in Nancheng"e; and an appendix. The code of conduct in the prince palace, the palace's relationship with locals and its contribution to local cultural and medical activities, etc., are also discussed. The book weaves together the destiny of a vassal prince, the bloody struggle of dynastic changes, and the panoramic historical development, and recreates the sadness, joy, honor and humiliation of aristocrats over five centuries ago. Readers will find these stories soul-stirring.