The Eunuch Admiral Who Saved the Ming

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The Eunuch Admiral Who Saved the Ming

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When the Ming dynasty faced its gravest naval crisis in the 16th century, it wasn't a Confucian scholar-official who turned the tide—it was a eunuch. This episode tells the story of Qi Jiguang, the legendary general who fought Japanese pirates along China's coast. But we focus on a lesser-known figure: the eunuch admiral Zheng He's great-grandnephew, Zheng Xing, who commanded the Ming fleet against the Portuguese at the Battle of Xicaomen in 1523. We explore how Ming China's naval technology, including the towering treasure ships and advanced cannons, gave it an edge over European newcomers. Yet internal corruption and court infighting doomed these efforts. We discuss the Haijin (sea ban) policy, the Wokou pirates, and the failed reforms of the Jiajing Emperor. Drawing on Ming shilu and Portuguese chronicles, this episode reveals the untold story of China's last great naval stand before the rise of European dominance. #MingDynasty #ZhengHe #QiJiguang #PortugueseEmpire #BattleOfXicaomen #Wokou #Haijin #JiajingEmperor #MingNavy #TreasureShips #EunuchAdmiral #MingShilu #16thCentury #NavalHistory #EastAsia #History #FexingoHistory #ChineseHistory Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo

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