Sponsor to Zheng He, the Ming emperor Yongle—pictured in a 20th-century illustration— moved his capital to Beijing and built the Forbidden City, seat of imperial power. Many young boys taken ...

He gained new titles and responsibilities, eventually running the Emperor's household. Ma He became Zheng He and also the commander of Nanjing. "Zheng He’s eclectic religious attitude and ...

Zheng He was a long-time advisor and ally of Zhu Di, later to become the Yongle Emperor [reign 1402-1424]. Known originally as Ma He, the future admiral had been one of many boys gathered in Yunnan ...

During his career as a naval commander, Zheng He negotiated trade pacts, fought pirates, installed puppet kings, and brought back tribute for the Yongle Emperor in the form of jewels, medicines ...

Turn again to Zheng He. His voyages were sponsored by the brutally ambitious emperor, who ignored his flunkies' complaints about the cost. Key to most great leaps is at least one overconfident ...

he became a loyal servant to the man who would become Emperor Yongle of the Ming. For his service, he was bestowed the name Zheng, after the ruler’s favourite horse. Emperor Yongle was ambitious ...