Ep. 93 | Zheng He (Part 2)
We continue on with the voyages of Zheng He. This time we look at some of the highlights from all seven voyages. Then after the Yong Le and Xuan De emperors pass from the scene, no further emperors are interested to put their seal of approval on any more of these pricey expeditions.
With historic consequences, China’s focus turns to protection from the west and northwest of the country rather than engaging in diplomacy and further exploration of the seas and distant lands.
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Terms in Episode
| Pinyin/Term | Chinese | English/Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Cai Yuanpei | 蔡元培 | Peking Univ president whose writings helped inspire the May Fourth Movement |
| Da Bao En Si | 大报恩寺 | The Temple of Repaid Gratitude, also known as the Porcelain Pagoda (or Porcelain Tower) |
| Da Ge Da | 大哥大 | A big big brother |
| Fei Xin | 费信 | Author of the Xing Cha Sheng Lan, along with Ma Huan, one of the great chroniclers of the times |
| Gong Zhen | - | Another chronicler from the times of Zheng He’s voyage |
| Hong Bao | 洪保 | Great Eunuch admiral of Zheng He’s treasure fleet |
| Hongwu Emperor | 洪武帝 | Founding emperor of Ming (Zhu Yuanzhang) |
| Hou Xian | - | Great Eunuch admiral of Zheng He’s treasure fleet |
| Jianwen | 建文帝 | 2nd Ming emperor and nemesis of Yong Le |
| Lin’an | 临安市 | City in Zhejiang, near Hangzhou, capital of Southern Song |
| Lu Xun | 鲁迅 | One of China’s greatest writers of modern times |
| Lu You | 陆游 | One of China’s greatest poets who lived during the period of the Southern Song |
| Ma Huan | 马欢 | Young Muslim chronicler of several of the voyages of Zheng He |
| Mazu | 妈祖 | Goddess of Sea, Protector of sailors |
| Nanjing Taota | 南京陶塔 | The Porcelain Pagoda of Nanjing |
| Niushou | 牛首山 | Bull’s Head Hill in Nanjing |
| Paimapi | 拍马屁 | To flatter someone (literally pat the horse’s rump) |
| Qilin | 麒麟 | One of the four sacred mythical animals of ancient China |
| Qiu Jin | 秋瑾 | Early Chinese feminist and writer during last years of the Qing. Executed by the Qing government |
| Shaoxing | 绍兴 | City in Zhejiang near Ningbo, home of Shaoxing wine and many famous people from Chinese history |
| Wang Jinghong | 王景洪 | Great Eunuch admiral of Zheng He’s treasure fleet |
| Wang Xizhi | 王羲之 | Ancient Jin Dynasty man of letters, considered one of the greatest calligraphers of all time |
| Wen Lai | 文莱 | Brunei Darussalam |
| Xi Shi | 西施 | One of the Four Classical Beauties of China who lived during the Spring & Autumn Period |
| Xing Cha Sheng Lan | 星槎勝览 | Description of the Starry Raft, Fei Xin’s chronicle of his voyages during the time of Zheng He |
| Yang Qing | - | Great Eunuch admiral of Zheng He’s treasure fleet |
| Ying-Yai-Sheng-Lan | 瀛涯胜览 | The Overall Survey of the Ocean’s Shores – Ma Huan’s book about his observations during the voyages |
| Zhou Enlai | 周恩来 | China’s great revolutionary and premier |
| Zhou Man | 周满 | Great Eunuch admiral of Zheng He’s treasure fleet |
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