CHAPTER XII

Fall of the Mongol dynasty--The son of a labourer chosen Emperor--He founds the Ming dynasty--Choo becomes Tae-tsoo, and rules with great wisdom--He dies and leaves his kingdom to his grandson--Young-lo attacks and takes Nanking--The young Emperor burnt to death--Young-lo is proclaimed Emperor, and makes Pekin his capital--First European visits China--Tartar chief usurps supreme power--Dies soon after--Foundation of present dynasty--Accession of Shun-Che--Chinese compelled to shave their heads--The old style of coiffure in China--Care of the modern pig-tail 227