The first half of the fourteenth century, which witnessed the gradual decline of Mongol influence and power, was further marked by the birth of a humble individual destined to achieve a new departure in the history of the empire.

At the age of seventeen, Chu Yuan-chang lost both his parents and an elder brother.

It was a year of famine, and they died from want of food.

He had no money to buy coffins, and was forced to bury them in straw.

He then, as a last resource, decided to enter the Buddhist priesthood, and accordingly enrolled himself as a novice; but together with the other novices, he was soon dismissed, the priests being unable to provide even for their own wants.