At the turning point of history from the late Yuan Dynasty to the early Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang's rise to power is an intriguing story. His status gradually rose within the Red Turban Army, ultimately becoming a regional overlord. In this process, his relationship with Guo Zixing was particularly crucial. This article will explore the troops that Zhu Yuanzhang took away when he left Guo Zixing, as well as the reasons why Guo Zixing allowed him to do so.

1. Troops Taken Away by Zhu Yuanzhang

According to historical records, Zhu Yuanzhang took away approximately 24,000 soldiers when he left Guo Zixing. These soldiers included his trusted troops and some originally belonging to Guo Zixing. This significant military force provided a crucial foundation for Zhu Yuanzhang's subsequent conquests.

2. Why Did Guo Zixing Allow Zhu Yuanzhang to Take Away Troops?

There are various explanations for why Guo Zixing allowed Zhu Yuanzhang to take away these troops. One theory is that Guo Zixing recognized Zhu Yuanzhang's military talent and leadership, believing that he could better utilize the troops' potential. Another theory is that Guo Zixing hoped to consolidate his own position within the Red Turban Army by supporting Zhu Yuanzhang, as Zhu Yuanzhang was his son-in-law and there was a familial connection between them.

3. Dialogue Between Guo Zixing's Son and Guo Zixing

In the "History of the Ming Dynasty," there is a dialogue between Guo Zixing's son and Guo Zixing. Guo Zixing's son once asked his father why he allowed Zhu Yuanzhang to take away so many troops, and Guo Zixing replied, "Yuanzhang has great ambitions, which are not something you can retain." This suggests that Guo Zixing recognized Zhu Yuanzhang's ambition and believed that it was not wise to try to retain him.

4. Conclusion

Zhu Yuanzhang took away a considerable number of troops when he left Guo Zixing, a move that had significant strategic implications under the circumstances of the time. Guo Zixing's decision to allow this may have been based on his recognition of Zhu Yuanzhang's abilities or his own considerations of maintaining his position. The dialogue between Guo Zixing and his son reveals his insight into Zhu Yuanzhang's ambitions and his anticipation of the situation's development. This historical episode not only reflects the era's characteristics of individual heroism but also showcases the complexities of human nature and wisdom in power struggles. Through the analysis of this historical episode, we can gain a deeper understanding of the political landscape and character relationships in the early Ming Dynasty.

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