The History of Zhu Di

In 1402, Zhu Yuan Zhang died and passed the empire on to his grandson. The new emperor was described as a bookish young man who had inherited his father's paranoia. Within a year of taking the throne, five of his most powerful uncles would be killed. A civil war ensued that lasted for several years. Zheng Ha became the new surname on his trusted eunuch, changing Ma Ha's name to Zheng Ha. In 1403 he issued orders for the construction of an imperial treasure fleet in China Seas and Indian Ocean.