HSU TA

born 1332, Feng-yang, Anhwei province, China died 1385, China Pinyin Xu Da general who helped the founder and first emperor of the Ming dynasty, Hung-wu (reigned 136898), to overthrow the Mongol, or Yan, dynasty (12061368). Hs joined the future emperor's rebel band in 1353 and became the leading general, engineering the capture of the capital at Peking so perfectly that, it is said, commerce in its market did not stop for a single day. After the establishment of the Ming dynasty, Hs pursued the retreating Mongols across the Gobi (desert) and burned their capital, Karakorum. Hs continued north across the Yablonovy Mountains into the modern Siberian region of Transbaikaliafarther north than any previous Chinese army had penetrated. By the end of his campaign, the Mongol armies were decimated. Emperor Hung-wu had Hs's image placed in the number one position in the Ming Temple of Men of Merit.