Philip VI of France vs Zhu Zhanji

Upon the death of Charles IV, Philip VI became king of France as the first of the Valois dynasty. His claim was based on Salic law, which excluded female succession. This accession was contested by Edward III of England, leading to the Hundred Years' War.

Philip VI's French fleet was destroyed by the English navy at Sluys. The English victory gave them control of the English Channel and allowed them to invade France. This naval battle was a major setback for Philip and a key early engagement of the Hundred Years' War.

Philip VI's army was decisively defeated by Edward III at Cr

The bubonic plague reached France during Philip VI's reign, causing massive population loss. The pandemic disrupted the economy, weakened the monarchy, and led to social unrest. Philip's government struggled to respond effectively to the crisis.

Zhu Zhanji ascended the Ming throne as the Xuande Emperor after the sudden death of his father, the Hongxi Emperor. His reign continued the shift toward civilian governance and cultural patronage, marking a period of stability.

The Xuande Emperor personally led a campaign against his uncle, Zhu Gaoxu, who rebelled in Shandong. The rebellion was quickly crushed, and Zhu Gaoxu was executed, consolidating the emperor's authority and deterring future princely revolts.

The Xuande Emperor formalized the role of the Grand Secretariat, appointing scholar-officials like Yang Shiqi and Yang Rong as senior advisors. This institutionalized a cabinet system that improved administrative efficiency and reduced eunuch influence.

The Xuande Emperor became a renowned patron of painting, calligraphy, and ceramics. He personally oversaw the production of Xuande porcelain at Jingdezhen, which became highly prized for its quality and design, influencing Chinese art for centuries.

The Xuande Emperor maintained his father's policy of suspending Zheng He's treasure fleet voyages, though he authorized a final expedition in 1430-1433. This decision cemented the end of China's era of naval exploration and shifted focus to land borders.

The Xuande Emperor died at age 36, likely from illness, after a reign of ten years. He was succeeded by his young son Zhu Qizhen, whose minority led to a regency and later the Tumu Crisis, undoing much of Xuande's stability.