Emperor Hongwu, born Zhu Yuanzhang in 1328, was the founder of the Ming Dynasty in China. He rose from humble beginnings as an orphaned peasant to become a military leader, ultimately overthrowing the Yuan Dynasty in 1368. His reign lasted until 1398, during which he implemented significant reforms in agriculture, education, and governance. Hongwu is known for establishing a centralized government and promoting Confucian values. He also created the civil service examination system to select officials based on merit. His policies laid the foundation for a prosperous era in Chinese history, marked by economic growth and cultural development.