As an independent ruler, Zhu advocated for moderation in tax collection. However, other rebel leaders and his own generals prioritized military needs and often confiscated grain from peasants to feed their soldiers or prevent it from falling into the hands of their enemies. In contrast, Zhu placed great importance on maintaining orderly government and promoting a peaceful life for the inhabitants of his territory. He achieved this by working closely with local elites and understanding the needs of the villagers, having grown up as the son of a poor peasant himself. Zhu's principles also proved beneficial for the economy of the controlled territory. In 1361, he began minting coins, established a monopoly on the sale of salt and tea, and started collecting traditional customs duties in 1362. These measures resulted in an increase in tax revenues, which were crucial for funding successful military campaigns.
As an independent ruler Zhu advocated for moderation in tax collection However other rebel leaders and his own generals prioritized military needs and often confiscated grain from peasants to feed their soldiers or prevent it from falling into the hands of their enemies In contrast Zhu placed great importance on maintaining orderly government and promoting a peaceful life for the inhabitants of his territory He achieved this by working closely with local elites and understanding the needs of the villagers having grown up as the son of a poor peasant himself Zhu's principles also proved beneficial for the economy of the controlled territory In 1361 he began minting coins established a monopoly on the sale of salt and tea and started collecting traditional customs duties in 1362 These measures resulted in an increase in tax revenues which were crucial for funding successful military campaigns