Text below is preface to my ancestry, Zhu/Chu- the same last name as the Ming dynasty(1368-1644) emperor.
The preface tells of a time during the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty (1271-1368,later replaced by the Ming dynasty) when imperial forces pursued my ancestors to the edge of a cliff. Rather than face capture, most chose to leap to their deaths, preserving their honor in the face of defeat. Only one brother survived. He escaped on horseback, riding through dangerous terrain until he reached safety.
He eventually settled in Taishan (also known as Toisan or Hoisan) in Guangdong Province, where he began a new chapter for our family. From his survival came generations who carry forward his courage, sacrifice, and unbroken spirit.
Taishan, the Zhu clan is often associated with the Peiguo Hall (沛國堂) lineage, tracing back to the famous Neo-Confucian scholar Zhu Xi(朱熹 1130-1200). My family has a long history of being part of the Hall (沛國堂).
