In feudal society, the emperor was the most distinguished person, and many historical materials would artistically treat his identity, not to mention his appearance. Therefore, emperors of all dynasties were "heroic and cool". However, Zhu Yuanzhang, the Ming emperor, was an exception, not only not handsome, but also extremely ugly. Why is this happening?
There are mainly two kinds of portraits of Zhu Yuanzhang in the world today. One is the Original Statue of Emperors of Past Dynasties painted during the Qianlong period, and Zhu Yuanzhang's portrait is "the face of a shoehorn". First, the portrait of Zhu Yuanzhang in the Nanxun Hall of the Forbidden City looks like a big ear. In the portrait of "The Face of the Shopper", Zhu Yuanzhang wore a white hat and a wide collar, which was obvious in the Qing Dynasty. It can be concluded that these portraits were made in the Qing Dynasty.
In addition, Zhu Yuanzhang's face should be a Chinese character face for two reasons.
1. From Emperor Zhu Yunwen of Wenjian to Emperor Zhu Youjian of Chongzhen, there are Chinese characters in the portraits of later generations. If Zhu Yuanzhang's face is a "shoehorn face", his descendants can't all be Chinese characters, which is not in line with genetics.
2. The first step of Zhu Yuanzhang's career was to gain the appreciation of Guo Zixing and marry his adopted daughter Ma Huanghou. Although Ma Huanghou's background is not prominent, it is also the highs for Zhu Yuanzhang. At that time, Zhu Yuanzhang had no money and no power. If he is ugly again, how can Ma Huanghou be willing to marry him?
Therefore, it can be said that the reason why Zhu Yuanzhang's face is so strange is not itself, but the smearing of the Qing regime. The purpose is to prove the legitimacy of his rule. In the Ming history compiled by the Qing Dynasty, such incidents are not uncommon.
Reference: Ming history