Introduction to Xue Lu

Xue Lu (1358-1430), formerly known as Xue Liu, was a native of Jiaozhou (now Qingdao, Shandong) and a famous general in the Ming Dynasty. Xue Lu joined the army in Peiping in his early years, and later followed Zhu Di to join the army in Jingnan, where he made outstanding military exploits. He was promoted to the governor of Qianshi. During the Yongle period, Xue Lu accompanied the army on the Northern Expedition several times and presided over the construction of Beijing. He was promoted to the right governor and was granted the title of Marquis of Yangwu. After Renzong succeeded to the throne, he was granted the title of Taibao, the crown prince, and an iron certificate. During the Xuande period, Xue Lu followed Xuanzong to pacify Zhu Gaoxu, and served as the general of Zhenshuo several times, inspecting border defenses. In the fifth year of Xuande (1430), Xue Lu was granted the title of Taibao. He died of illness in the same year and was given the posthumous title of Zhongwu by the Duke of Yin.