Justin Newlands -The Great Ming Code

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Justin Newlands - 'The Great Ming Code - how the law book of the Ming Dynasty attempted to harmonise human society with the will of Heaven.'- In 1368, Zhu Yuanzhang claimed to have obtained the Mandate of Heaven to rule China. In return, the first Ming Emperor had to follow Heavenly principle and preserve harmony between humans and supernatural spirits. A staunch Confucian, he enshrined this mission in the Great Ming Code. To coincide with the launch of The Old Dragon's Head, a supernatural thriller set during the Ming Dynasty, Dr. Justin Newland will discuss how the rule of law and custom reached into every aspect of people's lives, even the Emperor's.