Lan Yu (simplified: 蓝玉, traditional: 藍玉, pinyin: Lán Yù, jyutping: laam4 juk6) was a former member of the Ming Order who became a military leader under Zhu Yuanzhang. After the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, his entire clan was killed during Zhu Yuanzhang’s purges of former Order members.1
Biography
Role in the Ming Order and Ming Dynasty
Lan Yu was a member of the Ming Order who participated in the organisation’s revolutionary activities against the Yuan Dynasty. After Zhu Yuanzhang seized control of the Ming Order and established the Ming Dynasty, Lan Yu continued to serve as a military leader under the new regime.2
Tragic fate
After establishing the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang began persecuting many former Ming Order members, including military leaders who had helped him achieve power. Lan Yu was among those who met the most severe tragic fate: his entire clan was killed during these purges.3
This tragic ending exemplified the ruthless nature of Zhu Yuanzhang’s rule and contrasted sharply with the few exceptions who survived, such as Tang He, who survived due to his complete loyalty to Zhu Yuanzhang.4
Behind the scenes
Lan Yu is based on the historical figure of the same name, who was indeed one of the founding generals of the Ming Dynasty. Historically, Lan Yu was a prominent military commander who played significant roles in various campaigns during the establishment of the Ming Dynasty, including campaigns against the remnants of the Yuan Dynasty. However, he eventually fell victim to one of the most severe purges under Zhu Yuanzhang’s rule, with his entire clan being executed—a punishment that extended to all family members, demonstrating the extreme measures Zhu Yuanzhang took to eliminate potential threats.
In the novel, Jin Yong includes Lan Yu as an example of the most tragic fates that befell Zhu Yuanzhang’s former comrades, demonstrating the harsh reality of the transition from revolutionary organisation to imperial dynasty. His character serves to contrast with Tang He, who managed to survive through absolute loyalty, highlighting the political realities of Zhu Yuanzhang’s rule and the extreme consequences that could result from falling out of favour.
The character’s inclusion in the Third Edition changes helps illustrate the comprehensive nature of the historical revisions, showing how the novel connects fictional martial arts narratives to real historical events and the tragic consequences that many faced during this period of Chinese history.