Li Zicheng

Li Zicheng (1606–1645) was the peasant rebel leader who overthrew the Ming dynasty and founded the short-lived Shun. Born to a poor family in Shaanxi, he was a post-station attendant from Mizhi until Ming courier cuts cost him his post, and he joined the revolts in 1629.

After his uncle Gao Yingxiang was executed, Li inherited the title Dashing King and built an army in Henan promising equal land and no taxes. He proclaimed the Shun at Xi'an in early 1644 and entered Beijing that April, driving the Chongzhen Emperor to suicide. Defeated at Shanhai Pass by Qing forces, he retreated and died in Hubei in 1645.