Fang Xiaoru is from Ninghai, Taizhou. He has been studious since he was a child. He reads more than an inch of books every day. At that time, he was called "Xiao Hanyu". Later, he studied under Song Lian, a master of Confucianism. Because he was knowledgeable, quick-thinking, and his words and deeds conformed to Confucian norms, he was respected by many famous literati at that time and was considered by Zhu Yuanzhang as a talent who could assist Prince Zhu Biao in the future.
1392, Prince Zhu Biao died, and Zhu Yuanzhang made Zhu Yunwen, the son of Zhu Biao, his grandson. After Zhu Yuanzhang's death, Zhu Yunwen succeeded to the throne with the title of Wen Jian, and Fang Xiaoru was appointed as an academician to give lectures. He, Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng are all his teachers and his most trusted ministers. These three Confucian masters all taught Zhu Yunwen from the perspective of Confucian cultivation and peace, while Zhu Yunwen followed them all.
Judy, the prince of Yan, was the fourth son of Zhu Yuanzhang and the most powerful warlord in military affairs. His character is most similar to Zhu Yuanzhang's. After his three brothers died one after another, the throne fell to his nephew Zhu Yunwen, which made him very disappointed. After Zhu Yunwen ascended the throne, he followed the advice of Qi Taihe and Huang Zicheng and ordered the reduction of vassals. The prince's influence was seriously threatened, so he sided with Jun Qing and stood up against Zhu Yunwen. Because Judy was stationed in Beijing, he resisted the Mongolian invasion for many years.
Fang Xiaoru, Qi Tai and Huang Zicheng are all scholars, and they can't compete with the menacing Judy at all. Fang Xiaoru suggested that Zhu Yunwen betray himself and send a peace envoy, but all failed. 1402, Judy invaded Nanjing, and her son and queen set themselves on fire. Judy knew that Fang Xiaoru was highly respected and asked him to draft an imperial edict for herself. Fang Xiaoru denounced Judy to her face, and Judy threatened Fang Xiaoru with the extinction of Jiuzu. Fang Xiaoru answered. Judy flew into a rage and ordered the killing of 873 people from Fang Xiaoru's nine clansmen and their students' top ten clansmen, making Fang Xiaoru the only one who was wiped out by the top ten clansmen in history.