Why did hongwu begin to abuse his power?

Hongwu, the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, began to abuse his power largely due to his deep-seated distrust of the nobility and former officials, stemming from his humble origins and experiences during the Yuan Dynasty. This led him to centralize authority and eliminate potential threats, often resorting to brutal purges and oppressive measures against perceived dissent. His authoritarian approach was aimed at consolidating his rule, but it ultimately fostered an atmosphere of fear and repression within his administration. This abuse of power reflected both his insecurities and the challenges of governing a vast empire.