Chenghua Emperor
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The Chenghua Emperor (December 9, 1447–September 9, 1487) was Emperor of the Ming dynasty in China, between 1464 and 1487. Born Zhu Jianshen, he was the Zhengtong Emperor's son. He was only 2 years old when his father - the Zhengtong emperor was captured by the Oyirad Mongols and held captive in 1449.
Chenghua ascended the throne at the age of 17 and started out as a wise ruler. During the early part of his administration, Chenghua carried out new government policies to reduce tax and strengthen the dynasty. However this did not last and by the closing years of his reign, governmental affairs once again fell into the hands of eunuchs, notably Wang Zhi. Peasants uprising occurred throughout the country however they were violently suppressed.
Chenghua was also under the influence of Lady Wan who was a palace lady more than twice his age. Lady Wan had been a mother figure to young Chenghua but after ascending the throne she quickly became Chenghua's favourite consort after giving birth to a child in 1464. The child soon died however Lady Wan held sway over the imperial harem and prevented the young emperor from bearing any offsprings. Lady Wan and her eunuchs would either induce abortion to those who were about to bear the emperor's child or administer poison to mother and child if birth had occurred ¹.
Chenghua died in 1487, after 23 years on the throne. He was buried in Maoling (茂陵)。
¹ Source: Imperial China - 900-1800, F.W. Mote, Page 630, First Harvard University Press, 2003.
| Preceded by: Tianshun Emperor | Emperor of China (Ming Dynasty) 1464–1487 | Succeeded by: Hongzhi Emperor |