Chenghua Emperor: Encyclopedia II - Chenghua Emperor - Reign as Emperor

Chenghua Emperor - Reign as Emperor

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's reign was also more autocratic than his predecessors and freedom was sharply curtailed when Chenghua established institute such as the Xi Chang (to compliment the existing Dong Chang), which monitors all civilians' actions and words. This institute, not unlike a spy agency would administer punishment to whom they would suspect of treason. The Xi Chang would eventually be shut down but this would be the start of a dangerous trend and Chenghua's descendants would again revive the Xi Chang during the 16th century.

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)。

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Reign as Emperor", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki