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Text: Yanyan
Edited by Yeon-yeon
Preface
After the childless death of Zhu Houzhao of Ming Wuzong, the issue of succession to the throne became the focus of the Ming court. Surprisingly, the successor turned out to be his cousin Jiajing, and not some other uncle.
What kind of power struggles and complicated royal relationships are hidden behind this choice? Why was Jiajing able to stand out among many competitors and ascend to the throne?
Are there any secrets and calculations behind this dynastic change that we don't know?
1. The emperor has no queen: a sudden crisis of succession to the throne
In the spring of the sixteenth year of Zhengde (1521), the atmosphere in Beijing was solemn. Zhu Houzhao, who was only 29 years old in the Ming Dynasty, died, and the emperor, who was known for his absurdity, did not leave a son and a half daughter.
This news exploded like a bombshell in the Forbidden City. The ministers looked at each other, all thinking about the same question: who will be the new master of the Ming Empire?
Ming Wuzong Zhu Houzhao's life can be described as wonderful. He succeeded to the throne at the age of fourteen, and he was supposed to be a wise king, but because of his stubborn nature, he indulged in pleasure. He likes to go out on patrol in micro-clothes, and even ran away from home, which made the court anxious.
His absurd deeds are numerous: taking a group of eunuchs to the south of the Yangtze River to play, indulging in a brothel in Suzhou; wearing a dragon robe to play monkey tricks on the streets, letting the people guess whether he is the real emperor or not; He even personally participated in the firefighting and almost died in the fire.
However, such an emperor who "did not do his job" reigned for sixteen years. His sudden death plunged the entire court into chaos.
The absence of a prince means that there is a vacuum in the succession to the throne. At this juncture, every decision could affect the future direction of the Ming Empire.
2. Discussion of politics by ministers: a political game related to the fortunes of the country
As soon as the news of Wu Zong's death spread, the ministers of the DPRK and China immediately convened an emergency meeting. As the first assistant to the cabinet, Yang Tinghe became the leader of the discussion. He is calm and sophisticated, has been in officialdom for many years, and is well versed in the operation of power.
At the meeting, there were many arguments. It was proposed that Wuzong's uncle, King Yi, be made emperor, after all, he was the oldest of the living clans. It was also suggested that Wuzong should inherit an heir in order to continue the imperial lineage. However, Yang Tinghe has his own calculations.
His eyes fell on a young man in Anlu, Hubei Province - Zhu Houxi. This 15-year-old boy is the only son of the late King Xing, and according to the provisions of the "Emperor Ming Zu Xun", he should be the first in line of succession. But more importantly, Yang Tinghe believes that this young man will be a puppet emperor who is easy to control.
Empress Dowager Zhang also supported Yang Tinghe's proposal. As a woman in the deep palace, she hopes to seek more benefits for her maiden family, and a young emperor is obviously more likely to be influenced.
In this way, under the operation of Yang Tinghe, the imperial court finally decided to appoint Zhu Houxi as the new emperor. This decision seems to be in line with the ancestral system, but in fact it is a hidden mystery.
3. The Young Son of Heaven: The Turn of Fate and the Contest of Power
When Zhu Houxi received the edict of succession, he probably never dreamed that he would have such an opportunity. Two years ago, his father, King Xing, had just died, and he was just a 13-year-old boy. It stands to reason that he should inherit the throne of King Xing, but the imperial court has not issued a holy decree for canonization.
Now, this young man, who has not yet officially become a vassal king, has become the Ninety-Five Supreme. When he embarked on the journey to Beijing, his heart must have been full of apprehension and anticipation.
However, instead of flowers and applause, what awaits him is a power struggle that cannot be seen. Yang Tinghe devised a trap: he added the words "Lun Xu Dangli" to the proposed edict to imply that Zhu Houxi would succeed to the throne as the heir of Ming Xiaozong.
This seemingly inconsequential detail laid the groundwork for the future "Great Rites Discussion". Although Zhu Houxi is young, he is extremely smart.
He quickly realized Yang Tinghe's intentions: if he succeeded to the throne as the heir of Ming Xiaozong, then he must respect Yang Tinghe and others as teachers and be at their mercy. This is clearly not the outcome that the ambitious teenager wants.
Fourth, the Great Gift Dispute: A protracted political wrestle
After Zhu Houxi ascended the throne, he changed his name to Jiajing. However, he did not bow down to Yang Tinghe's wishes. Instead, he began a protracted political struggle, known in history as the "Great Rites Debate".
Jiajing insisted that he succeeded to the throne as the son of King Xing, not the heir of Ming Xiaozong. This seems to be a matter of etiquette, but it is actually about the distribution of power.
If Jiajing is the heir of Ming Xiaozong, then Yang Tinghe and other ministers can regard themselves as old ministers of the previous emperor and interfere in court affairs. But if Jiajing succeeded to the throne as the son of King Xing, then these ministers would have no excuse to interfere in politics.
The controversy lasted for three years. During this period, the court was divided into two distinct factions: the "Great Rites Faction" headed by Yang Tinghe and the "Small Rite Faction" supporting Jiajing. The two sides come and go, arguing endlessly.
Jiajing has shown political wisdom far beyond his years. He skillfully took advantage of the contradictions between the DPRK and China and won over a group of supporters. At the same time, he also showed a tough side, repeatedly rejecting the invitations of Yang Tinghe and others.
This controversy is not only a dispute over etiquette, but also a contest between imperial power and vassals. Although Jiajing was young, he showed amazing political means and determination.
He knew very well that if he gave in on this issue, then he, the emperor, would never be able to get rid of the control of Yang Tinghe and others.
5. Change of power: the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter
After three years of fierce debate, the Great Rites Debate finally ended with Jiajing's victory. Yang Tinghe was forced to return to his hometown, and was even reduced to the people, losing the treatment that a retired minister should have. The first assistant of the cabinet, who once called for wind and rain, withdrew from the stage of history in this way.
At the same time, Ming Wuzong's biological mother, Empress Dowager Zhang, was also disgusted by Jiajing because of her support for Yang Tinghe. Her life in her later years became bleak, and the once glorious Queen Mother eventually became a victim of the power struggle.
Jiajing's victory marked the dawn of a new era. The young emperor showed amazing political talent and means, and he not only managed to break free from the control of his ministers, but also re-established the absolute position of imperial power.
However, the wheel of history never stops. Although Jiajing's victory cemented his rule, it also laid a hidden danger for the future. His hard-line style and arbitrariness eventually led to discontent and resentment among his ministers, setting the stage for political chaos in the late Ming Dynasty.
epilogue
The battle for the succession to the throne after the death of Ming Wuzong is not only a simple political game, but also a microcosm of the change of times.
From Yang Tinghe's careful calculations to Jiajing's decisive counterattack, every move has hidden mysteries. The result of this battle not only determined the fate of an emperor, but also affected the direction of the entire Ming Empire.
It tells us that in the game of thrones, there are no eternal winners, only eternal interests.