Longqing Emperor

The Longqing Emperor, born Zhu Zaiji on 4 March 1537, was the 13th emperor of China's Ming Dynasty. His reign lasted from 1567 until his death on 5 July 1572. He was initially known as the Prince of Yu (裕王) from 1539 to 1567 prior to ascending the throne. He succeeded his father, the Jiajing Emperor.

Early Life:

Zhu Zaiji was born in the Forbidden City in Beijing, the third son of the Jiajing Emperor and a concubine surnamed Du. His elder brother died in infancy before his birth, and his second brother, Zhu Zairui, was approximately six months older than him. Shortly after his birth, he received the title of Prince of Yu, and his younger brother Zhu Zaizhen was designated Prince of Jing. The Jiajing Emperor favored Zhu Zairui, who was made heir apparent in February 1539. The death of Zhu Zairui in 1549 reportedly caused the Emperor significant grief and led to policies that may have contributed to Zhu Zaiji's subsequent exclusion from direct favor.

Education and Family:

Between 1552 and 1553, Zhu Zaiji received education alongside his younger brother and was married during this period. He lived outside the Forbidden City for over a decade, gaining experience of regional conditions. Despite being considered a potential successor and having a Confucian education, he lacked deep political or administrative experience when he became emperor. His mother died in 1554, and her funeral arrangements were subject to multiple revisions, reflecting court intrigues.

Path to the Throne:

There was speculation during the 1560s about Zhu Zaiji's suitability as heir, especially after a memorandum in 1560 suggested his appointment as successor. The Jiajing Emperor initially responded with outrage but later reaffirmed his successors, including Zhu Zaiji, who at that time was 29. The Emperor's favor was notably directed elsewhere, and Zhu Zaiji was largely neglected, although he was maintained within the royal household and received Confucian tutelage.

Reign:

Zhu Zaiji became emperor on 23 January 1567, adopting the era name Longqing, which signifies "great celebration." His early policies aimed at reversing the unpopular and corrupt policies of his predecessor. Reform-minded officials, including Zhang Juzheng, gained influence under his rule. Zhang Juzheng, who had been his tutor, became a prominent figure in government, ultimately rising to the position of senior grand secretary and wielding significant influence throughout the reign. The government undertook various reforms, including the rehabilitation of officials, tax adjustments, land surveys, and efforts to suppress Taoist influence associated with the previous administration.

Economic and Foreign Policy:

The Longqing regime moved toward more open trade policies, notably lifting the maritime ban in 1567, which allowed trade through Yuegang in Fujian, though relations with Japan remained restricted. Northern border trade was also reopened as part of diplomatic reconciliation with the Mongols. Financial policies included tentative efforts to reopen coin mints to stabilize the economy during a silver shortage, though these measures were short-lived.

Military and External Relations:

The period was marked by a relatively peaceful stance in international affairs. Diplomatic efforts led to a 1571 peace treaty with Mongol leader Altan Khan, who had previously breached the Great Wall and attacked border regions. The treaty included granting Altan Khan the title Prince of Shunyi and facilitating trade.

Decline and Death:

Despite initial efforts at reform, the Longqing Emperor became increasingly disinterested in governance, favoring court entertainment and personal pleasures. His health and mental stamina declined, leading to concerns among officials. He died on 5 July 1572 at the age of 35. His body was interred at Zhao Mausoleum, part of the Ming tombs outside Beijing. Posthumously, he was honored with the name Emperor Zhuang (莊帝) and the temple name Muzong (穆宗).

Family:

Zhu Zaiji had four sons and seven daughters. His first son, Zhu Yiyi, died young, but his other sons, Zhu Yijun (later the Wanli Emperor) and Zhu Yiliu, survived to inherit titles. His third son, Zhu Yijun, ascended as emperor.

The Longqing Emperor's reign was characterized by initial reform efforts and a brief period of diplomatic and economic openness, followed by personal decline that overshadowed his early ambitions for change.