Zhu Youzhi , known in history as Ming Xiaozong , Hongzhi Emperor, Ming dynasty ninth emperor, Ming Xianzong third son, Zhu Jianshen's biological mother is Empress Dowager Xiaomu Ji.
Regarding Zhu Youzhe, historians of all generations have given him extremely high praise, praising him as a wise monarch and a virtuous lord. Some even exaggeratedly call him "the emperor of the ages", and some netizens call him "the most perfect emperor in history." So, what did Zhu Youting experience in his life? Is he worthy of such high praise?
1. Unfortunately childhood
Zhu Youzhang's biological mother Ji was the daughter of the chieftain of Guangxi. After quelling the rebellion of Ji, Ji was captured into the palace and was responsible for managing the emperor's private money. Once Emperor Xianzong of the Ming Dynasty met Ji family by chance. Seeing that he was beautiful and smart, he stayed to visit her overnight.
The news of Ji's pregnancy reached the ears of 
,000 concubines who were favored by the harem. She was jealous and ordered a maid to force Ji's abortion. Ji is a very good person. The palace maid couldn't bear to do it, so she lied that Ji had a tumor in her belly and was not pregnant. Concubine Wan was still worried and ordered Ji to be imprisoned in the cold palace.
(Wang Guifei played by Zhang Xinyu in the movie "Dragon Gate Flying Armor")
Under the strict surveillance of Concubine Wan, Ji secretly gave birth to Zhu Youzhang in the cold palace in a frightened manner. After learning about it, Concubine Wan sent the sect supervisor Zhang Min 2 to drown the new prince. But Zhang Min risked being beheaded and helped Ji hide the baby secretly and feed it with rice noodles every day. Queen Wu , who was excluded by Concubine Wan, also helped raise the baby. Concubine Wan searched several times but did not find it. In this way, Zhu Youzhang kept eating , Hundred Family Meals until he grew up to six years old.
Before Zhu Youzhi, Emperor Xianzong of Ming Dynasty had two sons, one was born by Concubine Wan, who died prematurely; the other was born by Concubine Bai, who was killed by Concubine Wan. Therefore, Emperor Xianzong of Ming thought he would have no son. One day, Zhang Min combed the hair of Emperor Xianzong of Ming. Emperor Xianzong sighed and said, "The veteran is here, and he has no son." Zhang Min suddenly knelt down and said, "The emperor has already had it, and he dare not show up." He also told Emperor Xianzong of Ming everything about Ji's pregnancy and childbirth.
Ming Xianzong was surprised and immediately wanted to see his child. Ji put on his clothes for Zhu Youtang and told him, "Son, go, I can't live anymore!" (Son, I can't live).
Zhu Youting was thin and dragged to the ground due to long-term confinement. When Emperor Xianzong of Ming Dynasty first saw this son, he couldn't help but burst into tears, and he was filled with emotion, holding Zhu Youzhang and said, "It's my son, like me." (It's my child, he looks like me).
So, Emperor Xianzong of Ming Dynasty summoned all his ministers to tell the truth. A few months later, Emperor Xianzong of Ming Dynasty issued an edict to the whole world, making Zhu Youzhang the crown prince, and conferring Ji as the Shufei . Concubine Wan was deeply resentful and was so angry that she cursed: "How dare you deceive me!" Then, Ji hanged himself in the palace, and Zhang Min, the sect prisoner, also swallowed gold and committed suicide because she was afraid of Concubine Wan's revenge.
The mother of Emperor Xianzong of Ming Dynasty, Empress Dowager Zhou, was worried that Concubine Wan would attack the prince, so she personally adopted Zhu Youzhang in her Renshou Palace. From then on, Zhu Youzhang has been living in his grandmother's Renshou Palace, which allows Zhu Youzhang to live safely.
One day, Concubine Wan invited the crown prince to eat. Empress Dowager Zhou said to Zhu Youzhan, "Sun, don't eat anything when you go there." Zhu Youzhan arrived at Concubine Wan, and Concubine Wan gave him food. Zhu Youzhan said, "I'm full." Concubine Wan said, "Then drink some soup!" Zhu Youzhan said, "I'm afraid it's poisonous." Concubine Wan was very angry and said, "This child is only a few years old, and he won't eat me when he grows up!"
Just like that, Zhu Youzhan's childhood grew up in an environment of being monitored, sneaky, frightened, and hidden. He was a person who was extremely insecure, which also created his forbearing, benevolent, obedient, restrained, and timid character.
2. Diligent and frugal, generous and kind
1487, Concubine Wan died of illness, and Emperor Xianzong of Ming Dynasty also died soon after due to excessive grief. Crown Prince Zhu Youzhang succeeded to the throne and changed the reign to "Hongzhi" the following year, which was Emperor Xiaozong of the Ming Dynasty.
Zhu Youzhang was only 18 years old at this time, and what Emperor Xianzong of the Ming Dynasty left him was a country with disorderly government affairs, declining national strength and declining people's livelihood.Zhu Youzhang turned the tide with his tolerance, frugality and diligence, and made the Ming Dynasty revival.
(Zhu Youzhang played by Liu Yijun in "Back to the Ming Dynasty as the Prince")
Due to his childhood experiences, Zhu Youzhang has always been weak and sickly. But Zhu Youxi was diligent in government affairs. He not only went to the morning court every day, but also reopened the afternoon court and handled all government affairs seriously. At the same time, he reopened the lectures of the classics, advocated blunt advice, opened up the way to speak out, humbly learned the Confucian classics from his ministers, and consulted the ministers about the way to govern the country. Zhu Youzhang also specially opened the Wenhua Hall to discuss politics, and in his spare time in the morning and afternoon, he discussed political affairs with the cabinet.
Zhu Youting is generous and kind, frugal, not close to women, diligent in politics, and attaches importance to justice. His diligence was rewarded. During the Hongzhi period, he appointed talented people, had harmony between the monarch and his subjects, advocated saving and rest with the people, which enabled the Ming Dynasty to be peaceful and stable and the people to live and work in peace and contentment. It is known in history as " Hongzhi Zhongxing ".
In ancient times, many emperors used soft brocade as toilet paper after using it, and threw it away directly after using it once. After Zhu Youzhang succeeded to the throne, he used brocade as toilet paper at the beginning. There was a palace servant who saw such a good brocade and was thrown away after rubbing his butt. It was a pity. So the palace man secretly collected the brocades used by the emperor, cleaned them up, and sewed them into door curtains for use.
One day, Zhu Youzhang accidentally discovered this and felt extremely complicated. He also felt that this was too luxurious, so he decided to use toilet paper instead and did not allow the place to pay tribute to these brocades.
However, unexpectedly, because of this decision, the people below who rely on raising silkworms and making brocade to make a living were suddenly unemployed. Zhu Youzang had no choice but to continue tribute to brocade.
According to various data, the world's first toothbrush was invented by Zhu Youzhe, the Ming Dynasty's Xiaozong, in 1498. It was to insert the short and hard bristle into a bone handle for use. The book "Invention Collection" published by Robinson Publishing House in London lists 300 great inventions of mankind and also attributes the right to invent toothbrushes to Zhu Youzhe.
From these small things, we can see that Zhu Youzhang is a careful and considerate person, and he takes the lead in setting an example, practicing frugality, and doing it himself.
Since Zhu Youting's health has always been poor, he hopes to change his physical condition through Buddhist and Taoist techniques. This caused some treacherous people to get into the palace and was deeply favored by Zhu Youzhi, and eunuch Li Guang is one of them. Later, Li Guang committed suicide due to crime. Zhu Youtui thought that there was a heavenly book in Li Guang's family and ordered people to search, but found the account book of Li Guang's embezzlement and bribery. Zhu Youzhang suddenly realized, reflected on his actions, and relocated to the slanderous ministers and used wise ministers such as Liu Daxia, , , Dai Shan, , etc., vigorously rectified the court's principles, worked hard again and worked hard to govern, but his body gradually could not bear it.
3. Adhere to monogamy
In traditional feudal society, it is common for men to have three wives and four concubines, and it is also allowed by ethics and morality. As the emperor, the emperor has many wives and concubines, and there are countless beauties to choose from.
But Ming Xiaozong Zhu Youzang is an exception. Maybe he is afraid that too many wives, concubines and concubines will cause the tyranny of the relatives, so he insists on monogamy throughout his life, only marrying Empress Zhang , never accepting palace maids, nor being named a concubine or a beauty. He only lives with Empress Zhang every day, and only stays with Empress Zhang and his wife in love and stays with each other.
(Empress Zhang played by Wang Wei in "Back to the Ming Dynasty as Princess")
Empress Zhang, father Zhang Luan , just the same year when Zhu Youtang ascended the throne, Zhang was elected as the crown princess. After Zhu Youzhang ascended the throne and became emperor, he made the crown princess Zhang the queen. Zhu Youzing loves Queen Zhang very much. The two of them lean on each other and are extremely loving. The two of them got up and lie down together every day, reading poems and paintings, listening to the piano and watching dance, talking about the past and the present, and sharing the same day and night. Queen Zhang gave birth to two sons and one daughter, namely Zhu Houzhao , Zhu Houwei , and Taikang Princess .
4. Unfortunately, he died early
The Emperor Xiaozong of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Youzhang, had no bad habits, was generous and kind, and was frugal. He usually did not accept pills and was not as good as the voice. However, he was the emperor for 18 years and died at the age of 36. It only took only 8 days from illness to death.
1505, Zhu Youcheng suddenly felt unwell. He thought it was an ordinary cold. Although he did not go to court, he was still dealing with political affairs. The next day, a minister came to greet him, and Zhu Youzhang said that he had improved a lot: "My body is getting better, so you should do your work with peace of mind."
Unexpectedly, in the next few days, Zhu Youzhang's condition became more and more serious. The Dragon Boat Festival banquet on the fifth day of May was also cancelled due to his physical discomfort.
Zhu Youzhang felt that he was in poor health, so on the sixth day of the fifth month, he summoned Liu Jian, Li Dongyang, Xie Qian and others to accept the life, and ordered the Crown Prince Zhu Houzhao to assist him well, and instructed the Crown Prince Zhu Houzhao to appoint wise ministers. At noon the next day, Emperor Xiaozong of Ming Dynasty, Zhu Youzhang died.
(Zhu Youcheng and Empress Zhang in "Book of Yang Ling as a Prince")
Although Zhu Youcheng, the Emperor Xiaozong of the Ming Dynasty, was in poor health, he had no bad habits and was only 36 years old. Why did a cold kill him?
Before his death, Zhu Youzhang kept saying, "It's so hot, I can't help it!" After Zhu Youzhang passed away, the Minister of Personnel Ma Wensheng felt it was suspicious and guessed that he might have used the wrong medicine, so he began to investigate. It was found that the department's supervisor Zhang Yu, the chief of the Tai Hospital, the official position of the Tai Hospital, the Tai Hospital judge Liu Wentai, the imperial physician Gao Ting and four people directly applied medicine without diagnosis and clearing the cause, which led to the increasingly serious condition. Ma Wensheng imprisoned four people and sentenced Zhang Yu and Liu Wentai to death, and later changed to exile.
After the death of Emperor Xiaozong of Ming Dynasty, Zhu Houzhao, who was only 15 years old, ascended the throne. He was the Ming Dynasty Wuzong of Ming Dynasty, and his year name was Zhengde .
5. Controversial evaluation
People gave high praise to the Ming Xiaozong Zhu Youzhi, and regarded him as a wise wise ruler. Some people compared him with Emperor Wen of Han, Emperor Wu of Han , Emperor Wen of Tang, and Emperor Renzong of Song.
As in " Ming Shi " says he: "I am concerned about maintaining peace and prosperity, and use it to make the court order and the people prosperous"; "The world in Ming Dynasty has been passed down for 16 years, and the Taizu and Chengzu are the only ones who can be called Renzong , Xuanzong, and Xiaozong ."
Ming Dynasty Wanli The cabinet chief Zhu Guozhen praised: "After three generations, those who are called wise rulers are Emperor Wen of Han, Renzong of Song and Emperor Xiaozong of Ming."
Qing people Zeng Zeng Guofan used all the praises to Zhu Youzhan: "Since ancient times, the great lords of the philosophers often achieved prosperity. For example, the Han Dynasty Emperor Wu , Emperor Wen of Tang, Emperor Renzong of Song, Emperor Shizu of Yuan Dynasty, Emperor Xiaozong of Ming Dynasty. At that time, all of them were erections, and the handsome Yan Yuntun was simple and composed."
(Zhu Youzhan played by Liu Yijun in "Back to the Ming Dynasty as a Prince")
However, many historians and scholars have questioned Zhu Youzhan's praise, believing that it was an overly high evaluation.
Zhu Youting did not make any outstanding contributions in his life. He was just a conscientious and conservative king. Although there was no major disaster during his tenure, in fact, due to his timidity and restraint, he was maintaining a superficial harmony and secretly planting a profound social crisis. What he left to Emperor Wuzong of Ming was actually a mess.
At that time, Liu Daxia was appointed as the Minister of War, and he refused many times. Zhu Youzhang was puzzled and asked him, "I have appointed you several times, but why did you leave after you claim to be sick several times?" Liu Daxia kowtowed and said, "I am old and sick. When I see that the country and the people are exhausted and the money are gone, if something goes wrong, the responsibility lies with the Ministry of War. I am not able to do my best, so I quit." Zhu Youzhang remained silent after hearing this.
"History of Ming Dynasty·Biography of Liu Daxia" records:
In the fifteenth year, he was appointed as the Minister of War, and he repeatedly resigned and paid his respects. After summoning him, the emperor said, "I have used you several times, why are you sick?" Daxia said, "I am old and sick. I have seen that the people in the world are exhausted and have lost money. I am unaware of the unrest. I blame the Ministry of War. I will not do my own efforts, so I refuse." The emperor was silent.
Zhu Youzhang was puzzled by Liu Daxia's statement, so he summoned him again and asked, "You said before that the people of the world are poor and the wealth is gone. Since the ancestors have had regular methods for levying, why is it like this now?" Liu Daxia replied, "It's just that it is not collected according to the common methods. If you take tuo wood from Guangxi every year and take incense medicine from Guangdong, it costs tens of thousands of dollars to calculate, you can imagine anything else." Zhu Youzhang asked the army again, and Liu Daxia said, "As poor as the people." Zhu Youzhang said, "When you have monthly food and food, why are you poor?" Liu Daxia replied, "The commander deducts more than half, how can you be poor?" Zhu Youzhang sighed, "I have been in power for so long, but I still don't know that the military and civilians in the world are poor, how can you be worthy of being a monarch!"
"Ming Dynasty" History·Biography of Liu Daxia Records:
The emperor summoned Daxia to the palace and asked, "You said that the people in the world are poor and the wealth is gone. Since the ancestors have paid regular taxes, why are they here today?" He replied, "It is true that there is no regularity. For example, Guangxi takes bead wood every year and Guangdong takes incense and medicine, and the expenses are 10,000 yuan. He can know." He asked the army again and said, "The poor and the people are poor." The emperor said, "I have monthly food and food, why are I poor?" He replied, "I have more than half of the invasion and conquering, how can I get endless." Emperor Taixi said, "I have been in power for a long time, but I don't know that the military and civilians in the world are in trouble, so why do I be the master!"
From these records, it can be seen that at that time, it was not a prosperous and clear-headed state of affairs, but the people were poor, the army was slackened, and the officials were corrupt. Zhu Youcheng wanted to change these current situations and reform bad policies, but he didn't know much about the actual situation of society, and he was often powerless and difficult to reverse.
Just like Huang Renyu " China's Great History " commented on Zhu Youzhang:
In 1487 AD, Zhu Youzhang was 17 years old and was awarded the title of the treasure. Traditional historians unanimously praised him as a good emperor, both wise and considerate, but after reading all the records, they could not see anything worthy of praise for this person. It seemed that he was just a timid and insecure young man. He was appointed as the emperor for a holistic civil servant group and was reigned for 18 years.
Huang Renyu's "The Fifteenth Year of Wanli" also said:
The more humble and gentle Emperor Hongzhi was, and at the mercy of the civil servants, the more the civil servants praised him as a wise monarch.
"Cambridge History of Ming Dynasty" for Emperor Xiaozong of Ming Dynasty wrote this way:
But in fact, he was not qualified to be a perfect model. He paid great attention to the problems of the empire, but he could neither show the country a broad prospect nor provide it with talented leadership. Furthermore, it is understandably understandable that the bureaucrats who were grateful to him covered up some of his mistakes, including Queen Zhang who was overly pampering and relying on him. She is a stupid and demanding woman who is prone to small mistakes, which also include the need for valuables, the teachings of the most flirtatious monk, and the infinite spoiling of her family, especially her two extremely greedy brothers.
As for Zhu Youzhang's successor, Wuzong of the Ming Dynasty, "Cambridge History of Ming Dynasty" wrote:
The young emperor (Wuzong) had to deal with the three problems left by his father as soon as he succeeded to the throne. First, there is not enough income; second, the northwest guards cannot defeat the Mongolians; third, eunuchs and civil servants often have different opinions on how to solve these problems. ...In the early days of his reign, the most urgent thing to block before him was insufficient income.
During Zhu Youzhi's tenure, the border was abolition and people were lazy. The border guards and soldiers were indifferent to the situation and responded to the war. After more than ten years of letting go, the Northern Barbarians became more and more arrogant. Finally, in May of the 18th year of Hongzhi, taking advantage of Zhu Youzhang's death, he launched the most fierce attack, causing the Ming army to suffer the greatest defeat since Tumu Fort. What Zhu Youzhang left to his son was the most powerful foreign enemy since Tumu Fort.
Because of Empress Zhang, Zhu Youzhang treated his relatives preferentially and posthumously named his father-in-law Zhang Luan as Duke of Changguo, and his wife's brother Zhang Heling as Shouning Hou , and Zhang Yanling as Jianchang Bo. The ancestral temple built for Empress Zhang is also very magnificent. Empress Zhang indulged her family to make profits, and the court officials often advised her, but Zhu Youzhang ignored her.
Queen Zhang’s two younger brothers were invited to attend the court’s internal dinner. The two actually played while Emperor Xiaozong of Ming Dynasty, Zhu Youzhang, played with the crown. The eunuch He Ding stepped forward to stop him. Soon, the two brothers Zhang actually raped the palace maid in the palace. He Ding was furious and wanted to beat the two to death, but was stopped by the eunuch Li Guang. He Ding reported this matter to Emperor Xiaozong of Ming. Unexpectedly, Emperor Xiaozong of Ming not only did not punish the two brothers Zhang, but instead let the Jinyiwei general He Ding be imprisoned. Later, Empress Zhang instructed Li Guang to kill He Ding in prison.
The reason why Emperor Xiaozong of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Youzhang, was regarded as a wise and holy king, was because he was a good person. His approach was in line with traditional Confucian values, and social conflicts had not yet erupted during his tenure. But in fact, insufficient income, slacking off the border, indulging relatives from foreign countries, incompatibility of officials, etc., all left deep contradictions and hidden dangers to his successor.
Historians gave Zhu Youzhe a very high praise, calling him a saint and wise ruler because he was generous and kind, hardworking, diligent and frugal, and valued wise ministers, but he did not make any contribution to the administration, economy, and border defense, but instead laid a lot of hidden dangers. Objectively speaking, Zhu Youzhang is a good person, but he is not a good emperor, nor is he worthy of the title of "the most perfect emperor in history".
Of course, although Zhu Youzhang did not have any major innovations or innovations, he was restrained and not tormented. He was a cautious and successful monarch, allowing the people to live and work in peace and contentment, which was also the greatest virtue.
