Longqing Emperor

Longqing Emperor was the 12th emperor of China between 1567-1572. Born Zhu Zaihou, he was the Jiajing Emperor's son. He was created Prince Yu in 1539.

Biography

After the death of the Jiajing Emperor, Longqing inherited a country in disarray after years of mismanagement and corruption. Realizing the depth of chaos his father's long reign had caused, Longqing set about reforming the government by re-employing talented officials that were originally banished by his father and also ridding the government of corrupt officials namely Daoist priests whom the Jiajing Emperor had favoured in the hope of mending the situation. Furthermore, he reinstigated trade with other empires in Europe, Africa and other parts of Asia and also reinforced border security, nominating several generals to patrol the borders by land and on sea. This included the fortification of seaports along the Zhejiang and Fujian coast to deter pirates, a constant nuisance during the Jiajing emperor's reign.

Emperor Longqing's reign lasted a mere six years and was succeeded by his son. He is generally considered one of the more liberal and open-minded emperors of the Ming dynasty however Longqing lacked the talent keenly needed for rulership and he eventually became more interested in pursuing personal gratification rather than ruling itself. Longqing died in 1572 and was only 35. Unfortunately, the country was still in decline due to corruption in the ruling class. Before Longqing passed away, he had instructed minister Zhang Juzheng to overlook affairs of state and dedicated advisor to the new emperor who was only 10.

The emperor Longqing was buried in Zhaoling 。