Wednesday, September 26, 2012
[September 26] Taichang, emperor of China
Parents: Wanli, emperor of China, and Xiaojing
Date of Birth: 28 August 1582
House: Zhu (Ming)
Spouse(s): (1) Xiaoyuan Zhen, then (2) Xiaohe, then (3) Xiaochun
Predecessor: Wanli
Reign: 1620
Brief: Never the favorite child of Emperor Wanli, Taichang lived most of his life in the shadow of his younger brother, Zhu Changxun. Never educated or prepared for the emperorship, he became crown prince nonetheless at the age of 19. He became emperor twenty years later but became ill within two days of his coronation. After taking laxative, his illness grew worse and it continued to worsen until his sudden death on September 26th. He had taken a red pill administered by a court official two days prior, and a second pill the night before his death. The mystery surrounding his death has never been solved. His was one of the shortest reigns in Chinese history and the Ming court was thrown into disarray because of the suddenness of the death. Eunuchs took over the government during the reign of his son, signaling the decline of the Ming Dynasty.
Brief: Never the favorite child of Emperor Wanli, Taichang lived most of his life in the shadow of his younger brother, Zhu Changxun. Never educated or prepared for the emperorship, he became crown prince nonetheless at the age of 19. He became emperor twenty years later but became ill within two days of his coronation. After taking laxative, his illness grew worse and it continued to worsen until his sudden death on September 26th. He had taken a red pill administered by a court official two days prior, and a second pill the night before his death. The mystery surrounding his death has never been solved. His was one of the shortest reigns in Chinese history and the Ming court was thrown into disarray because of the suddenness of the death. Eunuchs took over the government during the reign of his son, signaling the decline of the Ming Dynasty.
Date of Death: 26 September 1620
Successor: TianqiOther Monarchs Who Died Today:
- Wakisaka Yasuharu, daimyo in Japan (1626)
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