THE EMPEROR'S FIRST YEARS

On 19 June 1505, eleven days after the Hung-chih emperor's death, his thirteen-year-old son Chu Hou-chao (1491 –1521) ascended the throne as the tenth emperor of the Ming dynasty. For the first time in three generations, the legitimate son (and indeed the only son) of the reigning empress succeeded to the throne. Although it was rumored that the boy had been born to a lady in the empress' entourage, this was never proved and was probably untrue. His father was very fond of him and installed him as heir apparent in 1492. He was reported to have been an excellent student, attentive, diligent, and courteous to his tutors. He behaved well in front of his father and was careful to carry out his prescribed duties in person. His favorite pastimes were horseback riding and archery.

Immediately upon his accession, the young emperor had to deal with three problems, all part of his father's legacy. First, there was not enough revenue; second, the military garrisons in the northwest could not repulse the Mongols; and third, eunuch and civil officials generally disagreed on how these issues should be resolved. The emperor, who had been raised by eunuchs, was partial to them. It was difficult for his grand secretaries to explain to him their misgivings about eunuch management.

The emperor inherited from his father three grand secretaries, the youngest of whom was fifty-six. He did not particularly like them or the role they envisioned for him.