The Curious Case of the Chinese Emperor: Death Comes Knocking After 29 Days and a Night of Passion

Ming Guangzong, born Zhu Changluo, came into the world on August 28, 1582, within the confines of the Forbidden City. He was the firstborn son of Ming Shenzong, Zhu Yijun, and the son of Empress Wang, formerly a concubine of Consort Li.

Ming Guangzong’s romantic tale commenced when his father, Ming Shenzong, paid a visit to Consort Li in the Palace of Peace and Serenity. It was here that he laid eyes on and fell in love with the concubine, Wang. Ming Shenzong showered her with jewelry and their relationship blossomed. When Wang became pregnant, Consort Li discovered their affair and summoned Ming Shenzong for an explanation. Although he initially denied responsibility and considered forcing Wang to abort the child, Consort Li pressured him to bestow upon Wang the status of concubine, and thus, she became a Palace Lady.

On February 22, 1586, some time later, Ming Shenzong’s favorite concubine, Zheng, gave birth to a son, Zhu Changxun. This child was dearly loved by the emperor. In contrast, the eldest son, Zhu Changluo, fell out of favor and was neglected by his father. According to Confucian principles, the firstborn son should be the heir apparent, and so most of the court officials supported Zhu Changluo’s claim to the position. However, due to his affection for Zheng and her son, Ming Shenzong forbade any discussion on the matter within the court.

Zhu Changluo spent many years without his father’s regard, even in matters of education. It wasn’t until he turned 13 that he was provided with a study, a late start compared to other princes. Only later was he introduced to teachers who instructed him in Confucianism and other classical texts.

In October 1601, pressured by court officials and especially by his grandmother, the Empress Dowager, Ming Shenzong finally named Zhu Changluo the crown prince at the age of 19. The crown prince was well-liked for his amiable personality and kindness, earning the admiration of many high-ranking officials. However, his position remained precarious due to his father’s lack of support.

On August 18, 1620, when Ming Shenzong, the Wanli Emperor, passed away, the crown prince Zhu Changluo immediately ascended the throne. He summoned back to court those officials who had been exiled for defending him, restoring their honors and changing the era name to “Tai Chang.”

However, after ascending the throne, Ming Guangzong indulged in a hedonistic lifestyle without restraint. Zheng, who had previously wronged him, now provided him with a bevy of beautiful women. Despite his frail health, he did not refuse and spent his days and nights in revelry with them. There were even nights when he indulged with multiple women simultaneously.

Ming Guangzong’s weak constitution and indulgent nature eventually took a toll on his health. During one of his illnesses, the imperial physician presented him with a red pill made from human milk. After taking the first pill, he felt somewhat better and asked for two more. After consuming them, he felt invigorated and summoned more concubines to join him. Unfortunately, his health deteriorated further.

On September 1, 1620, Emperor Zhu Changluo of Tai Chang passed away while in the company of a concubine, at the young age of 39, having reigned for only 29 days.

His eldest son, Zhu Dojie, succeeded him at the age of 16, becoming the Ming Hizong Emperor. Zhu Changluo was posthumously honored with the temple name “Guangzong” and the posthumous name “Suktian Qidao Yingwei Cungshun Xianwen Jingwu Yuanren Yixiao Zhenhuang Emperor.” He was laid to rest in the Celebration Tomb.