Zhengtong Emperor: Biography, Facts and Career

Emperor Yingzong of Ming (29 November 1427 – 23 February 1464), personal name Zhu Qizhen, was the sixth and eighth emperor of the Ming dynasty. He ruled as the Zhengtong Emperor from 1435 to 1449, and as the Tianshun Emperor from 1457 to 1464. Emperor Yingzong was the eldest son and successor of the Xuande Emperor. After ascending the throne, he adopted the era name Zhengtong, which means "right governance". During his first reign, the empire was at its height of prosperity and power. As the first child emperor of the Ming dynasty, his rule was heavily influenced by high dignitaries at court. Initially, his grandmother, Grand Empress Dowager Zhang, along with the "Three Yangs" (Yang Shiqi, Yang Rong, and Yang Pu), held the highest positions of power. However, after his grandmother died in 1442, the Emperor began to listen more to the eunuch Wang Zhen. In 1449, at Wang Zhen's suggestion, Emperor Yingzong personally led the army against the Mongol army of Esen Taishi, but at the Battle of Tumu Fortress, Esen's army defeated the Ming army and captured the Emperor. This event shocked the government and the country, leading the court to elevate Emperor Yingzong's brother, Zhu Qiyu, to the throne as the Jingtai Emperor. During his captivity, Emperor Yingzong established good relations with Esen and was eventually released in 1450. After Emperor Yingzong returned to his homeland, the Jingtai Emperor felt threatened and ordered him to stay in the Southern Palace within the Forbidden City. He also restricted Emperor Yingzong's contact with the outside world. After the Jingtai Emperor fell ill in early 1457, Emperor Yingzong regained power after dethroning his brother in a palace coup. The era name of his second reign was Tianshun, which means "obedience to Heaven". The following month, the Jingtai Emperor died. Emperor Yingzong ruled for another seven years before his death in 1464. His eldest son, the Chenghua Emperor, then ascended to the imperial throne.

Quick facts about Zhengtong Emperor

• Full name: Zhengtong Emperor
• Born: 1427-11-29
• Nationality: Ming dynasty
• Known as: Royal
• Wikidata ID: Q9983

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