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China: Emperor Zhengde, 11th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1505-1521).

China: Emperor Zhengde, 11th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1505-1521).

Emperor Zhengde, 11th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1505-1521).

Personal Name: Zhu Houzhao, Zhū Hòuzhào

Posthumous Name: Yidi, Yìdì

Temple Name: Wuzong, Wǔzōng

Reign Name: Ming Zhengde, Ming Zhèngdé

The Zhengde Emperor was 11th emperor of China (Ming Dynasty) between 1505-1521. Born Zhu Houzhao, he was the Hongzhi Emperor's eldest son. His era name means 'Rectification of Virtue'. Though bred to be a successful ruler, Zhengde thoroughly neglected his duties, beginning a dangerous trend that would plague future Ming emperors. The abandoning of official duties to pursue personal gratifications would slowly lead to the rise of powerful eunuchs that would dominate and eventually ruin the Ming Dynasty.

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