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China: At the court of Emperor Chenghua, 9th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1464-1487).

Emperor Chenghua, 9th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1464-1487). Personal Name: Zhu Jianshen, Zhū Jiànshēn. Posthumous Name: Chundi, Chúndì. Temple Name: Xianzong, Xiànzōng. Reign Name: Ming Chenghuai, Ming Chénghuà.

The Chenghua Emperor was 9th Emperor of the Ming Dynasty in China, between 1464 and 1487. His era name means 'Accomplished Change'. Chenghua ascended the throne at the age of 16. During the early part of his administration, Chenghua carried out new government policies to reduce tax and strengthen the dynasty. However these did not last and by the closing years of his reign, governmental affairs once again fell into the hands of eunuchs, notably Wang Zhi. Peasant uprisings occurred throughout the country; however, they were violently suppressed. Chenghua's reign was also more autocratic than his predecessors' and freedom was sharply curtailed.