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China: The Tianqi Emperor (Zhu Youjiao, 1605 – 1627), 16th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1620 - 1627). Palace Museum, Beijing

China: The Tianqi Emperor (Zhu Youjiao, 1605 – 1627), 16th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1620 - 1627). Palace Museum, Beijing

Emperor Tianqi, 16th ruler of the Ming Dynasty (r. 1620-1627).
Personal Name: Zhu Youjiao, Zhū Yóujiào.
Posthumous Name: Zhedi, Zhédì.
Temple Name: Xizong, Xīzōng.
Reign Name: Ming Tianqi, Ming Tiānqǐ.

The Tianqi Emperor (23 December 1605 – 30 September 1627) was emperor of the Ming Dynasty from 1620 to 1627. Born Zhu Youjiao, he was the Taichang Emperor's eldest son. His era name means 'Heavenly Opening'.

Zhu Youjiao became emperor at the age of fifteen, on the death of his father who ruled less than a month. He did not pay much attention to affairs of state, and was accused of failing in his filial duties to his dead father by not continuing his father's wishes. It is possible that Zhu Youjiao suffered from a learning disability. He was illiterate and showed no interest in his studies. Zhu Youjiao died in 1627 and was succeeded by his younger brother Zhu Youjian, the Chongzhen Emperor.

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