Emperor Zhengtong is Emperor Xuande's eldest son. He was born in 2nd year of Emperor's reign (1427 AD), and died in 1464. The difference between he and the emperors before him was that he lived in the palace from his childhood.
Ming Emperor Zhengtong (Zhu Qizhen)
Emperor Zhengtong is Emperor Xuande's eldest son. He was born in 2nd year of Emperor's reign (1427 AD), and died in 1464. The difference between he and the emperors before him was that he lived in the palace from his childhood.
In 14th year of his reign, Emperor Zhengtong led the military campaign against Wala Clan in Mongolia, and was defeated. He was taken captive. He lived as a prisoner on the grassland. Later, he caught apoplexy, So the head of the clan set him free. During his captivity, his brother Zhu Qiyu took the power and become Emperor Jingtai. The new emperor did not want to give the throne back to Zhengtong upon his return, so his brother Zhu Qiyu put him under house arrest. In the 8th year of Emperor Jingtai's reign, Emperor Jingtai was badly ill. Zhengtong took the chance to recapture the throne and became an emperor again.
Because he suffered a lot of crucifixions, he became humane after he being an emperor again. He set free Zhu Yunwen (Emperor Jianwen) 's son, who was jailed by Emperor Yongle. Before his death, he abrogated the rule of Xunzang (if the emperor died, some of the imperial concubines would be forced to commit suicide, and then they would be buried with the dead emperor, this is called Xunzang). It's a progress in history.
Emperor Zhengtong had less outstanding achievement in ruling the state. During his reign, Ming Dynasty came down and down. But his humane policy during his late reign was constructive.