In the history of the Ming Dynasty, when it comes to emperors, everyone usually mentions famous monarchs such as Taizu Zhu Yuanzhang, Chengzu Zhu Di, Shenzong Zhu Yijun, and Sizong Zhu Youzhen. But if you ask which emperor is relatively low-key, I am afraid that Ming Muzong Zhu Zaiyuan will become a talking point. Maybe you haven't heard of him, he is the son of Zhu Houxi of Ming Shizong, the father of Zhu Yijun of Mingshenzong, also known as Zhu Zaiyuan.
Ming Muzong Zhu Zaiyuan's life can be described as a tragedy, because his father Ming Shizong Zhu Houxi believed in the Taoist priest's sentence "If the two dragons don't meet, one of them will die when they meet", for nearly 30 years, the father and son have not met. It was not until the death of Ming Shizong Zhu Houxi that Ming Muzong was able to see the true face of Lushan. It was undoubtedly an embarrassing experience. However, it is precisely for this reason that Ming Muzong Zhu Zaiyuan has developed a generous and frugal character since he was a child.
Before his accession to the throne, he became interested in court affairs, and after ascending the throne, he was assisted by ministers, such as Gao Gong, Chen Yiqin, Zhang Juzheng and others. He implemented a policy of reform and reform, known as the Longqing New Deal, which led to significant governance at home and abroad. However, due to his excessive addiction to kitsch, he reigned for only six years and died of illness at the age of 36.
According to historical records, Ming Muzong Zhu Zaiyuan was a foodie, especially like tart. Once, when dealing with the fatigue of government and politics, he suddenly became thirsty and wanted to eat tart. So, he immediately instructed the imperial chef to make it, and soon the fragrant flan was presented to him. The emperor was overjoyed and praised him while tasting it. However, just as he was indulging in the delicious food, a eunuch came with a bill: "Report to Your Majesty, this is the bill for your imperial meal, including labor costs, material costs, etc., a total of fifty taels of gold, which will be recorded and paid by your inner treasury (the emperor's treasury)." ”
Ming Muzong Zhu Zaiyuan lived in the house for a long time before his reign and knew the people's feelings well. He exclaimed, "How can a few flan be worth fifty taels of gold?."I can buy a big box of flan with five dollars of silver outside the palace. You little slave dare to say that you want fifty taels of gold, and only keep five denits of silver. After hearing this, the eunuch hurriedly responded: "Your Majesty is wise. "Ming Muzong Zhu Zaiyuan's move, compared with the scene of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing Dynasty who couldn't afford to eat eggs, does it seem more close to the people?
Later generations have commented that Ming Muzong Zhu Zaiyuan was the most modest of the emperors of the Ming Dynasty. He was preceded by the Jiajing Emperor, who was obsessed with Taoism, and then by the Wanli Emperor, who was misanthropic and contemptuous of bureaucratic politics. Therefore, it is under the governance of Ming Muzong that talents are produced in large numbers, and the space for ministers to display their ambitions can be fully displayed. Although he reigned for only six years, it was a period of peace and prosperity. The "History of the Ming Dynasty" also has a good evaluation of Mu Zong, saying that he "bows to the widow camp and is frugal", and the annual expenses saved are enough to make people marvel.