The Ming Dynasty, Volume 4 (Complete Edition)

Chapter 1 The Emperor's Fragility (1)

In the fourth month of Zhengde sixteenth year (1521), Zhu Houcong arrived at the capital city.

Previously, he had resided in Anlu, Huguang (now Zhongxiang, Hubei). This royal family member lived in this small place not out of humility and prudence, but rather due to necessity. His father, Prince Xian of Xing, was enfeoffed there. As a son of a feudal prince, he did not have the right to stay in the capital.

Now things were different. He had already learned that his cousin Zhu Houzhao had passed away, and he would have the honor of becoming the new ruler of the land.

Fifteen-year-old Zhu Houcong looked up at the majestic capital city wall in the distance, and thought about how he was about to become the master here. Excitement rushed into his brain.

But before he could get so excited as to shed tears, a group of officials came forward. To his surprise, these people were actually not just here to welcome him.

"Please enter the palace from Dong'an Gate and temporarily reside in the Wenhua Pavilion, Your Highness (at this time, he had not yet ascended the throne)."