The Mystery of the Ming Dynasty's Jiajing Emperor, Who Was Obsessed with Alchemy and Cruelly Killed Palace Maids for Their Virgin Blood, and His Assassination Attempt

In the sixteenth year of Zhengde (1521 AD), Ming Wu Zong died, and because he had no heir, Zhu Houcong ascended to the throne from his position as a feudal king, establishing the Jiajing era. This emperor, due to his brutal and bizarre behavior, almost got murdered by palace maids.

Emperor Shizong had three empresses, but none of them bore any children. Grand Secretary Zhang Fuzheng advised Emperor Shizong: "In ancient times, when an emperor established his empress, he also built six palaces, took three consorts, nine concubines, twenty-seven senior concubines, and eighty-one junior concubines; therefore, there were many offspring. Your Majesty is in the prime of life, and should seek virtuous maidens widely to ensure the succession for the future." Thus, Emperor Shizong issued an edict to select virtuous maidens from all over the country.