Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
This article tells the story of Ming officials’ bravery against tyranny. Shen Lian and Yang Jisheng risked their lives to impeach the corrupt Yan Song, and were martyred. Hai Rui bought a coffin and directly criticized the Jiajing Emperor’s neglect of state affairs. Finally, the Yan clan fell, and the Longqing Emperor reversed the…
This article recounts the Jiajing Emperor’s long reign. He won the Great Rites Controversy, crushed official dissent, and became obsessed with Taoism. A palace maid assassination attempt left him reclusive. Yan Song rose by writing divine prayers, seized power, and ruled corruptly for 20 years, while Mongol raids and Wokou pirates threatened the Ming.