Directory_and_Chronicle_1842 — Page 619

1842.

History of the Ming Dynasty.

1

597

Hiáutsung, oc-

Hungchí 4, called after his death cupied himself with transfusing gold, and preparing the elixir of im- mortality. Some troubles with the chief of Hami engaged his atten- tion, and he thought that he would avoid all difficulties by prohibiting all intercourse with foreigners. At this prohibition, several barba- rians, who had come many thousands of miles over the ocean, grumbled exceedingly, and pointed to the valuable curiosities they brought to the court, and demanded a 'continuance of their com- merce. The edict was, however, put on record, and trade went on as heretofore, the officers being well paid for their connivance.

The emperor, on his death-bed, deeply regretted having given heed to the vagaries of heretics, and left a son

Chingte of 15 正德 years of age to succeed him in 1506. This young man hardly es- caped from the leading strings of the eunuchs, saw himself invested with power, which, as he could not wield, he intrusted it to the friends of his youth. When the high officers observed this, they represented to him the dangerous consequences that must ensue, and reminded the monarch of a comet, that had appeared to forebode the downfall of his reign. The youthful emperor, apprehensive of such a calamity, gave orders for the apprehension of the most obno- xious eunuchs; but while being led to prison, their cries for mercy touched his heart, and he changed his purpose, reinstated them in his favor upon their promise of amendment, and clothed them with greater authority than ever. They did not forget their revenge; all their enemies were dismissed from office, and the whole administra- tion brought under their control. They made a good use of their opportunities, and the empire groaned under their tyrannical sway. As a natural consequence, the robbers grew daring, and on horse- back invaded the richest districts with impunity. A prince of the blood also took arms against the government, in order as he said, to deliver the country from the eunuchs. But he was taken prisoner and his whole host dispersed. At this juncture, accusations were brought against Kiúkin the most powerful of the courtiers. A faithful minister by night found access to the emperor, and describing the villany of the favorite in the most striking colors, obtained a guard for his seizure. His palace was found stored with arms, his coffers filled with treasure, and on finding these proofs of his wickedness, his enemies forthwith beheaded him. Throughout the western pro- vinces rebellion was rife, and the emperor was obliged to send thi- ther large detachments to suppress the rising of his unruly subjects. In these attempts he was successful, and grew so fond of war, that