Wanli Emperor

Wanli ascended the throne at age nine, beginning a 48-year reign. His early years were guided by Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng, who implemented reforms that temporarily strengthened the Ming state.

Grand Secretary Zhang Juzheng implemented the Single Whip tax reform, consolidating various taxes into a single silver payment. He also reformed the civil service examination system and reduced government waste.

After Zhang Juzheng's death, Wanli approved the posthumous impeachment of his former mentor. Zhang's family was persecuted, his property confiscated, and his reforms were partially reversed.

Wanli favored his younger son Zhu Changxun over the eldest Zhu Changluo as heir. This triggered a prolonged succession dispute with Confucian officials, leading to factional strife and further imperial withdrawal.

Japan invaded Korea, prompting Wanli to dispatch Ming forces to aid the Joseon dynasty. The war lasted until 1598, with Ming and Korean forces eventually repelling the Japanese invasion at great cost.

Wanli withdrew from active governance, refusing to appoint officials to fill vacancies in the Grand Secretariat and other key posts. This paralyzed the Ming bureaucracy and weakened central administration.