Emperor Zhengde: Zhu Houzhao

Largely based on historical fact, this novel depicts the political and economic landscape during the sixteen-year reign of the Zhengde Emperor. It reflects the subtle relationship between the Ming emperors, scholar-officials, and eunuchs: they schemed against and restrained one another, yet also worked together. At its heart is a tale of the tangled romance between the Zhengde Emperor and Liu Liangnü (Yu Gan), set against the sweeping events of his sixteen years on the throne.