1474-1479, Tianqi has a tantrum (or 3 or 4)
5 December 1474
I am already disappointed with Tianqi, I mean ok, massacre a few barbarians if he feels the urge, but why off east ... I mean what is there that isn't here ... or the other way around?
(H – you really are getting a bit senile?)
9 April 1475
And I don't know who brought him up to cheat like this?
(H – that's my boy)
And ... another thing, he really should be more careful with those scissors
1 June 1475
I need a holiday now. All it really took was one good party and the Eunuch's failed to perform, now China will move west and I will be a permanent part of the Court
(H – oh well, time I'd better get involved)
1 July 1475
These people have no staying power, a few late nights and they just can't stand the pace.
29 July 1475
Ohhhh, I like Eunuchs, I have sent Tianqi some new even bigger scissors. Ok this is a bit to the south, but China is on its way towards me.
Have a special dance night planned.
(H – and the noise left an entire generation deaf)
21 December 1475
The dance night was such a success ... people now want to worship me
(H – I think they are begging you not to do it again ... your rendition of Swan Lake with peacocks was ... and I say this as a bit of an expert ... seriously disturbing)
27 February 1478
Tianqi is my hero, I will be freed from my bondage soon
(H – lost the key again?)
7 June 1476
I am glad that Tianqi is at some distance ... he is rather violent – I blame his upbringing ... or his parents ... yes I blame his parents
(H – oi, till he was sent to stay with you the lad was well adjusted ... bit violent but yeah, well adjusted)
2 August 1476
Oh, another extension to my modest beach hut
22 October 1476
Well I warned him ... I can only blame his parents I didn't bring him up to do this sort of thing
23 December 1477
The boy is quite out of control, I am leaving Court and going back to my Palace. I blame the parents.
23 October 1478
Tianqi is so rude, ok its taken me a year to actually leave but he could have turned up to wish me a safe trip ... such a lack of respect
(H – ho hum ... )
2 February 1479
Back safely in the palace. Decided to celebrate with a party ... it may have got a little out of hand ... no ... no thats not right. ... ah, yes, I blame Tianqi --- thats much better
4 July 1479
He is such a disgrace to the dynasty, I can't believe I brought him up, in fact I'm sure I didn't bring him up
8 December 1479
I know he's in the region but does he visit me ... no he doesn't. Youth today, just no sense of duty.
(H – not bad, she is getting the hang of the diary writing, if she'd just stop dancing this would be a complete success)