1521-1525, Jiajing has problems with simple instructions
2 April 1521
Spoke to Jiajing and reminded him of his priorities ... breed, stability, die. Even though I was very tactful I still find him so difficult to deal with ... and now I have a cold .... ttttcchhoooo ...
[H – you really do not expect me to say 'bless you' do you?]
6 May 1521
Sigh, just back from Nanjing. I have overeaten and must go on a diet again. So unfair.
16 September 1521
Just back from Nanjing, it is so chaotic there. I feel that I need to take a hand or Jiajing will become so confused
5 March 1522
Right, that should sort out the mess
[H – no, it won't]
3 November 1522
Sigh, do I have to do everything around here. It seems as if Jiajing has changed what passes for his mind again.
[H – yep, now to build a few more palaces off to the east]
7 December 1522
Jiajing is really impossible. I went to him to explain tactfully his priorities – breed, stability, die – and he just misunderstood me.
Fortunately I had a ship available to escape on.
[H – ok, I know I wanted this diary to be racy and exciting, but you didn't have to go that far?]
19 December 1522
I need a break, I think smoked peaches will be on the menu over the new year
[H – I need a break, really fancy something rather spicy]
28 January 1523
I left Jiajing with clear instructions to head west ... so what does he do
[H – I gave him clear instructions to head east ... good boy]
12 February 1523
Finally, after telling him 15 times, he gets it right and heads west
[H – oi, thats my new palace you're putting at risk]
11 March 1523
For someone who has a very short attention span, I am impressed with Jiajinq. He remembered his instructions for more than 15 seconds.
[H – only because I was off decorating my new palace]
15 September 1523
Breed, stability, die. I mean what part of that set of instructions involve vice and Eunuchs. Its not very likely either, as I've found out.
[H – right that should get things back under control for a while]
2 December 1523
Good, see if he puts his mind to it he can carry out simple tasks
[
H – well all it took was my firm hand]
19 March 1525
right he's bred, we have stability, time for him to carry out his third task
[H – are you sure?]
21 March 1525
I sadly waved Jiajing off to war, I think it was very convincing ... now, its ... party time
[H – you seem incredibly sure this is a good idea don't you?]
14 August 1525
Oh whoopsie, Hongzhi fell in the vat of rice wine at the party
Must send urgent message to Jiajing that he has to delay dieing for a while, we're back to the breeding part of his programme
[H – I knew it was a mistake leaving you in charge]