The eighteenth year of Hongchang.
Also the first year of Yongxing.
Emperor Yongxing employed treacherous officials and embezzled military provisions, which incited a mutiny that surrounded the imperial city.
The deposed Crown Prince Zhao Xian, who was confined to the Cold Palace, joined forces with men of honor and entered Shangyang Palace to request an audience.
Zhang Zhengyang spoke earnestly, "Your Majesty, for the stability of the National Dynasty, this old minister takes the liberty to ask Your Majesty to abdicate in favor of the eldest legitimate son of Zhongzong!"
Emperor Yongxing, overwhelmed with anger, suddenly died!
Since Emperor Yongxing only served as emperor for half a year, ascending the throne in May and passing away in December, history books referred to him as the "Half-Year Emperor."
Thus, the first half of that year was the eighteenth year of Hongchang, and the latter half was the first year of Yongxing.
