Answer
Zhu Houzhao ascended the throne at the tender age of 14, following the untimely demise of his father, the Zhengde Emperor. This transition marked a significant turning point in the Ming Dynasty, as the young emperor's reign would be characterized by both extravagance and political turmoil. Despite his youth, Zhu Houzhao wielded immense power and influence, leaving an indelible mark on the historical narrative of imperial China.