No. 12 Shi Zong, Zhu Houzong, 1522 - 1566
Emperor Ming Dynasty

When Emperor Wuzong died without a direct heir, His cousin Zhu Houzong, succeeded him. He assumed the name of Shizong. Authoritarian, but unlike his cousin little disposed to take charge of the government, he did nothing to impede the Mongol incursions in the northwest as well as raids by Japanese pirates on the coast. His reign accentuated the decline of central power, and came close to be assassinated in 1542. His wife, Empress Xiaolie, saved her husband from an assassination attempt by the palace maids-in-waiting.