Database: Scroll 4 (China)

Emperor Zhengde died heirless in 1521, when Shao Jun was only sixteen. Her fate was sealed and she would not become Imperial Consort or Empress, unless Zhengde's successor was to like her but she never had her feet or breasts bound to grow graciously small; as most beautiful ladies did at the time.

The powerful eunuchs known as the Tigers were back in power. After Zhengde had executed their leader Liu Jin, they had remained silent and obedient, but now, they were sowing their real power and plotting to put their own man on the throne.