Emperor Zhengde [sic] 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 [sic] 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 [sic] 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.