Final answer:
Emperor Zhengde of the Ming Dynasty was notorious for his capricious behavior and cruel jokes, such as forcing court officials to consume purgatives for entertainment. His reign also suffered from widespread nepotism and corruption that negatively impacted his subjects and weakened the administrative structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the meanest actions attributed to the Ming Dynasty Emperor Zhengde is the wanton cruelty he exhibited towards his court officials and subjects. Among such acts, Zhengde was known for his capricious behavior and cruel practical jokes, which included forcing courtiers to ingest purgatives for his own amusement. In a broader sense, his rule is often characterized by nepotism and corruption, which brought hardship to his people and significantly weakened the administrative structures of the Ming Dynasty. Zhengde's legacy is a mix of indulgence, military campaigns with varied results, and a general lack of attention to state affairs, leading to the stagnation and decline of the Ming administration during his reign.