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Emperor Ruizong of Tang

 

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Emperor Ruizong of Tang



 
 
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Emperor Ruizong of Tang
Birth and death:June 22, 662 –
Family name
Chinese name

Personal names in Culture of China follow a number of conventions different from those of personal names in Western cultures. Most noticeably, a Chinese name is written with the family name first and the given name next, therefore "John Smith" as a Chinese name would be "Smith John"....
:
Li, later Wu,
then later back to Li
Given name
Chinese given name

Chinese given names are often made up of one or two Chinese written languages. Chinese names can consist of any character and contain almost any meaning....
:
Xulun, later Lun,
then later Dan, then
back to Lun, and
eventually back to Dan
Dates of reign (1st time):Feb.






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Emperor Ruizong of Tang
Birth and death:June 22, 662 –
Family name
Chinese name

Personal names in Culture of China follow a number of conventions different from those of personal names in Western cultures. Most noticeably, a Chinese name is written with the family name first and the given name next, therefore "John Smith" as a Chinese name would be "Smith John"....
:
Li, later Wu,
then later back to Li
Given name
Chinese given name

Chinese given names are often made up of one or two Chinese written languages. Chinese names can consist of any character and contain almost any meaning....
:
Xulun, later Lun,
then later Dan, then
back to Lun, and
eventually back to Dan
Dates of reign (1st time):Feb. 27, 684–Oct. 19, 690
Dates of reign (2nd time):July 25, 710–Sept. 8, 712
Dynasty
Dynasty

A dynasty is a succession of rulers who belong to the same family for generations. A dynasty is also often called a "Royal House", e.g. the House of Saud or House of Habsburg....
:
Tang
Tang Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty was an Dynasties in Chinese history preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire....
Temple name
Temple name

Temple names are commonly used when naming most Table of Chinese monarchs, List of Korean monarchs , and Vietnamese royalty. They should not be confused with era names....
:
Ruì zong
Posthumous name
Posthumous name

A posthumous name is an honorary name given to royalty, nobles, and sometimes others, in some cultures after the person's death. The posthumous name is commonly used when naming royalty of Table of Chinese monarchs, List of Korean monarchs, Vietnam and emperors of Japan....
:
(short)
Emperor Shengzhen
Posthumous name
Posthumous name

A posthumous name is an honorary name given to royalty, nobles, and sometimes others, in some cultures after the person's death. The posthumous name is commonly used when naming royalty of Table of Chinese monarchs, List of Korean monarchs, Vietnam and emperors of Japan....
:
(full)
Emperor Xuanzhen Dasheng
Daxing Xiao
?????????


Emperor Ruizong of Tang (June 22, 662
662

Events*The regent Grimuald usurps the kingship of the Lombards, driving Perctarit into exile and killing Godepert.*Emperor Tenji of Japan orders Abe no Hirafu to escort Buyeo Pung to Baekje, where he is made to take up the succession to the dignity....
 – July 13, 716
716

For the area code see Area code 716...
; r. 710 – 712), personal name Li Dàn, known at times during his life as Li Xulun, Li Lun, Wu Lun, and Wu Dan, was the fifth and ninth emperor of Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty

The Tang Dynasty was an Dynasties in Chinese history preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire....
. He was the eighth son of Emperor Gaozong
Emperor Gaozong of Tang

Emperor Gaozong of Tang , personal name Li Zhi , was the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty in History of China, ruling from 649 to 683 . Emperor Gaozong was the son of Emperor Taizong of Tang and Empress Zhangsun ....
 and the fourth son of Emperor Gaozong's second wife Empress Wu
Wu Zetian

Wu Zetian , personal name Wu Zhao , often referred to as Tian Hou during Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Emperor of China....
 (later known as Wu Zetian).

In February 684, Li Dan's mother Empress Wu demoted his older brother Emperor Zhongzong
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang

Emperor Zhongzong of Tang , personal name Li Xian , at times during his life Li Zhe and Wu Xian , was the fourth Table of Chinese monarchs of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling briefly in 684 and again from 705 to 710....
 (Li Xian) who had attempted to rule free of his mother, and named him emperor (as Emperor Ruizong). Emperor Ruizong, however, was under control of his mother and did not have any real power. In October 690 he ceded the imperial throne to his mother, who installed herself as "emperor" -- the only woman in Chinese history ever to rule as emperor. Emperor Ruizong was reduced to the position of crown prince
Crown Prince

A Crown Prince or Crown Princess is the heir apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
, with the unconventional title of Huangsi (??, literally "imperial heir"). In the following years, Empress Wu's nephews Wu Chengsi
Wu Chengsi

Wu Chengsi , formally Prince Xuan of Wei , was a nephew of History of China sovereign Wu Zetian and an imperial prince during her Zhou Dynasty....
 and Wu Sansi
Wu Sansi

Wu Sansi , formally Prince Xuan of Liang , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and his aunt Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, becoming an imperial prince and chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reign of Wu Zetian and subsequently, while only briefly chancellor during the second reign of Wu Zetian's son and his cousin...
 tried to have one of them named heir to the throne, but Wu Zetian resisted these calls. Eventually, in October 698, faced with foreign invasion and dissatisfaction at home, Empress Wu accepted the suggestion of the chancellor Di Renjie
Di Renjie

D? R?nji? , courtesy name Huaiying , formally Duke Wenhui of Liang , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, twice serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during her reign....
 and recalled the exiled Li Xian to the capital Luoyang
Luoyang

Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of China, People's Republic of China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast....
. Soon, Li Dan offered to yield the position of crown prince to his brother, and Li Xian became crown prince instead.

In 705, a coup overthrew Wu Zetian and restored Emperor Zhongzong to the throne. The five years of Emperor Zhongzong's reign were dominated by Zhongzong's empress consort, Empress Wei
Empress Wei (Zhongzong)

Empress Wei was an empress of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty. She was the second wife of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, who reigned twice, and during his second reign, she tried to emulate the example of her mother-in-law Wu Zetian and seize power....
. In the beginning of July 710, Emperor Zhongzong died, allegedly poisoned by Empress Wei who then named Zhongzong's youngest son Li Chongmao
Emperor Shang of Tang

Emperor Shang , also known as Emperor Shao , personal name Li Chongmao , was an Table of Chinese monarchs of the Tang Dynasty of History of China, ruling briefly in 710....
 the Prince of Wen emperor (as Emperor Shang). A mere two weeks later, Li Dan's sister Princess Taiping
Princess Taiping

Princess Taiping was a princess of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and her mother Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty. She was the youngest daughter of Wu Zetian and Emperor Gaozong of Tang and was powerful during the reigns of her mother and her brothers Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang , particularly during Emperor Ru...
 and Li Dan's son Li Longji
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang

Emperor Xuanzong of Tang , also commonly known as Emperor Ming of Tang , personal name Li Longji , known as Wu Longji from 690 to 705, was the seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty in China, reigning from 712 to 756....
 the Prince of Linzi launched a coup which resulted in the death of Empress Wei. Princess Taiping, Li Longji, and Li Longji's brother Li Chengqi
Li Chengqi

Li Chengqi , known as Wu Chengqi during the reign of his grandmother Wu Zetian and as Li Xian after 716, formally Emperor Rang , was an imperial prince of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty who served as crown prince during the first reign of his father Emperor Ruizong of Tang who yielded that position to his young...
 the Prince of Song then persuaded Li Dan to take the throne himself, and he agreed, returning the throne in Emperor Shang's stead. Li Longji, although not the oldest son, was made crown prince on account of his accomplishments.

Soon, however, tensions between Princess Taiping, who had many supporters, and Li Longji mounted. Eventually, in September 712, Emperor Ruizong, believing that astrological signs called for a change of emperors, abdicated in favor of Li Longji (as Emperor Xuanzong). However, at Princess Taiping's suggestion, Emperor Ruizong, now carrying the title of Taishang Huang
Taishang Huang

Taishang-huang was a Chinese title, sometimes translated in English as Retired Emperor, Grand Emperor or Emperor Emeritus used throughout East Asia, occasionally given to former emperors who had abdicated voluntarily to their sons....
 (retired emperor), continued to wield actual power. However, in 713, suspecting Princess Taiping of planning a coup, Emperor Xuanzong acted first, killing her associates and forcing her to commit suicide. After the death of Princess Taiping, Emperor Ruizong himself yielded imperial powers to Emperor Xuanzong and left the governmental scene. He died in 716.

Background

Li Xulun was born in 662, as the youngest son of Emperor Gaozong
Emperor Gaozong of Tang

Emperor Gaozong of Tang , personal name Li Zhi , was the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty in History of China, ruling from 649 to 683 . Emperor Gaozong was the son of Emperor Taizong of Tang and Empress Zhangsun ....
 and his second wife Empress Wu
Wu Zetian

Wu Zetian , personal name Wu Zhao , often referred to as Tian Hou during Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Emperor of China....
 (later known as Wu Zetian). Later that year, he was created the Prince of Yin. In 664, he was nominally made the commandant at Ji Prefecture (??, roughly modern Hengshui
Hengshui

Hengshui is a prefecture-level city in Hebei province, China. It has an urban population of roughly 445,000 and a population of 4.11 million in its administrative area....
, Hebei
Hebei

For the people of Hebei, see Hebei people is a North China province of China of the People's Republic of China. Its one-Chinese character abbreviation is "" , named after Ji Province , a Han Dynasty province that included southern Hebei....
) and the Chanyu Protectorate General (headquarters in modern Hohhot
Hohhot

Hohhot , sometimes spelled Huhehot or Huhhot, is a city in North-central China and the Capital of the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, serving as the region's administrative, economic, and cultural centre....
, Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia

Inner Mongolia is the Mongols autonomous region of China of the People's Republic of China, located in the country's north.Inner Mongolia borders, from east to west, the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia, and Gansu, while to the north it borders Mongolia and Russia....
). It was said that, as he grew, he became known for humility, the love for his siblings, and talent in calligraphy
East Asian calligraphy

The art of calligraphy is widely practiced and revered in the East Asian civilizations that use or used Chinese characters. These include China, Japan, Korea, and to a lesser extent, Vietnam....
. In 666, his title was changed to Prince of Yu. In 669, his title was changed to Prince of Ji, and his name was changed from Xulun to Lun. In 675, his title was changed to Prince of Xiang. In 678, his title was changed back to Prince of Yu, and his name was further changed to Li Dan. He was also made the prefect of Luo Prefecture, the prefecture containing the eastern capital Luoyang
Luoyang

Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of China, People's Republic of China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast....
. Sometime between 676 and 679, he married his wife Princess Liu
Empress Liu (Ruizong)

Empress Liu , formally Empress Sumingshunsheng or Empress Suming in short, was an empress of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty....
.

Emperor Gaozong died in 683 and was succeeded by Li Dan's older brother Li Zhe
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang

Emperor Zhongzong of Tang , personal name Li Xian , at times during his life Li Zhe and Wu Xian , was the fourth Table of Chinese monarchs of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling briefly in 684 and again from 705 to 710....
 the Crown Prince
Crown Prince

A Crown Prince or Crown Princess is the heir apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
 (as Emperor Zhongzong), but Empress Wu retained power as empress dowager
Empress Dowager

Empress Dowager was the title given to the mother of a Emperor of China, Emperor of Japan, Emperor of Korea, or Emperor of Vietnam.The title was also given occasionally to another woman of the same generation, while a woman from the previous generation was sometimes given the title of Grand Empress Dowager....
 and regent
Regent

A regent, from the Latin regens "reigning", is a person selected to act as head of state because the ruler is a minor, not present or debilitated....
. In 684, when Emperor Zhongzong displayed signs of independence, she deposed him and replaced him with Li Dan (as Emperor Ruizong), but wielded power even more firmly. Indeed, she housed Emperor Ruizong in a different palace and did not let him meet the imperial officials or give input on affairs of state. Emperor Ruizong's wife Princess Liu was created empress, while her son Li Chengqi
Li Chengqi

Li Chengqi , known as Wu Chengqi during the reign of his grandmother Wu Zetian and as Li Xian after 716, formally Emperor Rang , was an imperial prince of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty who served as crown prince during the first reign of his father Emperor Ruizong of Tang who yielded that position to his young...
 was created crown prince.

First reign

Soon after Emperor Ruizong took the throne, Empress Dowager Wu carried out a major renaming of governmental offices and banners. She, who disliked the capital Chang'an
Chang'an

Chang'an is an ancient Capital of more than ten Dynasties in Chinese history in Chinese history. Chang'an literally means "Perpetual Peace" in Classical Chinese....
, also elevated Luoyang's status, making it a co-equal capital with Chang'an. She further, at the suggestion of her nephew Wu Chengsi
Wu Chengsi

Wu Chengsi , formally Prince Xuan of Wei , was a nephew of History of China sovereign Wu Zetian and an imperial prince during her Zhou Dynasty....
, built an ancestral temple for five generations of her ancestors and had Emperor Ruizong posthumously create them princes.

In fall 684, Li Jingye
Li Jingye

Li Jingye , also known as Xu Jingye , was a grandson of the great Tang Dynasty general Li Shiji who, after Emperor Gaozong of Tang's wife Wu Zetian had seized power after Emperor Gaozong's death, rose in rebellion against her, but who was quickly defeated and killed in flight....
 the Duke of Ying (the grandson of the deceased general Li Ji
Li Shiji

Li Shiji , n? Xu Shiji , later known in the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang as Li Ji , courtesy name Maogong , formally Duke Zhenwu of Ying , was one of the most celebrated generals early in the History of China Tang Dynasty....
), started a rebellion against Empress Dowager Wu at Yang Prefecture, seeking the restoration of Emperor Zhongzong. Empress Dowager Wu, in response, sent the general Li Xiaoyi, assisted by the generals Li Zhishi and Ma Jingchen to suppress Li Jianye's rebellion, and Li Xiaoyi quickly did so. Meanwhile, believing the chancellor Pei Yan
Pei Yan

Pei Yan , courtesy name Zilong , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, as well as regent by his wife Wu Zetian over their sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
 to be undermining her authority, she executed Pei under accusation of treason and demoted a large number of officials and generals who dared to speak in Pei's defense, later executing some of them.

In 686, Empress Dowager created a number of bronze boxes designed to encourage secret reports of crimes. She also began to retain a group of secret police officials to carry out torture and interrogation of people suspected of opposing her rule, including Suo Yuanli
Suo Yuanli

Suo Yuanli was a secret police official during the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, who came to prominence due to his cruelty in acting against officials that Wu Zetian was suspicious toward....
, Zhou Xing
Zhou Xing (Tang Dynasty)

Zhou Xing was a secret police official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty. He was largely responsible for carrying out her actions to wipe out senior members of Tang's Li imperial clan, but, in a turnabout, was in 691 himself accused of crimes and, under threats of a torture technique himself develope...
, and Lai Junchen
Lai Junchen

Lai Junchen was a secret police official during the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, whose ability to interrogate and falsely implicate officials of crimes made him a subject of fear and hatred....
. On one occasion, she offered to return imperial authorities to Emperor Ruizong, but Emperor Ruizong knew that she was not actually intending to do so, and therefore declined. She thereafter resumed exercising imperial powers.

Emperor Ruizong had largely stayed out of political matters during these years, but he made an exception in 687, when Empress Dowager Wu believed the chancellor Liu Yizhi
Liu Yizhi

Liu Yizhi , courtesy name Ximei , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
, who had previously served on his staff when he was a prince, whom she had trusted and promoted, to have turned against her in favoring that she return imperial authorities to Emperor Ruizong. She had Liu accused of corruption and arrested, and Emperor Ruizong personally wrote a petition to request her to spare Liu -- which, however, as Liu observed, had the opposite effect, and she ordered Liu to commit suicide.

In 688, fearing that Empress Dowager Wu was using a ceremony to worship the god of the Luo River (??, flowing near Luoyang) as an excuse to summon them to Luoyang to slaughter them, the imperial princes considered rebellion, and one was launched by Emperor Ruizong's uncle Li Zhen
Li Zhen (Tang Dynasty)

Li Zhen , formally Prince Jing of Yue , posthumously known during Wu Zetian's reign as Hui Zhen , was an imperial prince of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty who, along with his son Li Chong rose against Wu Zetian, then empress dowager and regent, as they feared that she was about to slaughter the Tang imperial Li clan....
 the Prince of Yue and Li Zhen's son Li Chong
Li Chong (Tang Dynasty)

Li Chong , formally the Prince of Langye , posthumously known during Wu Zetian's reign as Hui Chong , was an imperial prince of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty....
 the Prince of Langye, claiming that Emperor Ruizong was under arrest and needed to be rescued. However, both Li Zhen and Li Chong were quickly defeated; Li Chong was killed in battle, while Li Zhen committed suicide. Empress Dowager Wu used this opportunity to carry out a major purge of senior imperial Li clan members, including Emperor Ruizong's granduncles Li Yuanjia the Prince of Han and Li Lingkui the Prince of Lu.

In 690, Empress Dowager Wu received a number of petitions that she take the throne herself, and Emperor Ruizong also submitted such a petition. She accepted, and she took the throne as "emperor," establishing a new Zhou Dynasty and interrupting Tang Dynasty. She demoted Emperor Ruizong to the position of crown prince (with the unusual title Huangsi), and changed his name back to Lun. She further had him take her family name of Wu.

During Wu Zetian's reign

Despite the fact that Wu Zetian created Li Dan crown prince, she considered creating one of her nephews, Wu Chengsi the Prince of Wei or Wu Sansi
Wu Sansi

Wu Sansi , formally Prince Xuan of Liang , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and his aunt Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, becoming an imperial prince and chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reign of Wu Zetian and subsequently, while only briefly chancellor during the second reign of Wu Zetian's son and his cousin...
 the Prince of Liang crown prince, and a petition drive for Wu Chengsi to be created crown prince reached its peak in 691. The chancellors Cen Changqian
Cen Changqian

Cen Changqian , briefly known as Wu Changqian during the reign of Wu Zetian, formally the Duke of Deng , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, as well as Wu Zetian's reign and her earl...
 and Ge Fuyuan
Ge Fuyuan

Ge Fuyuan was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving briefly as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during Wu Zetian's reign....
 were even executed for opposing it, but Wu Zetian never did carry out the change, and when the leader of the petition drive, Wang Qingzhi was caned to death by the official Li Zhaode
Li Zhaode

Li Zhaode , was an official of Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty and at one point served as chancellor of Tang Dynasty. He was known for his abilities and strong will, which eventually led to a conflict with Wu Zetian's secret police official Lai Junchen....
, the petition drive dissipated.

Meanwhile, in 693, Wu Zetian's lady in waiting
Lady in Waiting

Lady in Waiting is an album by United States southern rock band The Outlaws, released in 1976. ...
 Wei Tuan'er, who was resentful of Li Dan for reasons lost to history, falsely accused Li Dan's wife Crown Princess Liu and concubine Consort Dou of witchcraft, and Wu Zetian killed Crown Princess Liu and Consort Dou. In fear of offending Wu Zetian, Li Dan did not dare to mourn either and continued to behave normally. When Wei Tuan'er tried to further falsely accuse Li Dan, someone in turn reported her activities to Wu Zetian, and Wu Zetian executed her. Still, thereafter, Li Dan's sons were demoted in rank and kept under secure watch. Later in 693, the officials Pei Feigong and Fan Yunxian were executed on account of meeting Li Dan secretly, and there were accusations that Li Dan was planning to rebel against Wu Zetian. Wu Zetian ordered that the officials not be allowed to meet Li Dan, and further arrested his servants to interrogate them. The secret police official Lai Junchen
Lai Junchen

Lai Junchen was a secret police official during the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, whose ability to interrogate and falsely implicate officials of crimes made him a subject of fear and hatred....
 tortured Li Dan's servants, and many of them, unable to stand up to the torture, considered falsely implicating Li Dan. One of them, An Jinzang, however, cut his own belly open and proclaimed Li Dan's innocence. When Wu Zetian heard this, she sent imperial doctors to save An, and, impressed by An's willingness to die to show Li Dan's innocence, ended the investigation against Li Dan.

In 698, after Wu Zetian had, at the encouragement of the chancellors Di Renjie
Di Renjie

D? R?nji? , courtesy name Huaiying , formally Duke Wenhui of Liang , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, twice serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during her reign....
, Wang Fangqing
Wang Fangqing

Wang Fangqing , formal name Wang Lin but went by the courtesy name of Fangqing, formally Duke Zhen of Shiquan , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during Wu Zetian's reign....
, and Wang Jishan
Wang Jishan

Wang Jishan , formally Duke Zhen of Xing , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during Wu Zetian's reign....
, as well as her close associate Ji Xu
Ji Xu

Ji Xu was an official of Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving briefly as chancellor of Tang Dynasty....
 and lovers Zhang Yizhi
Zhang Yizhi

Zhang Yizhi , formally the Duke of Heng , nickname Wulang , was an official of Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty who, along with his brother Zhang Changzong, became a lover of Wu Zetian and became very powerful late in her reign....
 and Zhang Changzong
Zhang Changzong

Zhang Changzong , formally the Duke of Ye , nickname Liulang , was an official of Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty who, along with his brother Zhang Yizhi, became a lover of Wu Zetian and became very powerful late in her reign....
, recalled Li Zhe from exile, Li Dan offered to yield the crown prince position to Li Zhe. Wu Zetian agreed, and created Li Zhe crown prince (changing his name initially back to Li Xian and then Wu Xian) and Li Dan the Prince of Xiang.

In 699, Wu Zetian, in fear that after her death that Li Xian and the Wu clan princes would not be able to coexist peacefully, had Li Xian, Li Dan, their sister Princess Taiping
Princess Taiping

Princess Taiping was a princess of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and her mother Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty. She was the youngest daughter of Wu Zetian and Emperor Gaozong of Tang and was powerful during the reigns of her mother and her brothers Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang , particularly during Emperor Ru...
, her husband Wu Youji
Wu Youji

Wu Youji , formally Prince Zhongjian of Ding , was an imperial prince of Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty and an official of Tang Dynasty. He is best known as the second husband of Wu Zetian's powerful daughter Princess Taiping....
 (Wu Zetian's nephew), and the other Wu clan princes swear an oath to each other and read the oaths to the gods. The oaths were then carved on iron and kept in the imperial archives. Later that year, the restrictions on his and Li Xian's sons were lifted, and they were allowed to live outside the palace.

In 701, when there was an incursion by the Eastern Tujue khan Ashina Mochuo, Li Dan was put in command of an army to defend against the attack, but before the army could be launched, Ashina Mochuo withdrew. Subsequently, Li Dan was nominally put in charge of the imperial guards.

In 702, Wu Zetian put Li Dan in command of an army and made the prefect of Bing Prefecture (??, roughly modern Taiyuan
Taiyuan

Taiyuan is a prefecture-level city and the capital of Shanxi province, People's Republic of China. In 2004, the city had a population of 3.4 million....
, Shanxi
Shanxi

is a political divisions of China in the North China of the People's Republic of China. Its one-character abbreviation is Jin , after the state of Jin that existed here during the Spring and Autumn Period....
), with Wu Sansi, Wu Youning
Wu Youning

Wu Youning , formally the Duke of Jiang , was an imperial prince during the reign of Wu Zetian and served as chancellor of Tang Dynasty both during her regent over her son Emperor Ruizong of Tang and her own reign....
, and Wei Yuanzhong
Wei Yuanzhong

Wei Yuanzhong , n? Wei Zhenzai , formally Duke Zhen of Qi , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Wu Zetian and her son Emperor Zhongzong of Tang....
 as his assistants, apparently preparing to attack Eastern Tujue, but the army was never launched. Later that year, she had Li Xian, Li Dan, and Princess Taiping submit formal petitions to have Zhang Changzong created a prince. She then formally rejected the petitions, but created Zhang Changzong and Zhang Yizhi dukes.

In 703, Li Dan was made the prefect of Yong Prefecture (??, roughly modern Xi'an
Xi'an

Xi'an , is the Capital of the Shaanxi Provinces of China in the People's Republic of China and a sub-provincial city. As one of the oldest cities in Chinese history, Xi'an is one of the Historical capitals of China because it has been the capital of some of the most important Dynasties in Chinese history in Chinese history, including the Zh...
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi

is a north-central political divisions of China of the People's Republic of China, and includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River as well as the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of the province....
), the prefecture that included Chang'an.

During Emperor Zhongzong's second reign

In 705, Wu Zetian was overthrown in a coup led by Zhang Jianzhi
Zhang Jianzhi

Zhang Jianzhi , courtesy name Mengjiang , formally Prince Wenzhen of Hanyang , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reigns of Wu Zetian and her son Emperor Zhongzong of Tang....
, Cui Xuanwei
Cui Xuanwei

Cui Xuanwei , n? Cui Ye , formally Prince Wenxian of Boling , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Wu Zetian and her son Emperor Zhongzong of Tang....
, Huan Yanfan
Huan Yanfan

Huan Yanfan , courtesy name Shize , formally Prince Zhonglie of Fuyang , briefly known during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang as Wei Yanfan , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong....
, Jing Hui
Jing Hui

JIng Hui , courtesy name Zhongye , formally Prince Sumin of Pingyang , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang....
, and Yuan Shuji
Yuan Shuji

Yuan Shuji , formally Prince Zhenlie of Nanyang , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang....
. (Yuan was Li Dan's secretary general, and during the coup, Yuan's responsibility was to safeguard Li Dan, suggesting, but not proving, that Li Dan might have known about the coup plans.) Li Xian was restored to the throne, and he gave Li Dan the special title of Anguo Xiangwang, literally "the Prince of Xiang who pacified the state." Emperor Zhongzong also gave Li Dan the title of Taiwei (??, one of the Three Excellencies
Three Excellencies

The Three Excellencies or the Three Lords was the collective name for the three highest officials in ancient China. Starting in the Zhou Dynasty, the top three were: Senior Grand Tutor , Grand Tutor , and Grand Protector ....
) and made him a chancellor with the designation of Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin (???????). Li Dan declined both honors, and Emperor Zhongzong then offered to create him crown prince, which Li Dan declined as well. Emperor Zhongzong subsequently created his son Li Chongjun
Li Chongjun

Li Chongjun , formally Crown Prince Jiemin , was a crown prince of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, during the second reign of his father Emperor Zhongzong of Tang....
 crown prince.

In 707, Li Chongjun, who was not born of Emperor Zhongzong's powerful wife Empress Wei
Empress Wei (Zhongzong)

Empress Wei was an empress of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty. She was the second wife of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, who reigned twice, and during his second reign, she tried to emulate the example of her mother-in-law Wu Zetian and seize power....
 (her only son Li Chongrun
Li Chongrun

Li Chongrun , n? Li Chongzhao , formally Crown Prince Yide , was an imperial prince of the History of China dynasties Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty....
 having been killed by Wu Zetian), was angry that Empress Wei's daughter Li Guo'er the Princess Anle
Princess Anle

Princess Anle , personal name Li Guo'er , was a princess of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty. She was the youngest daughter of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and his wife Empress Wei who was greatly favored by her parents and therefore grew very powerful and corrupt during her father's second reign....
 and her husband Wu Chongxun (???, Wu Sansi's son) repeatedly insulted him and were trying to persuade Emperor Zhongzong to create Li Guo'er crown princess to displace Li Chongjun, rose in rebellion and killed Wu Sansi and Wu Chongxun. His subsequent attack on the palace, however, was repelled, and he was killed in flight. Some of his followers implicated LI Dan and Princess Taiping after they were arrested and interrogated. Emperor Zhongzong initially had the imperial censor Xiao Zhizhong
Xiao Zhizhong

Xiao Zhizhong was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Wu Zetian's sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang and grandsons Emperor Shang of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
 put in charge of investigating Li Dan and Princess Taiping, but at Xiao's earnest urging stopped the investigation.

In 708, when Li Guo'er married again, to Wu Yanxiu, Li Dan was the ceremonial protector of her litter.

During Emperor Shang's reign

On July 3, 710
710

Events...
, Emperor Zhongzong died suddenly -- a death that traditional historians believed to be a poisoning carried out by Empress Wei and Li Guo'er, so that Empress Wei could be Empress Regnant like Wu Zetian and Li Guo'er could be crown princess. Under a will drafted for Emperor Zhongzong by Princess Taiping and Emperor Zhongzong's concubine Consort Shangguan Wan'er
Shangguan Wan'er

Shangguan Wan'er , imperial consort rank Zhaorong , posthumous name Wenhui , was the granddaughter of Shangguan Yi and was one of the women most famous in History of China for her talent....
, Emperor Zhongzong's son by another concubine, Li Chongmao
Emperor Shang of Tang

Emperor Shang , also known as Emperor Shao , personal name Li Chongmao , was an Table of Chinese monarchs of the Tang Dynasty of History of China, ruling briefly in 710....
 would be named emperor, with Empress Wei serving as empress dowager and regent, but with Li Dan as co-regent. This plan, however, was opposed by and ultimately altered at the suggestions of Empress Wei's cousin Wei Wen
Wei Wen

Wei Wen was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Zhongzong's son Emperor Shang of Tang....
 and Zong Chuke
Zong Chuke

Zong Chuke , courtesy name Shu'ao , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Wu Zetian, her son Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, and her grandson Emperor Shang of Tang....
. After Li Chongmao took the throne (as Emperor Shang), Empress Wei became empress dowager and regent, while Li Dan only received an entirely ceremonial title of senior advisor to the crown prince (????, Taizi Taishi) -- as there was no crown prince at the time.

Meanwhile, Empress Dowager Wei's party viewed Li Dan and Princess Taiping as threats and considered eliminating them. One of her partisans, Cui Riyong
Cui Riyong

Cui Riyong , formally Duke Zhao of Qi , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, briefly serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
, was fearful of what would happen if the plan failed, and therefore informed the plan to Li Dan's son (by Consort Dou) Li Longji
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang

Emperor Xuanzong of Tang , also commonly known as Emperor Ming of Tang , personal name Li Longji , known as Wu Longji from 690 to 705, was the seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty in China, reigning from 712 to 756....
 the Prince of Linzi. Li Longji responded by conspiring with Princess Taiping, Princess Taiping's son Xue Chongjian, as well as several low level officials close to him -- Zhong Shaojing
Zhong Shaojing

Zhong Shaojing , courtesy name Keda , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, briefly serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
, Wang Chongye, Liu Youqiu
Liu Youqiu

Liu Youqiu , formally Duke Wenxian of Xu , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
, and Ma Sizong -- to act first. Meanwhile, Empress Wei's nephews Wei Bo and Gao Song, who had recently been put in command of imperial guards and who had tried to establish their authority by dealing with the guards harshly, had alienated the guards, and the guard officers Ge Fushun, Chen Xuanli, and Li Xianfu thereafter also joined the plot.

Without first informing Li Dan, the conspirators rose on July 21, first killing Wei Bo, Gao, and Empress Wei's cousin Wei Gui. They then attacked the palace. When Empress Dowager Wei panicked and fled to an imperial guard camp, a guard beheaded her. Li Guo'er, Wu Yanxiu, and the powerful lady in waiting Lady Helou were killed as well. Li Longji soon slaughtered a number of officials in Empress Dowager's faction as well as her clan, while displaying Empress Dowager Wei's body on the street. Li Dan took over as regent, but at the urging of Princess Taiping, Li Longji, and Li Chengqi, Li Dan soon took the throne from Emperor Shang and again became emperor. Emperor Shang was reduced in rank back to Prince of Wen.

Second reign

Emperor Ruizong was immediately faced with the issue of whom to make crown prince -- as Li Chengqi, as the oldest son overall and the oldest son of his wife, was the appropriate heir under Confucian principles of succession, but Li Longji had been the one whose accomplishments had allowed him to retake the throne. He hesitated. Li Chengqi declined consideration to be crown prince -- stating to his father:

Li Chengqi wept and begged to yield for several days, and after further persuasion by the chancellor Liu Youqiu
Liu Youqiu

Liu Youqiu , formally Duke Wenxian of Xu , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
 -- who had been part of Li Longji's coup plans -- Emperor Ruizong agreed, and created Li Longji crown prince. Li Longji submitted a petition offering to yield to Li Chengqi, but Emperor Ruizong rejected it.

Emperor Ruizong reversed many of Emperor Zhongzong's actions and posthumously honored many people who lost their lives during the reigns of Wu Zetian and Emperor Zhongzong. He further removed thousands of officials that Emperor Zhongzong had commissioned at the recommendations of powerful courtiers, without having been submitted for examination by the examination (???, Menxia Sheng) and legislative (???, Zhongshu Sheng) bureaus of government, as was proper. Meanwhile, though, with Emperor Ruizong considered meek, the court was dominated by two competing factions -- of Princess Taiping and Li Longji. Indeed, it was said that whenever chancellors brought proposals to Emperor Ruizong, Emperor Ruizong would ask them whether they had consulted Princess Taiping and Li Longji, and only act if the chancellors had consulted them. Princess Taiping, finding Li Longji to be not receptive to her influences, began to spread news of offenses by Li Longji, hoping that he would eventually be removed. In 711, the chancellors Yao Yuanzhi
Yao Chong

Yao Chong , n? Yao Yuanchong , known 700s-713 by the courtesy name of Yuanzhi , formally Duke Wenxian of Liang , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty under four sovereigns -- Wu Zetian, her sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor...
 and Song Jing
Song Jing

Song Jing , formally Duke Wenzhen of Guangping , was an official of the History of China Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
 tried to defuse the situation by having Princess Taiping sent to Pu Prefecture (??, roughly modern Yuncheng
Yuncheng

Yuncheng is the southernmost prefecture-level city in Shanxi province, China. It borders Linfen and Jincheng municipalities to the north and east, and Henan and Shaanxi provinces to the south and west....
, Shanxi
Shanxi

is a political divisions of China in the North China of the People's Republic of China. Its one-character abbreviation is Jin , after the state of Jin that existed here during the Spring and Autumn Period....
) and the two princes with arguable better claims on the throne than Li Longji -- Li Chengqi and Li Shouli the Prince of Bin (whose father Li Xián
Li Xian

Li Xian , courtesy name Mingyun , formally Crown Prince Zhanghuai , named Li De from 672 to 674, was a crown prince of the History of China Tang Dynasty....
 (note different tone than Emperor Zhongzong) was an older brother to both Emperors Zhongzong and Ruizong) -- out of the capital to serve as prefectural prefects, but after their plan was discovered by Princess Taiping, she angrily complained, and was recalled to the capital along with Li Chengqi and Li Shouli. Yao and Song, credited with reforming the civil service system, were demoted, and it was said that thereafter, the civil service system became as confused as it was during Emperor Zhongzong's reign.

In 712, the general Sun Quan, the commandant at You Prefecture (??, roughly modern Beijing
Beijing

is a metropolis in northern China and the Capital of the People's Republic of China. It is one of the four municipality of China, which are equivalent to province in China's Political divisions of China....
), aggressively attacked the Xi
Kumo Xi

The Kumo Xi were a steppes people located in current Manchuria . Their history is widely linked to the more famous Khitan. The Kumo Xi-Khitan were united in a tribal Kumo Xi entity, but when the previously defeated Kumo Xi leaders insisted to fight again with the Northern Wei and when the battlefield seems to favor Wei, the Khitan fled away,...
 chieftain Li Dabu, and was defeated by Li Dabu, at the loss of nearly the entire army.

Later in 712, Princess Taiping had astrologers warn Emperor Ruizong that the constellation that symbolized the imperial throne, Dizuo, showed that there would be a change in the emperor's position — believing that Emperor Ruizong would suspect Li Longji of plotting a coup and that she could remove Li Longji this way. Instead, Emperor Ruizong, reasoning that the change in the emperor's position could be accounted by an orderly transition, offered to pass the throne to Li Longji. Princess Taiping fervently opposed it, and Li Longji initially declined, but at Emperor Ruizong's insistence finally accepted and took the throne (as Emperor Xuanzong). However, at Princess Taiping's suggestion, Emperor Ruizong retained much of the imperial power as Taishang Huang
Taishang Huang

Taishang-huang was a Chinese title, sometimes translated in English as Retired Emperor, Grand Emperor or Emperor Emeritus used throughout East Asia, occasionally given to former emperors who had abdicated voluntarily to their sons....
 (retired emperor), and his edicts continued to carry greater force than Emperor Xuanzong's.

As retired emperor

Meanwhile, Princess Taiping continued to be highly influential in governmental matters through Emperor Ruizong, and most chancellors were her associates. (Of the seven chancellors at the time, five -- Dou Huaizhen
Dou Huaizhen

Dou Huaizhen , known by his courtesy name Dou Congyi during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang , posthumously renamed Du Huaizhen , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and Emperor Xuanzo...
, Xiao Zhizhong, Cen Xi
Cen Xi

Cen Xi , courtesy name Bohua , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Shang of Tang, Emperor Ruizong of Tang, and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
, Cui Shi
Cui Shi

Cui Shi , courtesy name Chenglan , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Wu Zetian's sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang and grandsons Emperor Shang of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
, and Lu Xiangxian
Lu Xiangxian

Lu Xiangxian , n? Lu Jingchu , formally Duke Wenzhen of Yan , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
 -- were made chancellors at her recommendation, although Lu was not considered a member of her party.) Liu Youqiu and the general Zhang Wei, with Emperor Xuanzong's approval, planned to mobilize the imperial guards to kill several of those chancellors -- Dou, Cui, and Cen However, after Zhang told the plan to the imperial censor Deng Guangbin, the news was leaked. Liu was arrested, and initially set to be executed. Emperor Xuanzong interceded on his behalf with Emperor Ruizong, and Liu, Zhang, and Deng were spared but exiled.

Later in 712, Emperor Ruizong decreed that Emperor Xuanzong lead a group of soldiers to examine the northern border. However, the group of conscripted soldiers was disbanded in spring 713, and the plan was never carried out.

By summer 713, it was said that Princess Taiping, Dou, Cen, Xiao, Cui; along with other officials Xue Ji
Xue Ji

Xue Ji , courtesy name Sitong , was an official of the History of China Tang Dynasty, briefly serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
, Li Jin the Prince of Xinxing (a grandson of Li Deliang, a cousin of Tang's founder Emperor Gaozu
Emperor Gaozu of Tang

Emperor Gaozu of T?ng , born Li Yuan , was the founder of the Tang Dynasty of China, and the first emperor of this dynasty from 618 to 626....
), Li You, Jia Yingfu, Tang Jun; the generals Chang Yuankai, Li Ci, and Li Qin; and the monk Huifan, were plotting to overthrow Emperor Xuanzong. It was further said that they discussed, with the lady in waiting Lady Yuan to poison an aphrodisiac that Emperor Xuanzong took regularly known as chijian (??, castrodia elata)). When this alleged plot was reported to Emperor Xuanzong by Wei Zhigu, Emperor Xuanzong, who had already received advice from Wang Ju, Zhang Shuo, and Cui Riyong to act first, did so. He convened a meeting with his brothers Li Fan the Prince of Qi, Li Ye the Prince of Xue, Guo Yuanzhen
Guo Yuanzhen

Guo Yuanzhen , formal name Guo Zhen but went by the courtesy name of Yuanzhen, was an official, general, and diplomat of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
, along with a number of his associates — the general Wang Maozhong, the officials Jiang Jiao and Li Lingwen, his brother-in-law Wang Shouyi, the eunuch
Eunuch

A eunuch is a castrated man, in particular one castrated early enough to have major hormonal consequences; the term usually refers to those castrated in order to perform a specific social function, as was common in many societies of the past....
 Gao Lishi
Gao Lishi

Gao Lishi , formally the Duke of Qi , was a eunuch official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, becoming particularly powerful during Emperor Xuanzong of Tang's reign....
, and the military officer Li Shoude — and decided to act first. On July 29, Emperor Xuanzong had Wang Maozhong take 300 soldiers to the imperial guard camp to behead Chang and Li Ci. Then, Jia, Li You, Xiao, and Cen were arrested and executed as well. Dou fled into a canyon and committed suicide by hanging. Xue Ji was forced to commit suicide. When Emperor Ruizong heard about this, he quickly ascended the tower at Chengtian Gate to ascertain what was happening. Guo reported to him Emperor Xuanzong's intentions, and Emperor Ruizong felt compelled to affirm Emperor Xuanzong's actions in an edict. The next day, Emperor Ruizong issued an edict transferring all authorities to Emperor Xuanzong and moved to a secondary palace, Baifu Hall. Meanwhile, Princess Taiping, hearing what happened to her associates, fled into a temple in the mountains, only appearing three days later. Emperor Xuanzong ordered her to commit suicide at home, and put to death her sons and associates, except for Xue Chongjian. It was said that when Emperor Ruizong was at Baifu Hall, the only person who attended to him regularly was Emperor Xuanzong's daughter Princess Shouchun.

In 716, Emperor Ruizong died at Baifu Hall. He was enshrined into the imperial temple, along with Emperor Xuanzong's mother Consort Dou, who was posthumously honored an empress. Emperor Xuanzong had his daughter Princess Wan'an become a Taoist nun to seek blessings for Emperor Ruizong.

Era names


First reign

  • Wenming (?? wén míng) 684
  • Guangzhai (?? guang zhái) 684
  • Chuigong (?? chúi gong) 685-689
  • Yongchang (?? yong chang) 689
  • Zaichu (?? zai chu) 690


Second reign

  • Jingyun (?? jing yún) 710-712
  • Taiji (?? tài jí) 712
  • Yanhe (?? yán hé) 712


Chancellors during reign


First reign

  • Liu Rengui
    Liu Rengui

    Liu Rengui , courtesy name Zhengze , formally Duke Wenxian of Lecheng , was a general and official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang and the subsequent regency of his wife Wu Zetian over his sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Rui...
     (684-685)
  • Pei Yan
    Pei Yan

    Pei Yan , courtesy name Zilong , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, as well as regent by his wife Wu Zetian over their sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (684)
  • Guo Daiju
    Guo Daiju

    Guo Daiju was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang as well as the regent of Emperor Gaozong's wife Wu Zetian over their sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (684)
  • Cen Changqian
    Cen Changqian

    Cen Changqian , briefly known as Wu Changqian during the reign of Wu Zetian, formally the Duke of Deng , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, as well as Wu Zetian's reign and her earl...
     (684-690)
  • Wei Xuantong
    Wei Xuantong

    Wei Xuantong , courtesy name Hechu , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang and the regent of his wife Wu Zetian over their sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (684-689)
  • Liu Jingxian
    Liu Jingxian

    Liu Jingxian , n? Liu Qixian , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty late in the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang and the subsequent regent of Emperor Gaozong's wife Wu Zetian over their sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (684)
  • Wei Hongmin
    Wei Hongmin

    Wei Hongmin was briefly a chancellor of Tang Dynasty of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, during the first reigns of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang ....
     (684)
  • Wang Dezhen
    Wang Dezhen

    Wang Dezhen was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, briefly serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty on two occasions -- once during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang, and once during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang, when Emperor Gaozong's wife Wu Zetian served as empress dowager and regent....
     (684-685)
  • Liu Yizhi
    Liu Yizhi

    Liu Yizhi , courtesy name Ximei , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (684-687)
  • Wu Chengsi
    Wu Chengsi

    Wu Chengsi , formally Prince Xuan of Wei , was a nephew of History of China sovereign Wu Zetian and an imperial prince during her Zhou Dynasty....
     (684, 685, 689-690)
  • Li Jingchen
    Li Jingchen

    Li Jingchen was briefly a chancellor of Tang Dynasty of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (684)
  • Qian Weidao
    Qian Weidao

    Qian Weidao was twice briefly a chancellor of Tang Dynasty of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (684-685, 688)
  • Shen Junliang
    Shen Junliang

    Shen Junliang was briefly a chancellor of Tang Dynasty of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (684-685)
  • Cui Cha
    Cui Cha

    Cui Cha was briefly a chancellor of Tang Dynasty of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (684-685)
  • Wei Fangzhi
    Wei Fangzhi

    Wei Fangzhi , formally the Duke of Fuyang , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (684-690)
  • Wei Siqian
    Wei Siqian

    Wei Siqian , formal name Wei Renyue but went by the courtesy name of Siqian, formally Baron of Bochang , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (685-687)
  • Pei Judao
    Pei Judao

    Pei Judao was a general and official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (685-690)
  • Su Liangsi
    Su Liangsi

    Su Liangsi , formally the Duke of Wen , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (685-690)
  • Wei Daijia
    Wei Daijia

    Wei Daijia was a general and official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (685-689)
  • Zhang Guangfu
    Zhang Guangfu

    Zhang Guangfu was an official and general of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (687-689)
  • Wang Benli
    Wang Benli

    Wang Benli was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (688-690)
  • Fan Lübing
    Fan Lübing

    Fan L?bing was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (689-690)
  • Xing Wenwei
    Xing Wenwei

    Xing Wenwei was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and his mother Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty....
     (689-690)
  • Wu Youning
    Wu Youning

    Wu Youning , formally the Duke of Jiang , was an imperial prince during the reign of Wu Zetian and served as chancellor of Tang Dynasty both during her regent over her son Emperor Ruizong of Tang and her own reign....
     (690)


Second reign

  • Wei Anshi
    Wei Anshi

    Wei Anshi , formally Duke Wenzhen of Xun , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty several times, during the reigns of Wu Zetian, her sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang, and her grandson Emperor Shang of Tang....
     (710, 711)
  • Tang Xiujing
    Tang Xiujing

    Tang Xiujing , formal name Tang Xuan but went by the courtesy name of Xiujing, formally Duke Zhong of Song , was an official and general of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Wu Zetian, her sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor R...
     (710)
  • Li Jiao (710)
  • Su Gui
    Su Gui

    Su Gui , courtesy name Changrong or Tingshuo , formally Duke Wenzhen of Xu , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, Emperor Shang of Tang, and Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (710)
  • Zhang Renyuan
    Zhang Renyuan

    Zhang Renyuan , n? Zhang Rendan , formally the Duke of Han , was an official and general of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Wu Zetian's sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang and grandson Emperor Shang of Tang....
     (710)
  • Zhang Xi
    Zhang Xi

    Zhang Xi , formally the Duke of Pingyuan , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty on two occasions....
     (710)
  • Pei Tan
    Pei Tan

    'Pei Tan' was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty, briefly serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty.Despite Pei's high status, little is firmly established about his career except for the time that he served as chancellor -- as, unusual for a chancellor, he did not have a biography in either the Book of Tang or the Ne...
     (710)
  • Cen Xi
    Cen Xi

    Cen Xi , courtesy name Bohua , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Shang of Tang, Emperor Ruizong of Tang, and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
     (710, 712)
  • Liu Youqiu
    Liu Youqiu

    Liu Youqiu , formally Duke Wenxian of Xu , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
     (710-711, 711-712)
  • Zhong Shaojing
    Zhong Shaojing

    Zhong Shaojing , courtesy name Keda , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, briefly serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (710)
  • Li Longji
    Emperor Xuanzong of Tang

    Emperor Xuanzong of Tang , also commonly known as Emperor Ming of Tang , personal name Li Longji , known as Wu Longji from 690 to 705, was the seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty in China, reigning from 712 to 756....
     (710)
  • Li Rizhi
    Li Rizhi

    Li Rizhi was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (710-711)
  • Xue Ji
    Xue Ji

    Xue Ji , courtesy name Sitong , was an official of the History of China Tang Dynasty, briefly serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (710)
  • Yao Yuanzhi
    Yao Chong

    Yao Chong , n? Yao Yuanchong , known 700s-713 by the courtesy name of Yuanzhi , formally Duke Wenxian of Liang , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor of Tang Dynasty under four sovereigns -- Wu Zetian, her sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor...
     (710-711)
  • Wei Sili
    Wei Sili

    Wei Sili , courtesy name Yan'gou , formally Duke Xiao of Xiaoyao , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Wu Zetian, her sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang, and her grandson Emperor Shang of Tan...
     (710)
  • Xiao Zhizhong
    Xiao Zhizhong

    Xiao Zhizhong was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Wu Zetian's sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang and grandsons Emperor Shang of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
     (710)
  • Zhao Yanzhao
    Zhao Yanzhao

    Zhao Yanzhao , courtesy name Huanran , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang, Emperor Shang of Tang, and Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (710)
  • Cui Shi
    Cui Shi

    Cui Shi , courtesy name Chenglan , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Wu Zetian's sons Emperor Zhongzong of Tang and Emperor Ruizong of Tang and grandsons Emperor Shang of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
     (710, 711-712)
  • Cui Riyong
    Cui Riyong

    Cui Riyong , formally Duke Zhao of Qi , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, briefly serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reign of Emperor Ruizong of Tang....
     (710)
  • Song Jing
    Song Jing

    Song Jing , formally Duke Wenzhen of Guangping , was an official of the History of China Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
     (710-711)
  • Li Chengqi
    Li Chengqi

    Li Chengqi , known as Wu Chengqi during the reign of his grandmother Wu Zetian and as Li Xian after 716, formally Emperor Rang , was an imperial prince of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty who served as crown prince during the first reign of his father Emperor Ruizong of Tang who yielded that position to his young...
     (710)
  • Guo Yuanzhen
    Guo Yuanzhen

    Guo Yuanzhen , formal name Guo Zhen but went by the courtesy name of Yuanzhen, was an official, general, and diplomat of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
     (711)
  • Zhang Shuo (711)
  • Dou Huaizhen
    Dou Huaizhen

    Dou Huaizhen , known by his courtesy name Dou Congyi during the reign of Emperor Zhongzong of Tang , posthumously renamed Du Huaizhen , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and Emperor Xuanzo...
     (711, 712)
  • Lu Xiangxian
    Lu Xiangxian

    Lu Xiangxian , n? Lu Jingchu , formally Duke Wenzhen of Yan , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
     (711-712)
  • Wei Zhigu
    Wei Zhigu

    Wei Zhigu , formally Duke Zhong of Liang , was an official of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor of Tang Dynasty during the reigns of Emperor Ruizong of Tang and Emperor Xuanzong of Tang....
     (711-712)


Personal information

  • Father
    • Emperor Gaozong of Tang
      Emperor Gaozong of Tang

      Emperor Gaozong of Tang , personal name Li Zhi , was the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty in History of China, ruling from 649 to 683 . Emperor Gaozong was the son of Emperor Taizong of Tang and Empress Zhangsun ....
  • Mother
    • Wu Zetian
      Wu Zetian

      Wu Zetian , personal name Wu Zhao , often referred to as Tian Hou during Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Emperor of China....
  • Wife
    • Empress Liu
      Empress Liu (Ruizong)

      Empress Liu , formally Empress Sumingshunsheng or Empress Suming in short, was an empress of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty....
       (created 684, demoted to crown princess 690, killed by Wu Zetian 693), mother of Prince Xian and Princesses Shouchang and Dai
  • Major Concubines
    • Consort Dou (killed by Wu Zetian 693), mother of Crown Prince Longji and Princesses Jinxian and Yuzhen, posthumously honored Empress Zhaochengshunsheng
    • Consort Liu, mother of Prince Hui
    • Consort Cui, mother of Prince Fan (may be the same as the mother of Princess Xi)
    • Consort Wang, mother of Prince Ye
    • Consort Cui, mother of Princess Xi (may be the same as the mother of Prince Fan)
  • Children
    • Li Xian, né Li Chengqi
      Li Chengqi

      Li Chengqi , known as Wu Chengqi during the reign of his grandmother Wu Zetian and as Li Xian after 716, formally Emperor Rang , was an imperial prince of the History of China dynasty Tang Dynasty who served as crown prince during the first reign of his father Emperor Ruizong of Tang who yielded that position to his young...
      (changed 716) (b. 679), initially the Prince of Yongping, later Crown Prince (created 684), later Imperial Grandson (created 690), later Prince of Shouchun (created 693), later Prince of Song (created 710), later Prince of Ning (created 716, d. 741), posthumously honored Emperor Rang
    • Li Hui, né Li Chengyi (changed 716), initially the Prince of Heng (created 687), later the Prince of Hengyang (created 693), later the Prince of Shen (created 710, d. 724), posthumously honored Crown Prince Huizhuang
    • Li Longji, initially the Prince of Chu (created 687), later the Prince of Linzi (created 693), later the Prince of Ping (created 710), later Crown Prince
      Crown Prince

      A Crown Prince or Crown Princess is the heir apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
       (created 710), later Emperor Xuanzong of Tang
      Emperor Xuanzong of Tang

      Emperor Xuanzong of Tang , also commonly known as Emperor Ming of Tang , personal name Li Longji , known as Wu Longji from 690 to 705, was the seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty in China, reigning from 712 to 756....
    • Li Fan, né Li Longfan (changed 712?), initially the Prince of Zheng, later the Prince of Wei (created 687), later the Prince of Baling (created 693), later the Prince of Qi (created 710, d. 726), posthumously honored Crown Prince Huiwen
    • Li Ye, né Li Longye (changed 712?), initially the Prince of Zhao (created 687), later the Prince of Zhongshan (created 693), later the Prince of Pengcheng, later the Prince of Xue (created 710, d. 734), posthumously honored Crown Prince Huixuan
    • Li Longti, initially the Prince of Ru'nan, died early, posthumously honored the Prince of Sui
    • Princess Shouchang
    • Princess Zhaohuai of Anxing
    • Princess Jingshan
    • Princess Huaiyang
    • Li Hua, the Princess Dai
    • Princess Liang, courtesy name Huazhuang
    • Princess Xue
    • Princess Xi
    • Princess Jinxian
    • Princess Yuzhen, courtesy name Chiying
    • Princess Huo (killed by An Lushan
      An Lushan

      An Lushan , n? Aluoshan or Galuoshan , posthumous name Prince La of Yan , was a military leader of Sogdian-Turkic peoples or Iranian peoples-Turkish people origin during the Tang Dynasty in China....
       756)