Linghu Tao
Encyclopedia
Linghu Tao courtesy name Zizhi (子直), formally the Duke of Zhao (趙公), was an official of the Chinese
dynasty Tang Dynasty
. He was the leading chancellor during the last nine years of the reign of Emperor Xuānzong
, but was removed from his chancellor position after Emperor Xuānzong's death, subsequently serving several terms as military governor (Jiedushi
) in the circuits.
, who was a prominent official under several emperors, including serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xianzong
, and Linghu Tao had an older brother named Linghu Xu (令狐緒).
Linghu Tao passed the imperial examination
s in the Jinshi class in 830, during the reign of Emperor Xianzong's grandson Emperor Wenzong
. He was thereafter made a copyeditor at Hongwen Pavilion (弘文館). Early in Emperor Wenzong's Kaifeng era (836-840), he served as Zuo Shiyi (左拾遺), a low-level advisory official at the examination bureau of government (門下省, Menxia Sheng). When Linghu Chu died in 837, he left governmental service to observe a period of mourning. After the period was over, he was given his old office back, and then promoted to Zuo Bujue (左補闕) and also made an editor of imperial histories. He later was made Kubu Yuanwailang (庫部員外郎) and then Hubu Yuanwailang (戶部員外郎), both low-level offices at the ministry of census (戶部, Hubu). In 845, during the reign of Emperor Wenzong's brother Emperor Wuzong
, he was sent out of the capital Chang'an
to serve as the prefect of Hu Prefecture (湖州, in modern Huzhou
, Jiangsu
).
was emperor, there was an occasion when Emperor Xuānzong was recalling the events at Emperor Xuānzong's funeral with the chancellor Bai Minzhong
. Emperor Xuānzong stated that he remembered an official who, during a storm during the funeral procession, held onto Emperor Xianzong's casket and did not let go even as everyone else was scattering, and Bai stated that it was Linghu Chu. When Emperor Xuānzong then asked whether Linghu Chu had sons and whether the sons had capability to be chancellor, Bai mentioned Linghu Xu and Linghu Tao, and further opined that Linghu Xu had long been debilitated by arthritis
, but that Linghu Tao was capable. Emperor Xuānzong then promoted LInghu Chu to be Kaogong Langzhong (考功郎中, a supervisory official at the ministry of civil service affairs (吏部, Libu)) and put him in charge of drafting edicts. When Linghu Tao met with Emperor Xuānzong to thank him, Emperor Xuānzong further asked him about the events during Emperor Xianzong's reign; Linghu was able to recount them in detail. This pleased Emperor Xuānzong, who began to consider him for even higher promotions.
In 848, Linghu was made an imperial scholar (翰林學士, Hanlin Xueshi). There was an occasion when Emperor Xuānzong was asking Linghu to read him what Linghu would consider to be the key part of the Golden Mirror (金鏡) — a work authored by Emperor Xuānzong's distinguished ancestor Emperor Taizong
— when Linghu read, "If the state is in confusion, it is not necessarily not the case that you have commissioned those who are inappropriate; if the state is being governed well, it is not necessarily not the case that you have commissioned those who are faithful and wise." Emperor Xuānzong approved of this selection greatly. In 849, Linghu was made Zhongshu Sheren (中書舍人), a mid-level official at the legislative bureau (中書省, Zhongshu Sheng) and created the Baron of Pengyang, and soon thereafter made deputy chief imperial censor (御史中丞, Yushi Zhongcheng). In 850, he was made the deputy minister of census (戶部侍郎) and put in charge of tax collection.
In 857, Linghu's chancellor colleague Wei Mo
was removed from his chancellor position and made the military governor (Jiedushi
) of Xichuan Circuit (西川, headquartered in modern Chengdu
, Sichuan
), purportedly because Wei was strict and blunt, causing apprehension by Linghu.
In 858, there was an occasion when Emperor Xuānzong wanted to declare a general pardon, which Linghu opposed on the basis of the expense involved (as general pardons customarily required bestowing of rewards to imperial guard soldiers) and that the state should not have repeated pardons without good reasons. (Emperor Xuānzong had previously declared general pardons four times in his reign — in 847, 848, 850, and 853.) When Linghu's colleague Cui Shenyou
subsequently suggested that if Emperor Xuānzong created one of his sons Crown Prince
that that would be a good reason to declare a general pardon, Emperor Xuānzong, who did not want to create a crown prince, was displeased with Cui and subsequently removed Cui from his chancellor position, but nothing occurred to Linghu. Still, Linghu, despite his lengthy service under Emperor Xuānzong, was continuously apprehensive of the emperor's strictness as well. On one occasion, when Linghu violated Emperor Xuānzong's order that when prefectural prefects who were being transferred from one prefecture to another, the prefect were to come to Chang'an so that Emperor Xuānzong could personally review their reports, Emperor Xuānzong made sarcastic remarks that the chancellor had abrogated imperial orders, but carried out no negative actions against Linghu.
During Linghu's term as chancellor, his sons Linghu Hao (令狐滈), Linghu Huan (令狐渙), and Linghu Feng (令狐渢), in order to avoid appearances of favoritism, did not submit themselves for imperial examinations. Still, Linghu Hao, in particular, developed a reputation for living luxuriously, receiving bribes, and influencing his father's governance, particularly because he was also related by marriage to the influential imperial scholar Zheng Hao (鄭顥), who was Emperor Xuānzong's son-in-law. It was said that because of this, the officials and the people had much resentment for Linghu Tao as well. By the end of Emperor Xuānzong's reign, Linghu was also, in addition to being chancellor, minister of civil service affairs (吏部尚書, Libu Shangshu), You Pushe (右僕射, one of the heads of the executive bureau (尚書省, Shangshu Sheng)), and the Duke of Liang.
; during the brief mourning period, Linghu Tao served as regent
. Later in the year, with many officials having resented Linghu for his long hold on power and Linghu Hao's lifestyle, there were many accusations against Linghu Tao. As a result, Linghu was removed from his chancellor position and sent to Hezhong Circuit (河中, headquartered in modern Yuncheng, Shanxi) to serve as its military governor, continuing to carry the Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi title as an honorary title; he was also made the mayor of Hezhong's capital Hezhong Municipality. In 861, he was made the military governor of Xuanwu Circuit (宣武, headquartered in modern Kaifeng
, Henan
), as well as the prefect of its capital Bian Prefecture (汴州). In 862, he was made the deputy military governor of Huainan Circuit (淮南, headquartered in modern Yangzhou
, acting as military governor.
In 863, Linghu Hao had, after finally submitting himself for imperial examinations and passed in the Jinshi class, been made Zuo Shiyi (左拾遺) — which led to many objections by advisory officials, pointing out Linghu Hao's misdeeds while Linghu Tao was chancellor. Linghu Hao, in fear, declined the position and was made an assistant to the Crown Prince's head of household. In 864, Linghu Tao submitted a petition defending Linghu Hao; as a result, Emperor Yizong demoted two of the officials who were harshest in their criticism against Linghu Hao, Zhang Yun (張雲) and Liu Shui (劉蛻).
In 868, expeditionary soldiers sent from Xusi Circuit (徐泗, headquartered in modern Xuzhou
, Jiangsu
) to help defend the border with Nanzhao at Gui Prefecture (桂州, in modern Guilin
, Guangxi
), angry that they had been stationed there for four years (one more year past the originally promised term of three years) and were set to be stationed there for yet another year, mutinied under the leadership of the officer Pang Xun
and headed back toward Xusi. As they passed through Linghu's Huainan Circuit, Linghu placated them by supplying them with food, despite suggestions by his officer Li Xiang (李湘) that he should attack and destroy them, as Linghu only wanted them to spare Huainan. Subsequently, when the mutineers openly rebelled and attacked Xusi's prefectures, including capturing the capital Xu Prefecture (徐州) and putting Si Prefecture (泗州, in modern Huai'an
, Jiangsu
) under siege, Emperor Yizong ordered Huainan troops to help relieve Si Prefecture. Linghu sent troops, with Li commanding them, along with the eunuch monitor Guo Houben (郭厚本). The Xusi mutineers, however, defeated the Huainan troops and captured most of them, including Li and Guo, whose hands and feet they cut off. Linghu was able to buy some time to recover by convincing Pang that he was going to request that Emperor Yizong pardon and officially commission Pang. Still, given his defeat, he was soon replaced by Ma Ju (馬舉). He was given the honorary title of Taibao (太保) but with his office at the eastern capital Luoyang
.
was emperor, Linghu Tao was made the military governor of Fengxiang Circuit (鳳翔, headquartered in modern Baoji
, Shaanxi
), and the mayor of its capital Fengxiang Municipality. He was also created the Duke of Zhao, and reconferred the Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi title as an honorary title. In 876, with the Tang governmental troops deeply engaged against the agrarian rebels under Wang Xianzhi
and Huang Chao
, Emperor Yizong had Linghu and Li Kan (李侃) the military governor of Binning Circuit (邠寧, headquartered in modern Xianyang
, Shaanxi
), select 1,000 infantry soldiers and 500 cavalry soldiers to help defend Tong Pass against a possible attack by the agrarian rebels. That was the last historical record of an act by Linghu, who died while still serving at Fengxiang Circuit, at the age of 77, and was given posthumous honors, but the year was not known.
History of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
dynasty Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China 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 leading chancellor during the last nine years of the reign of Emperor Xuānzong
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. His reign of 43 years was the longest during the Tang Dynasty...
, but was removed from his chancellor position after Emperor Xuānzong's death, subsequently serving several terms as military governor (Jiedushi
Jiedushi
The Jiedushi were regional military governors in China during the Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. Originally set up to counter external threats, the jiedushi were given enormous power, including the ability to maintain their own armies, collect taxes, and pass their...
) in the circuits.
Background and early career
It is not known when Linghu Tao was born. He was probably the second son of Linghu ChuLinghu Chu
Linghu Chu , courtesy name Keshi , formally Duke Wen of Pengyang , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Xianzong and Emperor Xianzong's son Emperor Muzong.- Background :Linghu Chu was born in 766, during the reign of Emperor...
, who was a prominent official under several emperors, including serving as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xianzong
Emperor Xianzong of Tang
Emperor Xianzong of Tang , personal name Li Chun , né Li Chun , was an emperor of the Chinese Tang Dynasty...
, and Linghu Tao had an older brother named Linghu Xu (令狐緒).
Linghu Tao passed the imperial examination
Imperial examination
The Imperial examination was an examination system in Imperial China designed to select the best administrative officials for the state's bureaucracy. This system had a huge influence on both society and culture in Imperial China and was directly responsible for the creation of a class of...
s in the Jinshi class in 830, during the reign of Emperor Xianzong's grandson Emperor Wenzong
Emperor Wenzong of Tang
Emperor Wenzong of Tang , personal name Li Ang , né Li Han , was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China. He reigned from 827 to 840. Emperor Wenzong was the second son of Emperor Muzong and younger brother of Emperor Jingzong...
. He was thereafter made a copyeditor at Hongwen Pavilion (弘文館). Early in Emperor Wenzong's Kaifeng era (836-840), he served as Zuo Shiyi (左拾遺), a low-level advisory official at the examination bureau of government (門下省, Menxia Sheng). When Linghu Chu died in 837, he left governmental service to observe a period of mourning. After the period was over, he was given his old office back, and then promoted to Zuo Bujue (左補闕) and also made an editor of imperial histories. He later was made Kubu Yuanwailang (庫部員外郎) and then Hubu Yuanwailang (戶部員外郎), both low-level offices at the ministry of census (戶部, Hubu). In 845, during the reign of Emperor Wenzong's brother Emperor Wuzong
Emperor Wuzong of Tang
Emperor Wuzong of Tang , né Li Chan , later changed to Li Yan just before his death, was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, reigning from 840 to 846. Emperor Wuzong is mainly known in modern times for the religious persecution that occurred during his reign...
, he was sent out of the capital Chang'an
Chang'an
Chang'an is an ancient capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history, today known as Xi'an. Chang'an literally means "Perpetual Peace" in Classical Chinese. During the short-lived Xin Dynasty, the city was renamed "Constant Peace" ; yet after its fall in AD 23, the old name was restored...
to serve as the prefect of Hu Prefecture (湖州, in modern Huzhou
Huzhou
Huzhou is a prefecture-level city in northern Zhejiang province of Eastern China. Lying south of the Lake Tai, it borders Jiaxing to the east, Hangzhou to the south, and the provinces of Anhui and Jiangsu to the west and north respectively.-Administration:...
, Jiangsu
Jiangsu
' is a province of the People's Republic of China, located along the east coast of the country. The name comes from jiang, short for the city of Jiangning , and su, for the city of Suzhou. The abbreviation for this province is "苏" , the second character of its name...
).
Before chancellorship
In 847 or 848, when Emperor Wuzong's uncle (Emperor Xianzong's younger son) Emperor XuānzongEmperor 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. His reign of 43 years was the longest during the Tang Dynasty...
was emperor, there was an occasion when Emperor Xuānzong was recalling the events at Emperor Xuānzong's funeral with the chancellor Bai Minzhong
Bai Minzhong
Bai Minzhong , courtesy name Yonghui , formally Duke Chou of Taiyuan , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Emperor Xuānzong and Emperor Xuānzong's son Emperor Yizong...
. Emperor Xuānzong stated that he remembered an official who, during a storm during the funeral procession, held onto Emperor Xianzong's casket and did not let go even as everyone else was scattering, and Bai stated that it was Linghu Chu. When Emperor Xuānzong then asked whether Linghu Chu had sons and whether the sons had capability to be chancellor, Bai mentioned Linghu Xu and Linghu Tao, and further opined that Linghu Xu had long been debilitated by arthritis
Arthritis
Arthritis is a form of joint disorder that involves inflammation of one or more joints....
, but that Linghu Tao was capable. Emperor Xuānzong then promoted LInghu Chu to be Kaogong Langzhong (考功郎中, a supervisory official at the ministry of civil service affairs (吏部, Libu)) and put him in charge of drafting edicts. When Linghu Tao met with Emperor Xuānzong to thank him, Emperor Xuānzong further asked him about the events during Emperor Xianzong's reign; Linghu was able to recount them in detail. This pleased Emperor Xuānzong, who began to consider him for even higher promotions.
In 848, Linghu was made an imperial scholar (翰林學士, Hanlin Xueshi). There was an occasion when Emperor Xuānzong was asking Linghu to read him what Linghu would consider to be the key part of the Golden Mirror (金鏡) — a work authored by Emperor Xuānzong's distinguished ancestor Emperor Taizong
Emperor Taizong of Tang
Emperor Taizong of Tang , personal name Lǐ Shìmín , was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649...
— when Linghu read, "If the state is in confusion, it is not necessarily not the case that you have commissioned those who are inappropriate; if the state is being governed well, it is not necessarily not the case that you have commissioned those who are faithful and wise." Emperor Xuānzong approved of this selection greatly. In 849, Linghu was made Zhongshu Sheren (中書舍人), a mid-level official at the legislative bureau (中書省, Zhongshu Sheng) and created the Baron of Pengyang, and soon thereafter made deputy chief imperial censor (御史中丞, Yushi Zhongcheng). In 850, he was made the deputy minister of census (戶部侍郎) and put in charge of tax collection.
Chancellorship
Also in 850, by which time Linghu Tao was referred to as deputy minister of defense (兵部侍郎, Bingbu Shilang) as well as chief imperial scholar (翰林學士承旨, Hanlin Xueshi Chengzhi), he made a chancellor de facto with the designation Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi (同中書門下平章事). For the next nine years, Linghu would serve as, in effect, the leading chancellor. At one point, Emperor Xuānzong, who was considered a relatively forceful emperor, discussed with Linghu the possibility of slaughtering the eunuchs, whose control over imperial governance had grown over the years. Linghu feared that a general slaughter would victimize the innocent as well as the guilty, and therefore instead advocated, in a secret report to Emperor Xuānzong, that he should instead eliminate the eunuchs by attrition — by punishing those who were guilty and by not replenishing their ranks. When the eunuchs became aware of this report, however, they were nevertheless resentful of Linghu and the other officials that they considered to be behind the report.In 857, Linghu's chancellor colleague Wei Mo
Wei Mo
Wei Mo , courtesy name Shenzhi , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xuānzong.- Background :Wei Mo was born in 793, during the reign of Emperor Dezong...
was removed from his chancellor position and made the military governor (Jiedushi
Jiedushi
The Jiedushi were regional military governors in China during the Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. Originally set up to counter external threats, the jiedushi were given enormous power, including the ability to maintain their own armies, collect taxes, and pass their...
) of Xichuan Circuit (西川, headquartered in modern Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu , formerly transliterated Chengtu, is the capital of Sichuan province in Southwest China. It holds sub-provincial administrative status...
, Sichuan
Sichuan
' , known formerly in the West by its postal map spellings of Szechwan or Szechuan is a province in Southwest China with its capital in Chengdu...
), purportedly because Wei was strict and blunt, causing apprehension by Linghu.
In 858, there was an occasion when Emperor Xuānzong wanted to declare a general pardon, which Linghu opposed on the basis of the expense involved (as general pardons customarily required bestowing of rewards to imperial guard soldiers) and that the state should not have repeated pardons without good reasons. (Emperor Xuānzong had previously declared general pardons four times in his reign — in 847, 848, 850, and 853.) When Linghu's colleague Cui Shenyou
Cui Shenyou
Cui Shenyou , courtesy name Jingzhi , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xuānzong.- Background and early career :It is not known when Cui Shenyou was born...
subsequently suggested that if Emperor Xuānzong created one of his sons Crown Prince
Crown Prince
A crown prince or crown princess is the heir or heiress apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
that that would be a good reason to declare a general pardon, Emperor Xuānzong, who did not want to create a crown prince, was displeased with Cui and subsequently removed Cui from his chancellor position, but nothing occurred to Linghu. Still, Linghu, despite his lengthy service under Emperor Xuānzong, was continuously apprehensive of the emperor's strictness as well. On one occasion, when Linghu violated Emperor Xuānzong's order that when prefectural prefects who were being transferred from one prefecture to another, the prefect were to come to Chang'an so that Emperor Xuānzong could personally review their reports, Emperor Xuānzong made sarcastic remarks that the chancellor had abrogated imperial orders, but carried out no negative actions against Linghu.
During Linghu's term as chancellor, his sons Linghu Hao (令狐滈), Linghu Huan (令狐渙), and Linghu Feng (令狐渢), in order to avoid appearances of favoritism, did not submit themselves for imperial examinations. Still, Linghu Hao, in particular, developed a reputation for living luxuriously, receiving bribes, and influencing his father's governance, particularly because he was also related by marriage to the influential imperial scholar Zheng Hao (鄭顥), who was Emperor Xuānzong's son-in-law. It was said that because of this, the officials and the people had much resentment for Linghu Tao as well. By the end of Emperor Xuānzong's reign, Linghu was also, in addition to being chancellor, minister of civil service affairs (吏部尚書, Libu Shangshu), You Pushe (右僕射, one of the heads of the executive bureau (尚書省, Shangshu Sheng)), and the Duke of Liang.
During Emperor Yizong's reign
Emperor Xuānzong died in 859 and was succeeded by his son Emperor YizongEmperor Yizong of Tang
Emperor Yizong of Tang , né Li Wen , later changed to Li Cui , was an emperor of the Tang dynasty of China. He reigned from 859 to 873. Yizong was the eldest son of Emperor Xuānzong...
; during the brief mourning period, Linghu Tao served as regent
Regent
A regent, from the Latin regens "one who reigns", is a person selected to act as head of state because the ruler is a minor, not present, or debilitated. Currently there are only two ruling Regencies in the world, sovereign Liechtenstein and the Malaysian constitutive state of Terengganu...
. Later in the year, with many officials having resented Linghu for his long hold on power and Linghu Hao's lifestyle, there were many accusations against Linghu Tao. As a result, Linghu was removed from his chancellor position and sent to Hezhong Circuit (河中, headquartered in modern Yuncheng, Shanxi) to serve as its military governor, continuing to carry the Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi title as an honorary title; he was also made the mayor of Hezhong's capital Hezhong Municipality. In 861, he was made the military governor of Xuanwu Circuit (宣武, headquartered in modern Kaifeng
Kaifeng
Kaifeng , known previously by several names , is a prefecture-level city in east-central Henan province, Central China. Nearly 5 million people live in the metropolitan area...
, Henan
Henan
Henan , is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the central part of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "豫" , named after Yuzhou , a Han Dynasty state that included parts of Henan...
), as well as the prefect of its capital Bian Prefecture (汴州). In 862, he was made the deputy military governor of Huainan Circuit (淮南, headquartered in modern Yangzhou
Yangzhou
Yangzhou is a prefecture-level city in central Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China. Sitting on the northern bank of the Yangtze River, it borders the provincial capital of Nanjing to the southwest, Huai'an to the north, Yancheng to the northeast, Taizhou to the east, and Zhenjiang across...
, acting as military governor.
In 863, Linghu Hao had, after finally submitting himself for imperial examinations and passed in the Jinshi class, been made Zuo Shiyi (左拾遺) — which led to many objections by advisory officials, pointing out Linghu Hao's misdeeds while Linghu Tao was chancellor. Linghu Hao, in fear, declined the position and was made an assistant to the Crown Prince's head of household. In 864, Linghu Tao submitted a petition defending Linghu Hao; as a result, Emperor Yizong demoted two of the officials who were harshest in their criticism against Linghu Hao, Zhang Yun (張雲) and Liu Shui (劉蛻).
In 868, expeditionary soldiers sent from Xusi Circuit (徐泗, headquartered in modern Xuzhou
Xuzhou
Xuzhou , otherwise known as Pengcheng in ancient times, is a major city in and the fourth largest prefecture-level city of Jiangsu province, People's Republic of China...
, Jiangsu
Jiangsu
' is a province of the People's Republic of China, located along the east coast of the country. The name comes from jiang, short for the city of Jiangning , and su, for the city of Suzhou. The abbreviation for this province is "苏" , the second character of its name...
) to help defend the border with Nanzhao at Gui Prefecture (桂州, in modern Guilin
Guilin
Guilin is a prefecture-level city in the northeast of the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of far southern China, sitting on the west bank of the Li River. Its name means "forest of Sweet Osmanthus", owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city...
, Guangxi
Guangxi
Guangxi, formerly romanized Kwangsi, is a province of southern China along its border with Vietnam. In 1958, it became the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China, a region with special privileges created specifically for the Zhuang people.Guangxi's location, in...
), angry that they had been stationed there for four years (one more year past the originally promised term of three years) and were set to be stationed there for yet another year, mutinied under the leadership of the officer Pang Xun
Pang Xun
Pang Xun was the leader of a major rebellion, by soldiers from Xu Prefecture , against the rule of Emperor Yizong of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, from 868 to 869...
and headed back toward Xusi. As they passed through Linghu's Huainan Circuit, Linghu placated them by supplying them with food, despite suggestions by his officer Li Xiang (李湘) that he should attack and destroy them, as Linghu only wanted them to spare Huainan. Subsequently, when the mutineers openly rebelled and attacked Xusi's prefectures, including capturing the capital Xu Prefecture (徐州) and putting Si Prefecture (泗州, in modern Huai'an
Huai'an
Huai'an , known as Huaiyin before 2001, is a prefecture-level city in northern Jiangsu province of Eastern China. It borders Suqian to the northwest, Lianyungang to the north, Yancheng to the east, Yangzhou to the southeast, and the province of Anhui to the southwest.The municipality has 4,799,889...
, Jiangsu
Jiangsu
' is a province of the People's Republic of China, located along the east coast of the country. The name comes from jiang, short for the city of Jiangning , and su, for the city of Suzhou. The abbreviation for this province is "苏" , the second character of its name...
) under siege, Emperor Yizong ordered Huainan troops to help relieve Si Prefecture. Linghu sent troops, with Li commanding them, along with the eunuch monitor Guo Houben (郭厚本). The Xusi mutineers, however, defeated the Huainan troops and captured most of them, including Li and Guo, whose hands and feet they cut off. Linghu was able to buy some time to recover by convincing Pang that he was going to request that Emperor Yizong pardon and officially commission Pang. Still, given his defeat, he was soon replaced by Ma Ju (馬舉). He was given the honorary title of Taibao (太保) but with his office at the eastern capital Luoyang
Luoyang
Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of Central 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.Situated on the central plain of...
.
During Emperor Xizong's reign
In 875, by which time Emperor Yizong's son Emperor XizongEmperor Xizong of Tang
Emperor Xizong of Tang , né Li Yan , later name changed to Li Xuan , was an emperor of the Tang dynasty of China. He reigned from 873 to 888. He was the fifth son of his predecessor Emperor Yizong and was the elder brother of his successor Emperor Zhaozong...
was emperor, Linghu Tao was made the military governor of Fengxiang Circuit (鳳翔, headquartered in modern Baoji
Baoji
Baoji is a prefecture-level city in Shaanxi province, China.-Geography:The prefecture-level city of Baoji has a population of 3,716,731 according to the 2010 Chinese census, inhabiting an area of . The city itself has a population of approximately 800,000. Surrounded on three sides by hills,...
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
), and the mayor of its capital Fengxiang Municipality. He was also created the Duke of Zhao, and reconferred the Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi title as an honorary title. In 876, with the Tang governmental troops deeply engaged against the agrarian rebels under Wang Xianzhi
Wang Xianzhi
Wang Xianzhi , courtesy name Zijing , was a famous Chinese calligrapher of the Eastern Jin.He was the seventh and youngest son of the famed Wang Xizhi. Wang inherited his father's talent for the art, although his siblings were all notable calligraphers. His style is more fluid than his father's,...
and Huang Chao
Huang Chao
Huang Chao was the leader of the Huang Chao Rebellion , known in mainland China as the Huang Chao Revolution in China that seriously weakened the once mighty Tang Dynasty of China...
, Emperor Yizong had Linghu and Li Kan (李侃) the military governor of Binning Circuit (邠寧, headquartered in modern Xianyang
Xianyang
Xianyang is a former capital of China in Shaanxi province, on the Wei River, a few kilometers upstream from Xi'an. It has an area of...
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
), select 1,000 infantry soldiers and 500 cavalry soldiers to help defend Tong Pass against a possible attack by the agrarian rebels. That was the last historical record of an act by Linghu, who died while still serving at Fengxiang Circuit, at the age of 77, and was given posthumous honors, but the year was not known.