Mystery of the Death of Chinese Emperors

Author: Ren Jixiang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: The behavior and supreme power of Wu Zetian made Empress Wei envious. She often dreamed of one day becoming a powerful female emperor like Wu Zetian. The long period of house arrest had forged her resilient character, and her effective control over Emperor Zhongzong were her advantages. Therefore, after Emperor Zhongzong was restored to the throne, power naturally fell into Empress Wei's hands. Under her arrangement, members of the Wei family were appointed to key government positions. Her cousin Wei Wen became the Minister of Rites, while others were promoted to generals. To consolidate her position, Empress Wei also engaged in an illicit relationship with Wu Sanxi, who later became the de facto ruler of the empire. The former leaders of the coup, seeing this situation, secretly met with Emperor Zhongzong and demanded the execution of Wu Sanxi. The foolish Emperor Zhongzong not only refused but also informed Wu Sanxi of the plot. As a result, Zhang Jianzhi and others were killed by Wu Sanxi. Without any opposing ministers, Wu Sanxi monopolized political power. To ensure the trust of Emperor Zhongzong and Empress Wei, Wu Sanxi had an affair with the trusted "secretary" Shangguan Wan'er, reigniting the debauchery in the imperial harem. The princesses, like freed beings, surpassed the princes in both activity and power. They exploited Emperor Zhongzong's trust to sell official positions, compete in building luxurious palaces, and, like men with numerous concubines, took numerous male lovers. This chaotic political situation made Crown Prince Li Chongjun realize the gravity of the situation. In 707 AD, with the support of the Right Forest Army General, Crown Prince Li Chongjun led a coup, killing Wu Sanxi and others, and then attacked the imperial harem, attempting to eliminate Empress Wei. Empress Wei and Shangguan Wan'er tricked Emperor Zhongzong into fleeing to the gate tower of Xuanwu Gate. Emperor Zhongzong followed Wan'er's advice and issued an edict rewarding those who killed the crown prince. As a result, the crown prince was killed by his own troops. The chaotic situation during Emperor Zhongzong's reign led to instability on the borders. The Turks in the north invaded and harassed, while the Tibetans in the west launched military actions. Eventually, Emperor Zhongzong had to marry his adopted daughter, Princess Jincheng, to the Tibetan leader Songtsen Gampo to pacify the western border. Meanwhile, the western regions of the empire also fell into turmoil. The conflicts between Turkic tribes were exacerbated by the manipulation of Tang officials, leading to a devastating impact on the region. Although Emperor Zhongzong later intervened to mediate, the incident was resolved, but the Tang Dynasty's hard-earned prestige was almost entirely lost. The death of Emperor Zhongzong was orchestrated by Empress Wei and her daughter, Princess Anle. One sought to emulate Wu Zetian, while the other aimed to become the crown princess and eventually succeed her father as empress. However, Emperor Zhongzong became a common obstacle for both, leading to a cruel conspiracy. In June 710, Empress Wei and Princess Anle had poison put into Emperor Zhongzong's favorite pastry, resulting in his death. They then placed the young crown prince, Li Chongmiao, who was only 16 years old, on the throne temporarily. Empress Wei, like the former Wu Zetian, assumed regency and held supreme power, preparing to usurp the throne later. They dreamt of eliminating Li Dan, Li Dan's son Li Longji, and Princess Taiping, only to establish a new dynasty like Wu Zetian. However, Li Longji struck first, leading the Forest Army with thousands of horsemen to surround the imperial harem, killing Empress Wei and Princess Anle, and nearly wiping out the Wei faction. Li Dan returned to the throne, but with Li Longji and Princess Taiping as rivals, he had no real power and abdicated after just two years, handing the throne to Li Longji. Li Longji, known as Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, brought the Tang Dynasty to its golden age, a period known as the "Kaiyuan Era."