Minghuang: Emperor Li Longji of the Tang Dynasty

Author: Zuo Yunlin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-05-01
Features: This book is part of the "Chinese Emperors Series" and focuses on Emperor Li Longji of the Tang Dynasty. After Wu Zetian's death, Empress Wei conspired with Zong Chu Ke to poison her husband, Emperor Zhongzong, aiming to become the second Wu Zetian. Li Longji launched the Xuanwu Gate coup, crushing Empress Wei's ambitions. After ascending the throne, he also thwarted the coup attempt by his aunt, Princess Taiping. In the early years of his reign, he employed capable and upright ministers like Yao Chong and Song Qian, leading the Tang Dynasty to an unprecedented period of prosperity. However, in the later years of his reign, he grew arrogant and indulged in extravagance, entrusting most of his power to Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong. Li and Yang both conspired with each other while also distrusting one another, each building their own factions and creating numerous wrongful convictions. The Great Tang Empire fell into ever-deepening crises, ultimately leading to the "An Lushan Rebellion." Li Longji fled west from Chang'an, and at Mawei Pass, mutinous soldiers killed Yang Guozhong, forcing Li Longji to execute his favorite concubine, Yang Yuhuan. Prince Li Heng seized the opportunity to seize the throne. After Chang'an was recaptured, Li Longji returned to the palace but was now under control, far from his former glory. In sorrow, he ended his flamboyant life. Meanwhile, Li Heng and the Empress also perished in the power struggle. This book selects several major events from Li Longji's life, vividly depicting the human drama of the peak period of the feudal society with a masterful pen, full of dramatic twists and turns, and imbued with a rich sense of legend.