Emperor Daizong of Tang

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Emperor Tang Daizong 唐代宗李豫 (726–779), born Li Chu (李俶), and since 758, he renamed himself as Li Yu (李豫). He was the eighth emperor of the Tang dynasty and reigned from 762 to 779. He was the son of Emperor Suzong. During the An Lushan Rebellion, he acted as a general and was responsible to represent the royal family at the two capitals (Luoyang and Chang'an). At the beginning of his reign, general prefect-king of Fenyang Guo Ziyi successfully quelled the Anshi Rebellion, which had plagued the dynasty for over seven years. In 763, while both Daizong and Guo were in Luoyang, Tibetan forces suddenly occupied the capital of Chang'an. The Tibetan forces were however defeated within a few days.

Other notable events during Daizong's reign included a plot by a corrupt eunuch name Li Fuguo to gain control of the administration by murdering Daizong's stepmother. Later on, Li tried to confine Daizong to the palace while he attended to affairs of state. Daizong realized Li's motives and staged a comeback by having Li assassinated along with numerous other corrupt eunuchs. Daizong was a deep believer of Buddhism and he spent huge sums of money on building temples and shrines. Later this would prove to be a financial burden for the empire and hastened the decline of the dynasty.

Preceded by Emperor Suzong

Emperor of Tang China 762–779

Succeeded by Emperor Dezong