Emperor Taizong of Tang

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Emperor Taizong of Tang
Birth and death:	Jan. 23, 599–Jul. 10, 649
Family name:	Li (李)
Given name:	Shimin (世民)
Dates of reign:	Sept. 4, 626–Jul. 10, 649
Temple name:	Taizong (太宗)
Posthumous name: (short)	Emperor Wen (文皇帝)
Posthumous name: (full)	Emperor Wen Wu Dasheng Daguang Xiao¹ 文武大聖大廣孝皇帝 [Listen (help·info)]
General note: Dates given here are in the Julian calendar. They are not in the proleptic Gregorian calendar. ——— 1. Final version of his posthumous name as given in 754.

Emperor Taizong of Tang China (Chinese: 唐太宗, January 23, 599–July 10, 649), born Lĭ ShìMín (Chinese: 李世民), was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China from 626 to 649. He encouraged his father, Li Yuan (李淵), to start the uprising that established the Tang dynasty from Taiyuan (太原), and many now consider Taizong to have been the co-founder of the dynasty. In 630, Taizong's general Li Jing (李靖) used 3000 calvary to defeat the Khan at Dingxiang in a suprise attack; therefore conquering the once mighty Eastern Turkic Khanate (東突厥) and allowed Tang to become the major political and military power of the region. Accordingly, leaders of bordering tribes convened at Chang'an (modern Xi'an) the same year and asked for Taizong to take on the title of Heavenly Khan (天可汗). Under his reign, the famous rule of Zhenguan (貞觀之治) took place (his era name was Zhenguan). At the time, it was said that there was no need for the people to lock doors at night and that items left on the road remained untouched by others. The prosperity of the era and the leadership of Taizong and his renowned officials epitomizes the peak of traditional rulership that future generations would strive to emulate. His posthumous name was Wenwu-dasheng-daguang Xiao Huangdi (文武大聖大廣孝皇帝 [Listen to pronunciation (help·info)], literally "Filial Emperor who is Civil and Martial, Greatly Holy, and Greatly Expansive").

[edit] Early Achievements

Taizong was born in Xianyang, Shaanxi as the second son of Li Yuan, and was of one-quarter Xianbei (a people related to proto-Mongolic) blood. The most capable and militarily inclined of Li Yuan's many sons, Taizong showed his promise at an early age, helping to rescue Emperor Yang from a Turkic ambush and besiegement at the age of sixteen. In 616, the eighteen-year-old Taizong followed his general-father to his garrison-post at Jinyang, Shanxi, where he instigated his father to stage a military coup against the autocratic and fast crumbling Sui regime. Leading the troops with his elder brother Li Jiancheng (李建成), the rebel army took the capital Chang'an in September 617, thereafter putting a puppet emperor on the throne before Li Yuan himself proclaimed the establishment of a new dynasty, the Tang, in 618.

After the establishment of Tang, Taizong was appointed the Prince of Qin (秦王) by his father. In the succeeding campaigns to augment the power of the new dynasty, Taizong made numerous contributions, intensifying the heated sibling rivalry between him and his two brothers—Li Jiancheng, the heir apparent, and Li Yuanji (李元吉), a younger brother.

[edit] The Palace Coup at the Xuanwu Gate

The original crown prince was Taizong's elder brother, Li Jiancheng (李建成) although their father had promised the throne to Taizong more than once for his contributions to Tang. The situation was very similar to that of the Sui Dynasty where an ordinary crown prince would feel his future throne threatened by a more capable younger brother. Fearful of losing his throne, Li Jiancheng colluded with his fourth brother, Li Yuanji (李元吉 aka Prince Qi 齊王), to eliminate Taizong. They attempted to poison Taizong during a feast and at another event urged him to ride a wild horse with hopes that he should fall. They also bribed Li Yuan's concubines to defame Taizong and tried unsuccessfully to lure his subordinates away with gold. Coincidentally, there was an Eastern Turk raid into Tang territory. Li Jiancheng recommended Li Yuanji to defend against this attack and used it as an excuse to summon many of Taizong's subordinates and soldiers out of his control. With much of Taizong's forces in Li Yuanji's command, Li Jiancheng plotted to assassinate Taizong in the farewell feast for Li Yuanji. However, Taizong was tipped of this plot and pre-empted it by ambushing and killing both Jiancheng and Yuanji at the Xuanwu Gate (玄武門之變) on July 2, 626 (武德九年六月四日). Jiancheng and Yuanji on approaching the gate sensed danger and turned their horses to flee. Taizong himself led the pursuit and struck Jiancheng dead with an arrow. Taizong's horse then became frightened and ran towards a patch of forest where Taizong fell. Yuanji suddenly appeared and tried to strangle the unhorsed Taizong with a bow. Taizong's general, Yuchi Jingde (尉遲敬德) then rode to Taizong's rescue and speared Yuanji. Jiancheng and Yuanji's forces still fought at the Xuanwu Gate, but ceased resistance upon being shown their leaders' heads. All of Jiancheng and Yuanji's sons were subsequently executed but all others involved were pardoned. Two days later, Taizong was made the new crown prince and regent (in that he would make decisions on all affairs and then notify the emperor). Two months later, Taizong's father Emperor Gaozu abdicated and he became emperor.

[edit] Emperor of Tang Dynasty (Overview)

Taizong is ranked among the greatest emperors in Chinese history, and is known as the "General from Heaven", for his undisputed skill in battle. During the period under Tang Gaozu, as Qin Lord, he would lead battles against Western Qin, Zheng, and Xia, conquering all the three and unifying mainland China at the age of 24. While emperor he was attended by talented officials and a united people; the Tang dynasty under Taizong flourished in trade, made leaping political progress, and expanded the Tang border.

After the years of conflict following the demise of Sui Dynasty, Taizong set out to improve the general conditions of China. He changed the era to Zhenguan, which remained unchanged throughout his reign, and ushered in the period known as "The Prosperity of Zhenguan". To improve agricultural output, Taizong ordered the restructuring of land distribution system and set up new irrigation systems. Taizong also encouraged the development of manufacturing industries, with porcelain, smelting and weaving industries becoming famous worldwide. These economic advances allowed Tang Dynasty to expand in foreign trade, attracting foreign merchants across the Silk Road. Reasons for his success was because he knew the troubles of the common citizens and therefore knew what to do to make the lives of the common citizens better. In addition, he knew how to use capable generals and officials, and his key officials included Wei Zheng, Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Zhangsun Wuji; the key generals included Li Shiji(campaigns against Korea, East Turk), Li Jing (campaigns against East Turk,Qinghai), Hou Junji(Qing hai and Tarim Basin/opened Silk Road), Xue Ren Gui(campaign against Korea), Su Dingfang(West Turks), and Yuchi Jingde.

During Taizong's reign, the Tang empire (along with vassals) included the Northern Section formely ruled by Western/Eastern Turks, the Tibetans as vassals, modern day Vietnam, northern part of Korea, and the mainland China. After Zhenguan Year 13, the Silk Road would be opened after Huo Junji conquered the West. All together the land during Taizong's reign would measure from East to West- 9510 li and from North to South-10918 li.

China under the Tang dynasty near its peak along with its vassals and allies in the 650s and 660s controlling nearly all of Central Asia and Mainland China. During Taizong's reign, the only countries not subdued yet in this map would be Northern Korea and half of the Western Turks

This would be near Tang's maximum expansion. Later in 668(19 years after Taizong's death), Goguryeo kingdom of Korea was conquered by her rival Silla kingdom which allied with Tang to defeat Goguryeo which was the largest military power apart from Tang in the East Asia. It's noticeable that after the 670s (more than 20 year after Taizong's death), slowly one vassal (Tibet, East Turks, and West Turks) after another would rebel due to weaker leadership under Taizong's son- Gaozong.

[edit] Imperial's reforms

Taizong also reformed the Imperial bureaucracy. He abolished the harsh laws issued during the Sui Dynasty, as well as completely revising the penal and tax codes. Taizong also adopted the Sui civil service examination system, using meritocracy as the means for hiring officials for the empire. He was also known as a humble man, hiring many officials whose sole job was to chastise or admonish him. One particular minister, Wei Zheng personally criticized Taizong over 200 times. The willingness to invite self criticism, seldom witnessed before or since became a hallmark theme of Taizong's reign.

[edit] Eastern Turks

Taizong also successfully defeated the Eastern Turks in the Northern Tang border in 630, bringing stability to the oft-battle scarred land of the North. As a result, many small states around Tang became vassal states, giving offerings of gold and treasures to Taizong every year.

The campaign sent against the Eastern Turks were sent in 629 with Li Jing as the commander in chief and Li Shiji as the 2nd in command given 100,000 men by Taizong. In the end, in 630, Li Jing would conquer the Eastern Turks (the major power of the North) inflicting damages of 200,000 to the Turks. At the same time, Li Jing also brought back the Khan to Changan. (Primary Source is the Seven Military Classic- Li Weigong answering the questions of Tang Taizong/唐太宗李衛公問對)

The Khan was first defeated by 3000 light calvary (for speed/mobility) personally chosen by Li Jing at Dingxiang where the Khan's military camp was at. The Khan then fled to Yinshang Mountain which was around Inner Mongolia. Li Jing then took 10000 soldiers in pursuit of the Khan, defeating the Khan again. When the Khan sought for peace, Li Jing attacked again. Though he fled again, he was eventually arrested by his cousin and sent to the Tang and back to Changan. As a result, the Eastern Turks would be destroyed temporary in history.

[edit] Tarim Basin, Tibet, and Western Turks

After this campaign, Taizong would eventually dispatch his soldiers to conquer the Tarim Basin area to open the Silk Road. This was accomplished in 639 AD when Huo Jun Ji defeated the kingdoms in the west. Li Jing was also dispatched in 636 to subdue the Qinghai area which was successful.

Tibet was defeated in both campaigns in 640 and 648 turning the Tibets into a vassal of the Tang until they rebelled in 670 during Gaozong's time.

The Western Turks were subdued in 7 years at 648 where the Tang would control west of the Pamir Mountain and what is today's New Dominion Province, extending the borders; however, they wouldn't be completely controlled until 657 A.D with general Su Dingfa (he fought with Li Jing against the Eastern Turks back in 630 A.D) sending in the final blow.

[edit] Competition and hesitation for his Succession

In the year 643, Taizong's fifth son Li Yu instigated a minor rebellion which was quickly defeated. That same year, Taizong uncovered and foiled a planned palace coup by the crown prince, Li Chengqian. The situation again arose from sibling rivalry reminiscent of Taizong and Jiancheng, but this time the fight for succession was between Chengqian and the fourth Son Li Tai. Chengqian was subsequently exiled and Li Tai verbally promised the position of crown prince.

With Chengqian gone, the other contender for crown prince at that moment was the ninth son Li Zhi who was more timid and kind. Taizong had a difficult time in deciding between the two. Li Tai sensed the indecision and plotted further. He told Taizong that should he become Emperor one day, he would kill his only son so that he may pass the throne to Li Zhi. Taizong was very moved and almost granted his wish on the spot. Next day, Taizong told his officials about this exchange and his new inclination. One official pointed out that Li Tai was all lies. He went on to say that Taizong was responsible for the current mess for he had named Chengqian crown prince yet favored Li Tai more. He suggested that if Li Tai was to be crown prince, Li Zhi should be killed. To which, Taizong replied that he couldn't bear it.

Li Tai then shifted tactics to Li Zhi. Li Zhi was close to an uncle whom was implicated in Chengqian's plot and later executed. Li Tai made Li Zhi worry that he would somehow be associated also. Taizong sensed Li Zhi's changed mood and asked him what had happened. Li Tai's true nature was thus revealed. Taizong called in four of his most trusted officials and expressed sorrow and disappointment at his own family. He said that if three of his sons (Chengqian, Tai and Yu) and one of his brothers can behave like they did, what hopes are there for the future ? He then pulled out a knife and tried to kill himself but was stopped. The officials then asked him who was to be crown prince, to which he said Li Zhi. Li Zhi would later become Emperor Gaozong of Tang.

[edit] Li Zhi named crown prince

Li Zhi's timid nature had always worried Taizong. Afterwards, he contemplated naming his third son Li Ke instead for he felt he was a more capable leader and protector of the Empire. Taizong's worry would not prove to be unfounded as later on through Li Zhi, Wu Zetian would come to prominence and become the only female Emperor in Chinese history and briefly ending the reign of Tang.

[edit] Korean Campaign of 645

The Sui dynasty tryed to invide Goguryeo in 598, 612, 613 & 614. Taizong campaign was in 645. Gaozong's campaigns in 661, 667 & 668. (Map: end of the 5th)

Later in Taizong's reign, he also initiated campaigns against the Korean kingdom of Goguryeo^[1], much to the opposition of many advisors. In 645, Taizong sent an army of 100,000 troops and 10,000 horses ^[2] Even though Taizong wasn't able to conquer the Gorguryo kingdom, the Tang still managed to take down the border forts and he also severly weakened the Korean defenses. After this retreat, Taizong would not send another major campaign.

After his death in 649, the Tang army again sent the army to conquer the Gorguryeos in 661 and 667, each time weakening the Gorguryan defenses more and more. Finally, the Goguryeos would fall in 668. The Tang along with another Korean kingdom-Silla, would defeat the Goguryeo once and for all by having the Tang attack from the North and Silla attack from the South. Tang helped the rivalling Silla kingdom to defeat Goguryeo where the kingdom was split internally. Several minor peasant rebellions also occurred after taxes were raised in order to support the campaigns. This would be the only unsuccessful military campaign in Taizong's reign and only setback in Taizong's reign.

[edit] Personnal life

Taizong in history had one of the better set of wives. Though he was known to have 3000 concubines, he had a few consorts that really helped out Taizong with the country. Zhangsun-shi (長孫氏) would become the true empress, becoming the standard of a true empress in later history. It is said that whenever Taizong got angry, she would think of methods to make Taizong calm. When Zhangsun-shi died in Zhengguan Year 10, Taizong would slowly become more and more tyrannical. In the end, it would be Xian Consort that would help Taizong out.

Tang Taizong was a well known womanizer in history; however, the death of Zhangsun Shi changed all that. It's very noticeable that before Zhangsun Shi died (which was before Zhengguan Year 10), Taizong had 13 sons and 21 daughters;however, after he died, he realized the true value of Zhangsun Shi and at the same time became a better person. When Zhangsun died, it's only then Taizong cherishes what Zhangsun Shi did for him, regretting that he didn't treat Zhangsun Shi better for what she has done for him. From that point on(which is 13 years), Taizong would have only 1 child which was Yang Shi's son and Taizong's final and 14th son. It seems that along with Zhangsun Shi death, Taizong's sexuality also went down and became more controlled. The other major concubine is Xian Consort. Xian consort is the other consort that would commonly discuss the events going on and what actions should be taken. When Taizong died, the year following Xian consort also got a disease. Instead of being healed, Xian Consort desired a quick death (at the young age of 24) so that she can see him in the afterworld. Zhangsun Wuji and Tang Gaozong-Li Zhi were both very moved by her devotion to Taizong. As a result, when Xian Consort died, she was buried next to Taizong. Xian Consort would be the only person other than the former empress-Zhangsun Shi, to be buried next to Tang Taizong.

The fate of Sui Yangdi's daugther-Yang Consort is unknown. She lived a very unfortunate life due to her son-Prince Wu Li Ke. It is said that Taizong sometimes thought about making Li Ke the crown prince due to his talent; however, this was not only objected by Zhangsun Wuji, it was also rejected by most people in general because Li Ke's grandfather and great grandfather were emperors of the previous Sui Dynasty. In the end, Li Ke was killed and the whereabouts of Yang Consort were unknown (her tomb has not yet been found).

After Taizong's death, it is said that Yang Shi (Li Yuan Ji's former wife) went into nunnery. As for Consort Wei and Yan, they both became elders of the palace, each living a good life over 60.

Taizong died in Hanfeng Hall of Cuiwei Palace in the year 649 (翠微宮含風殿) and was buried in August in Zhao Mausoleum (now Shaanxi). He was fifty years old. He also has his 2 most important wives buried with him which are Zhangsun Shi and Xian Consort.

He is credited with creating the custom of Door gods (門神, 秦叔寶 and 尉遲敬德), colorful block prints and carvings placed by the doors of temples, homes, businesses, etc., to ward off evil spirits.

[edit] Family

He had:

• Wende-shunsheng Empress (文德順聖皇后), Zhangsun-shi (長孫氏)
• Xian Consort (賢妃), Xu Hui (徐惠)
• Consort Yang I (楊妃)
• Consort Yang II (楊妃)
• Yang-shi (楊氏)
• Consort Yin (陰妃)
• Consort Yan (燕妃)
• Secondary Consort Wei (韋貴妃)
• Wang-shi (王氏)

He had fourteen sons (in order):

1. Crown Prince Li Chengqian: son of Wende Empress
2. Prince Chu, Li Kuan (楚王寬): son of one from the harem　　
3. Prince Wu, Li Ke (吳王恪): son of Consort Yang I
4. Prince Bu, Li Tai: son of Wende Empress
5. Commonor, Li Yu (庶人祐): son of Consort Ying
6. Prince Shu, Li Yin (蜀王愔): son of Consort Yang I
7. Prince Jiǎng, Li Yun (蔣王惲): son of Wang-shi
8. Prince Yue, Li Zhen (越王貞): son of Consort Yan
9. Emperor Gaozong of Tang China: son of Wende Empress
10. Prince Ji, Li Shen (紀王慎): son of Secondary Consort Wei
11. Prince Jiāng, Li Xiao (江王囂): son of Consort Yan
12. Prince Dai, Li Jian (代王簡): son of one from the harem
13. Prince Zhao, Li Fu (趙王福): son of Consort Yang II
14. Prince Cao, Li Ming (曹王明): son of Consort Yang-shi

He had twenty-one daughters (not in order):

• Princess Annan (洝南公主)
• Princess Nanping (南平公主)
• Princess Suian (遂安公主)
• Princess Pu'an (普安公主)
• Princess Jin'an (晉安公主)
• Princess Changle (長樂公主), daughter of Wende Empress
• Princess Yuzhang (豫章公主)
• Princess Baling (巴陵公主)
• Princess Nanling (蘭陵公主), Li Shu (淑), courtesy name Lizhen (麗真)
• Princess Dongyang (東陽公主)
• Princess Jinyang (晉陽公主), Li Mingda (明達), daughter of Wende Empress
• Princess Gaoyang (高陽公主)
• Princess Chengyang (城陽公主)
• Princess Xincheng (新城公主), daughter of Wende Empress
• Princess Xiangcheng (襄城公主)
• Princess Ankang (安康公主)
• Princess Xinxing (新興公主)
• Princess Jinshan (金山公主)
• Princess Changshan (常山公主)
• Princess Linchuan (臨川公主), daughter of Secondary Consort Wei
• Princess Qinghe (清河公主), Li Jin (敬), courtesy name Dexian (德賢)

[edit] Literature

He was the subject of a 64-chapter (in eight volumes) The Novel of the Prince of Qin of the Great Tang (大唐秦王詞話 Datang Qin Wang Cihua) by Zhu Shenglin (諸聖鄰) of the Ming Dynasty. The novel is also known as The Biography of the Prince of Qin of the Tang Dynasty (唐秦王本傳 Tang Qin Wang Benzhuan), Romance of Tang (唐傳演義 Tang Chuan Yanyi), and Romance of the Prince of Qin (秦王演義 Qin Wang Yanyi).

[edit] Chinese pop culture

• Hong Kong TVB made a TV drama about Li Shimin's adventure based on the "Novel of the Prince of Qin of the Great Tang (大唐秦王詞話)". TVB's 1983 martial arts drama "The Foundation" also featured a young Li Shimin prominently as one of its three leads (and later, villain).

• In the epic novel Journey to the West, a fictional account of Li Shimin invention of the Door Gods is to protect him from a vengeful beheaded Dragon after failing to protect him.

[edit] External links

• The biographies of the sons (in Traditional Chinese)
• PureInsight Net - Tang Emperor Taizong Educated the Crown Prince via Things Encountered in Daily Life