The Tang Dynasty ruled China from AD 618 to AD 907.
In collusion with her daughter, Princess of Happiness, the Empress Wei poisoned her husband, Li Xian, in 709 and took over the throne, bringing chaos to the court. Despite complaints in and out of the royal court she squandered wantonly by ordering towers and pavilions to be built for her daughter and Buddhist temples and Taoist abbeys for herself. She also indulged her daughter in selling ranks and titles.
The 25 year-old Li Longji, third son of Li Dan, the Lord of the Xiang Prefecture, grew concerned about Empress Wei’s wrongdoings and the chaos in the dynasty. Upon hearing that the Empress was planning to murder both his father and aunt, the powerful Princess of Peace, Li Longji made up his mind to act preemptively and stage a coup to overthrow Lady Wei.
Li was advised to tell his father about his decision but he was determined to protect him. “I’m willing to sacrifice my life for this sacred cause. If I succeed my father will take the credit. If I fail, I will fall for my country and my father will not get into any trouble. But if he is informed of my actions he’ll be in danger if we fail.” Li Longji contemplated the outcomes. “And what if he opposes our plan?”
That same night Li Longji and his followers stormed the court and killed the Empress. They found Princess Happiness gazing intently at her reflection while she painted on her eyebrows and they killed her as well.
Taking the place of Empress Wei, Li Longji’s father was crowned as Emperor Rui. He was grateful for his son’s heroic deed and decided to make Li Longji heir to the throne instead of his eldest son despite the country’s customs.
Three years later Li Longji replaced his father on the throne and was deemed Emperor Ming Huang. As a competent ruler he selected a number of talented officials for himself, and dedicated himself to helping his country thrive. He promoted the best workers, helped to develop a strong economy and fought for education. Meanwhile, his aunt, Princess of Peace, grew more and more powerful and a year after Li Longji became the Emperor he had her killed to secure his title.
His 28-year reign (AD 713-741) was titled “Kaiyuan” or “The Creation of a New Era.” During this time China became the most powerful nation in the world.
However, as the years progressed Emperor Ming Huang abandoned his political ambitions and began to indulge himself. He grew more and more stubborn and began to remove upright officials from office, among them Prime Minister Zhang Jiuling. The Emperor began to admire men like Li Linfu, a snob who “spoke like honey but hid daggers up his sleeve,” and soon allowed such people to help govern the country. That same year, during his birthday celebration, he became infatuated with the beautiful Yang Yuhuan, a concubine of Li Mao, Lord of the Shou Prefecture.
