Emperor Zhongzong of Tang facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Emperor Zhongzong of Tang 唐中宗
Emperor of China
Reign	23 January – 26 February 684
Predecessor	Emperor Gaozong (under Empress Zetian's shadow)
Successor	Emperor Ruizong (under Empress Zetian's regency)
Regent	Empress Zetian
Reign	23 February 705 – 3 July 710
Predecessor	Dynasty restoration (Wu Zetian as empress regnant of the Zhou dynasty)
Successor	Emperor Shang (under Empress Wei's regency)
De facto regent	Empress Wei
Born	26 November 656 Chang'an
Died	3 July 710(710-07-03) (aged 53)
Consorts	Empress Hesi (died 675) Lady Wei of Jingzhao (m. –710)
Issue	Li Chongrun Li Chongfu Li Chongjun Emperor Shang Princess Xindu Princess Yicheng Princess Ding'an Princess Changning Princess Yongshou Princess Cheng'an Princess Yongtai Princess Anle
Full name Family name: Li (李), later Wu (changed 700), later back to Li (changed 705) Given name: Xian (顯), later Zhe (哲), then later back to Xian (顯) Posthumous name Short: Emperor Xiaohe (孝和皇帝) Full: Emperor Dahe Dasheng Dazhao Xiao 大和大聖大昭孝皇帝 Temple name Zhōngzōng (中宗)
House	House of Li
Father	Emperor Gaozong
Mother	Empress Zetian

Emperor Zhongzong of Tang (born 656, died 710) was an Emperor of the Tang dynasty in China. His personal name was Li Xian. He also used the names Li Zhe and Wu Xian at different times. He ruled twice: first for a short time in 684, and then again from 705 to 710.

During his first rule, he had no real power. His mother, Empress Wu Zetian, controlled everything. She removed him from the throne when he tried to go against her wishes. In his second time as emperor, much of the power was held by his wife, Empress Wei.

Emperor Zhongzong was the son of Emperor Gaozong of Tang and Empress Wu. Even when his father was emperor, Empress Wu was the one truly in charge. Zhongzong became emperor in 684 after his father died. But his mother, now Empress Dowager Wu, kept all the power. She removed him from the throne less than two months later. She then made his younger brother, Emperor Ruizong, the new emperor. Zhongzong was sent away to live under house arrest.

Six years later, Emperor Ruizong gave up his throne to his mother. Empress Dowager Wu then officially became the empress regnant, ruling China herself. By 698, there was a big power struggle in the court. To make her position stronger, Empress Wu brought Zhongzong back from his 14 years of exile. He became the crown prince again in October 698, replacing his brother.

On February 20, 705, a group of officials and generals staged a palace coup. They removed Wu Zetian from power. Emperor Zhongzong was restored as emperor three days later. He ruled for five years, but he was a weak and easily influenced ruler. Because of this, his wife, Empress Wei, and her close friends held the real power. This included Wu Sansi (Empress Wu Zetian's nephew) and his daughter, Princess Anle.

Emperor Zhongzong died in 710. It is believed that Empress Wei poisoned him. She then made his young son, Li Chongmao, the new Emperor Shang. Empress Wei hoped to control the young emperor and keep her power. However, her plan failed. Two weeks later, Princess Taiping, Emperor Zhongzong's sister, and her nephew Li Longji (who later became Emperor Xuanzong) launched a coup. They overthrew Empress Wei and the young emperor. Emperor Ruizong, Li Longji's father and Princess Taiping's older brother, became emperor again.

Early Life and Family

Li Xiǎn was born in 656. He was the seventh son of his father, Emperor Gaozong of Tang, and the third son of his mother, Empress Wu. In 657, he was given the title of Prince of Zhou. He was also made the leader of Luo Prefecture, a city in modern-day Henan.

In 661, his older brother, Li Xián, had a talented official named Wang Bo working for him. The princes often enjoyed cockfighting. Wang Bo wrote a playful piece about Li Xiǎn's cock. Emperor Gaozong read it and became angry. He thought it would cause arguments between his sons. So, he sent Wang away.

In 674, Emperor Gaozong himself caused a similar event. At a royal feast, he divided the court musicians into two teams. He had Li Xián and Li Xiǎn lead the teams in a competition. However, a high-ranking official named Hao Chujun pointed out that this could lead to rivalry. So, the emperor stopped the competition.

Marriage and Challenges

While Li Xiǎn was the Prince of Zhou, he married a daughter of his great-aunt, Princess Changle. Emperor Gaozong often showed special kindness to Princess Changle. This made Empress Wu unhappy. In 675, Empress Wu accused Princess Zhao, Li Xiǎn's wife, of crimes. She was put in a special room and given only raw food. Later, Princess Zhao was found dead. Empress Wu also punished Princess Changle and her husband.

In 677, Li Xiǎn's title was changed to Prince of Ying. His name was also changed to Li Zhe. He was made the leader of Yong Prefecture, near the capital city of Chang'an.

Becoming Crown Prince

By 680, Li Xián, who was then the crown prince, had lost Empress Wu's favor. She suspected him of having her trusted sorcerer killed. She ordered an investigation, and he was found guilty. He lost his title and was sent away. Li Zhe was then made crown prince in his place. Important officials like Liu Rengui and Hao Chujun became his senior advisors.

First Time as Crown Prince

In 681, Emperor Gaozong became ill. Empress Wu rarely allowed anyone to see him. All important decisions were made in the empress's palace. She allowed Li Zhe to briefly act as emperor. The officials who supported Empress Wu also helped him.

In 682, Li Zhe's second wife, Crown Princess Wei, gave birth to a son, Li Chongzhao. Emperor Gaozong was very happy. He gave Li Chongzhao the special title of "Deputy Crown Prince." Later that year, there was a famine near the capital. Emperor Gaozong moved to the eastern capital, Luoyang. He left Li Zhe in charge of Chang'an, with help from officials like Liu Rengui. It was said that Li Zhe spent a lot of time on games and hunting. An official named Xue Yuanchao often advised him against this. When Emperor Gaozong heard this, he rewarded Xue.

In 683, Emperor Gaozong became very ill in Luoyang. He called Li Zhe to Luoyang. He gave Li Zhe the imperial powers. Soon after, Emperor Gaozong died. Li Zhe became Emperor Zhongzong. However, Empress Wu, now the empress dowager, held all the real power as his regent.

First Reign: Under Empress Dowager Wu's Control

During the mourning period for Emperor Gaozong, it was suggested that Empress Dowager Wu temporarily hold the throne. After the mourning ended, she gave the throne to Emperor Zhongzong. But she did not give him the real power. All important decisions were still made by the Empress Dowager.

In spring 684, Emperor Zhongzong made his wife, Crown Princess Wei, the empress. He was very impressed by her. Empress Wei told him, "You are the Emperor. Why do you have to listen to the Empress Dowager in everything? Do you want to be a puppet emperor?" Emperor Zhongzong thought her words made sense. Empress Wei then said, "You must promote your own people and build your own power."

He wanted to make his father-in-law, Wei Xuanzhen, a very high-ranking official. He also wanted to make his wet nurse's son a high-ranking official. An official named Pei Yan disagreed with these choices. Pei told him, "Wei Xuanzhen has been promoted too quickly. People will not agree with this." As they argued, Emperor Zhongzong became angry. He said, "What would be wrong if I gave the empire to Wei Xuanzhen? Why would I care about giving him a high title?"

Pei Yan was scared and told Empress Dowager Wu. She was furious. She said, "This disloyal boy is treating the Tang Dynasty like a childish game." Less than two months after Zhongzong became emperor, Empress Dowager Wu gathered officials and generals. She announced that Emperor Zhongzong was removed from the throne. He was reduced to the title of Prince of Luling. As her loyal generals removed him, he asked, "What crime have I committed?" Empress Dowager Wu replied, "You wanted to give the empire to Wei Xuanzhen. How is that not a crime?" She had him arrested. On February 27, she made Li Lun (now named Li Dan) the new emperor, known as Emperor Ruizong.

Years in Exile

Empress Dowager Wu ordered Li Zhe and his family to be sent to Fang Prefecture, in modern Hubei. They were held under house arrest. On the way to exile, Princess Wei gave birth to a daughter. They had nothing to wrap the baby in, so Li Zhe took off his own shirt. To remember this, the daughter was named Li Guo'er, which means "the child that was wrapped." Li Zhe and Princess Wei loved this child very much.

Li Zhe lived in constant fear during his exile. Empress Dowager Wu had shown before that she was willing to harm her own children. People who rebelled against Empress Dowager Wu often used Li Zhe as a symbol of their resistance. For example, when Li Jingye rebelled in 684, he said his goal was to bring Li Zhe back to power.

In 690, Empress Dowager Wu made Emperor Ruizong give up the throne to her. She then became the empress regnant of a new Zhou Dynasty. This stopped the Tang Dynasty for a while. Emperor Ruizong was made crown prince. Li Zhe's status did not change at first.

Second Time as Crown Prince

In 697, a group of people called the Khitan attacked China. Their leader, Sun Wanrong, asked why Wu Zetian was keeping Li Zhe in exile. After this, an important official named Di Renjie often told Wu Zetian to bring Li Zhe back. Other officials and her close friends also agreed.

Wu Zetian finally agreed. In 698, she called Li Zhe and his family back to Luoyang, which was then the capital. Soon after, Li Dan offered to give up his position as crown prince to Li Zhe. Wu Zetian agreed. She made Li Zhe crown prince on October 24. She also changed his name back to Li Xiǎn, and later changed his family name to Wu. When he was named the commander of the forces against a major attack, many men joined the army. Before, fewer than 1,000 men joined in over a month. After the announcement, more than 50,000 men joined.

In 699, Wu Zetian was worried about what would happen after she died. She made Li Xiǎn, Li Dan, Princess Taiping, and her nephew Wu Youji swear an oath to keep peace with each other.

In 701, Li Chongrun (Li Zhe's son), Li Zhe's daughter Li Xianhui (Princess Yongtai), and Li Xianhui's husband were accused of secretly talking badly about Wu Zetian's relationships. Wu Zetian was angry and ordered them to be killed.

In spring 705, Wu Zetian became very ill. Her close friends, Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong, were making major decisions for her. There were rumors that they wanted to replace Li Xiǎn. Several high-ranking officials plotted to overthrow Wu Zetian and the Zhang brothers. They convinced generals to join them. Li Xiǎn also agreed to the plan. On February 20, the coup leaders killed the Zhang brothers. They then surrounded Wu Zetian.

Wu Zetian tried to have Li Xiǎn sent back to the Crown Prince's palace, but the coup leaders ignored her. They allowed Wu Zetian to keep the title of "emperor," but they put her under house arrest. They forced her to give up the throne to Li Xiǎn. He was restored as Emperor Zhongzong.

Second Reign: Under Empress Wei's Influence

Emperor Zhongzong became emperor again. This time, he seemed to have more power than before. He quickly put the five coup leaders in important positions. However, his wife, Empress Wei, became the most powerful person at court. Her daughter, Li Guo'er, who was now Princess Anle, also had a lot of influence. They formed a group that strongly controlled the court.

Emperor Zhongzong's sister, Princess Taiping, was also very powerful and had his favor. Another influential person was Wu Zetian's secretary, Shangguan Wan'er. Emperor Zhongzong took her as a concubine. She was also close to Wu Zetian's nephew, Wu Sansi. With the help of Consort Shangguan and Empress Wei, Wu Sansi became a powerful advisor to Emperor Zhongzong.

Empress Wei did not like Emperor Zhongzong's oldest living son, Li Chongfu. She falsely accused him of being involved in Li Chongrun's death. Emperor Zhongzong sent Li Chongfu away from the capital. Emperor Zhongzong first offered the crown prince position to Li Dan, but Li Dan refused. So, Zhongzong made another son, Li Chongjun, crown prince.

The coup leaders tried to stop Wu Sansi from gaining too much power. But Wu Sansi and Empress Wei repeatedly told Emperor Zhongzong that the coup leaders were too powerful and dangerous. In fall 705, Emperor Zhongzong agreed. He gave the coup leaders special titles as princes to honor them. But he also removed them from their important government positions.

In winter 705, Wu Zetian died. Her "emperor" title was removed, and her empress title was restored. Emperor Zhongzong buried her at Qianling with his father, Emperor Gaozong.

In spring 706, Emperor Zhongzong's son-in-law, Wang Tongjiao, was accused of plotting to kill Wu Sansi and remove Empress Wei. Wang and others were executed. Later, Wu Sansi and his friends accused the five coup leaders of being involved in Wang's plot. The five princes were sent away and later died or were killed in exile.

In 707, Li Chongjun was angry. Li Guo'er and her husband had often humiliated him. They also tried to make Li Guo'er the crown princess to replace him. So, Li Chongjun started a rebellion with some generals. They attacked Wu Sansi's home and killed Wu Sansi and his son. Then they marched to the palace, trying to capture Consort Shangguan, Empress Wei, and Li Guo'er. The rebels hesitated at the palace. The imperial guards fought back. After a eunuch killed one of the rebel leaders, Emperor Zhongzong spoke to the rebel forces. The rebels turned against Li Chongjun and killed their own generals. Li Chongjun fled but was killed in exile.

The court was controlled by many powerful women. These included Li Guo'er, Princess Changning (Emperor Zhongzong's older daughter), Empress Wei's sister, Consort Shangguan, and other ladies. These women openly took bribes. They were able to recommend many people to become officials. Emperor Zhongzong appointed these officials directly, without the usual government approval. The system for government jobs became very corrupt.

Death of Emperor Zhongzong

According to historical records, a group of people, including Empress Wei, decided to kill Emperor Zhongzong. They put poison in a cake. After Emperor Zhongzong ate the cake, he died on July 3, 710.

At first, Emperor Zhongzong's son, Li Chongmao, became emperor. Empress Wei remained in power as the empress dowager and regent. Less than a month later, Princess Taiping and Li Dan's son, Li Longji, started a rebellion. They killed Empress Wei and Li Guo'er. After this, Li Dan became emperor again, replacing Emperor Shang. Emperor Zhongzong was later buried in a royal tomb. Empress Wei was not considered suitable to be buried with him. So, a ceremony was held to honor Emperor Zhongzong's first wife, Princess Zhao, and have her spirit join him in death.

Era Names

• Sisheng (684)
• Shenlong (705–707)
• Jinglong (707–710)

|