Li Kening facts for kids

Li Kening (Chinese: 李克寧) was a younger brother of Li Keyong, a powerful military leader during the end of China's Tang dynasty. Li Keyong was known as the Prince of Jin. After Li Keyong passed away, Li Kening first helped Li Keyong's son, Li Cunxu. Li Cunxu later became an emperor of the Later Tang dynasty. However, Li Kening's wife, Lady Meng, convinced him to try and take control from Li Cunxu. When his plan was found out, Li Cunxu had him executed on March 25, 908.

Who Was Li Kening?

Li Kening's exact birth date and place are not known. We do know he was Li Keyong's youngest brother. This means he was born after 856, the year Li Keyong was born. Their father was a general named Li Guochang. He belonged to the Shatuo people. His original name was Zhuye Chixin. The Tang dynasty emperor later gave him the imperial family name of Li and a new name, Guochang.

It is not clear if Li Kening was born with the name Li or Zhuye. People said he was a kind person. He also deeply respected his parents. Many believed he was the most honorable among Li Keyong's brothers and cousins. This was true even with what happened to him later.

Serving Under Li Keyong

Li Kening served under his brother, Li Keyong, for many years. In 878, Li Keyong started a rebellion against a Tang official. Li Kening was a commander in Li Keyong's army.

He helped defend important places. For example, he protected the city of Huanghua. This was when Li Keyong's enemy, Helian Duo, attacked it. He also helped defend Wei Prefecture. This was Li Keyong's main base at the time.

Later, Li Keyong had to flee to the Dada tribes. Li Kening likely followed him. When Li Keyong returned to help the Tang dynasty, Li Kening was part of his army. They fought against a big rebel leader named Huang Chao.

After Li Keyong helped defeat Huang Chao, the Tang emperor gave him an important title. Li Kening also received new roles. He became a prefect in Liao Prefecture. Then he became a defender in Yun Prefecture.

In the early 890s, Li Kening became the prefect of Xin Prefecture. He fought alongside Li Keyong against another military leader, Wang Xingyu. For this success, Li Kening received an honorary title.

In 902, Li Keyong's main city, Taiyuan, was attacked. It was under siege by his main rival, Zhu Quanzhong. Li Kening was leaving Taiyuan for his post. But when he heard about the attack, he returned. He showed great courage. He said, "This city is where I will die. Where else can I go?" His words greatly boosted the soldiers' spirits. The city's defenses held strong.

Later, Li Kening was given even more power. He became the commander of all soldiers in Li Keyong's territory. He could make important decisions without asking Li Keyong first. He also became the military governor of Zhenwu Circuit.

In 908, Li Keyong became very ill. He was the Prince of Jin. He had refused to recognize Zhu Quanzhong's new Later Liang dynasty. Before he died, Li Keyong trusted his son, Li Cunxu, to Li Kening. He also trusted him to other key advisors and generals. Li Keyong passed away on February 23.

After Li Keyong's Death

After Li Keyong died, Li Kening took charge of the army. No one dared to cause trouble. However, many officers and soldiers did not respect the young Li Cunxu. He was only 22 years old. They often talked about him behind his back.

Li Cunxu was worried. He offered to give control of the army to Li Kening. But Li Kening refused. He said Li Cunxu was Li Keyong's rightful heir. Li Kening and another advisor, Zhang Chengye, insisted. So, Li Cunxu took the titles of Prince of Jin and military governor.

A Challenging Time

Many of Li Keyong's adopted sons were older and more experienced than Li Cunxu. They did not respect him. Some refused to meet him. Others would not bow to him. One adopted son, Li Cunhao, tried to convince Li Kening to take over. Li Kening refused and even threatened him.

However, Li Cunhao and other adopted sons sent their wives to talk to Li Kening's wife, Lady Meng. Lady Meng was the sister of a Jin officer named Meng Zhixiang. She agreed with their idea. She then urged Li Kening to take control. This made Li Kening less firm in supporting Li Cunxu.

Li Kening also had disagreements with Zhang Chengye and Li Cunzhang. They often argued about how to run things. Li Kening then executed an officer without Li Cunxu's approval. He also asked to become the military governor of Datong Circuit. Li Cunxu agreed to this request.

The Plot Uncovered

Even though Li Cunxu agreed, the plot around Li Kening continued. Li Cunhao planned to capture Li Cunxu. This would happen when Li Cunxu visited Li Kening's home. The plan was to hand Li Cunxu and his mother, Lady Dowager Cao, over to the Later Liang emperor. Then, Li Kening would take control of the Jin territory.

Li Kening met with an officer named Shi Jingrong. He tried to get Shi to join the plot. He also wanted Shi to watch Li Cunxu. Shi pretended to agree. But then he told Li Cunxu about the plan.

Li Cunxu met with his mother and Zhang Chengye. At first, he offered to step down to avoid conflict. But Zhang convinced him to act against Li Kening. Zhang gathered loyal officers. These included Li Cunzhang, Wu Gong, Li Cunjing, and Zhu Shouyin. They prepared to stop Li Kening.

Li Kening's End

On March 25, 908, Li Cunxu held a big dinner at his home. All the important officers attended. During the feast, soldiers Li Cunxu had hidden came out. They seized Li Kening and Li Cunhao.

Li Cunxu was very sad. He spoke to Li Kening, saying:

I, your child, was ready to give the leadership to you, Uncle, and you said no. Now, the command is settled, so why are you plotting against me? Why are you planning to give me and my mother to our enemy?

Li Kening replied, not very clearly:

This is all because other people stirred up trouble. What can I say?

That same day, Li Cunxu had Li Kening and Li Cunhao executed.