Li Shigu facts for kids

Li Shigu (Chinese: 李師古; born around 778 – died July 19, 806) was an important Chinese military leader and politician during the Tang dynasty. He was known as a Jiedushi, which means a military governor. Li Shigu governed the Pinglu region (located in modern-day Tai'an, Shandong) almost like an independent ruler, even though it was part of the Tang Empire.

Early Life and Family

Li Shigu was likely born during the time of Emperor Daizong. His father, Li Na, was also a military governor of the Pinglu Circuit. Like his son, Li Na ruled his region with a lot of independence from the main imperial government.

Li Shigu had a younger half-brother named Li Shidao. Before becoming a military governor himself, Li Shigu served as the leader of Qing Prefecture (in modern Weifang, Shandong). This was the same position his father, Li Na, held when Li Shigu's grandfather, Li Zhengji, was the military governor.

Becoming a Military Governor

In June 792, Li Na passed away. The soldiers in the Pinglu region chose Li Shigu to take his father's place. Later that year, Emperor Dezong (Emperor Daizong's son) approved this choice and officially made Li Shigu the new military governor.

Around this time, Wang Wujun, the military governor of a nearby region called Chengde, didn't take Li Shigu seriously because he was young. Wang Wujun sent his troops to attack two forts that Li Na had built. Li Shigu quickly sent his officer, Zhao Gao, to defend against Wang's attack.

Emperor Dezong then sent officials to help stop the fighting. Wang Wujun eventually pulled his troops back. Following the Emperor's orders, Li Shigu tore down the walls of one of the forts. However, he often welcomed people who had disagreed with the imperial government to join him. To ensure loyalty, he would keep the families of his staff members close. This way, his subjects were very careful not to go against him.

In the year 800, Emperor Dezong gave Li Shigu an important honorary title, Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi. This was like being a special advisor to the emperor.

Later Years and Succession

In 805, Emperor Dezong died. The news of his death traveled slowly to some regions. However, Li Yuansu, the military governor of Yicheng, received a copy of the Emperor's will. He sent it secretly to Li Shigu, wanting to show he wasn't an enemy.

Li Shigu, however, tried to use this as an excuse to expand his territory. He claimed Li Yuansu was spreading false rumors about the Emperor's death and prepared to attack Yicheng. But Han Hong, the military governor of another nearby region, Xuanwu, warned Li Shigu and prepared to help Li Yuansu.

When Li Shigu finally received official news of Emperor Dezong's death and the new emperor, Emperor Shunzong, he had to retreat. Emperor Shunzong then sent messengers to help resolve the conflict between the regions. Later that year, Emperor Shunzong gave Li Shigu an even higher honorary title, acting Shizhong.

In 806, Emperor Shunzong became very ill and died. His son, Emperor Xianzong, became the new emperor. Li Shigu was again given the honorary title of Shizhong.

During his time as military governor, Li Shigu had his younger brother, Li Shidao, serve in various local official roles. Sometimes, Li Shidao's budget was limited. Li Shigu said he was teaching his brother to be careful with money and to understand the difficulties of the common people.

When Li Shigu became ill later in 806, Li Shidao was serving as the prefect of Mi Prefecture. Li Shigu asked his staff members, Gao Mu and Li Gongdu, who they would support as the next leader if he died. When they didn't answer right away, Li Shigu guessed they planned to support Li Shidao. Li Shigu tried to tell them that while he loved his brother, Li Shidao might not be capable enough, as he spent his time on painting and playing the bili (a type of instrument). However, Li Shigu didn't suggest anyone else.

After Li Shigu died, Gao Mu and Li Gongdu welcomed Li Shidao back to Pinglu's capital, Yun Prefecture. They supported him to become the next military governor, succeeding his brother.