Shi Yuanzhong facts for kids

Shi Yuanzhong was an important military leader in ancient China during the Tang dynasty. He was a general who controlled a region called Lulong Circuit, which is near modern-day Beijing. For several years, he ruled this area almost like an independent king, even though it was officially part of the Tang Empire. His time as a leader ended in 841 when he was killed.

Shi Yuanzhong's Rise to Power

Not much is known about Shi Yuanzhong's early life. We don't know where he was born or where his family came from.

In the year 834, Shi Yuanzhong was a battlefield commander in the Lulong region. At that time, the soldiers there were unhappy with their military governor, Yang Zhicheng. They also disliked the army's eunuch supervisor, Li Huaiwu (李懷仵).

Soldiers Choose a New Leader

The soldiers decided to rebel. They forced Yang Zhicheng and Li Huaiwu out of power. The soldiers then chose Shi Yuanzhong to be their new leader.

Shi Yuanzhong quickly showed loyalty to the emperor. He sent special clothing and equipment to Emperor Wenzong. These items had been made by Yang Zhicheng and were designed only for an emperor to use. This showed Emperor Wenzong that Yang Zhicheng had been planning to take too much power.

Imperial Appointment

Because of this, Yang Zhicheng was executed. Emperor Wenzong then made Shi Yuanzhong the temporary military governor of Lulong. In 835, Emperor Wenzong officially appointed Shi Yuanzhong as the full military governor.

Life as Governor

We don't know many details about how Shi Yuanzhong governed Lulong. He ruled the area for several years, maintaining its independence from the central government.

The End of His Rule

In 841, there was another disturbance in Lulong. During this event, Shi Yuanzhong was killed.

After Shi Yuanzhong's death, the soldiers first supported an officer named Chen Xingtai (陳行泰) to take control of the region. The new emperor, Emperor Wuzong (who was Emperor Wenzong's younger brother), was advised by his chief minister, Li Deyu. Li Deyu told the emperor not to immediately approve Chen Xingtai as the new governor.

Soon after, Chen Xingtai himself was assassinated. The soldiers then chose another officer, Zhang Jiang (張絳), to lead them. Emperor Wuzong again followed Li Deyu's advice and did not immediately approve Zhang Jiang.

A New Governor for Lulong

Later, another Lulong officer named Zhang Zhongwu asked the emperor for permission to attack Zhang Jiang. Zhang Zhongwu was the commander of Xiongwu Base, which was in modern-day Chengde, Hebei. Emperor Wuzong, still advised by Li Deyu, agreed to this plan.

Zhang Zhongwu quickly captured You Prefecture (幽州), which was the capital of Lulong. He then took over the entire region, becoming its new military governor.