Hsuan-tsung

Hsuan-tsung was the ninth emperor of the Tang dynasty and one of the most celebrated rulers in Chinese history. He ascended the throne in 712 after a series of palace coups and rebellions. He ushered in the Kaiyuan era, a period of peace, prosperity, and cultural flourishing. He reformed the administration, the military, the taxation, and the legal system. He expanded the territory of the empire to its greatest extent, reaching Central Asia, Tibet, Korea, and Vietnam. He patronized Buddhism, Daoism, Confucianism, and Islam. He was also a talented musician, poet, painter, and calligrapher. He founded the Pear Garden, a music and dance academy for the imperial court. He was especially fond of Consort Yang, also known as Yang Guifei, one of the four beauties of ancient China. He lavished her with gifts and honors, and entrusted her relatives and favorites with important positions. His favoritism and negligence of state affairs led to corruption and discontent among the officials and the people. In 755, An Lushan, a powerful general of mixed Sogdian and Turkish origin, launched a rebellion against the Tang dynasty. He captured the eastern capitals of Luoyang and Chang'an, and proclaimed himself emperor of a new state. Hsuan-tsung was forced to flee to Sichuan with his court. On the way, he was pressured by his soldiers to execute Consort Yang, who was blamed for the rebellion. He reluctantly agreed and ordered one of his eunuchs to strangle her. He abdicated in favor of his son, Li Heng, who became Emperor Suzong. He died in 762 in Chengdu, and was buried with Consort Yang in the Qianling Mausoleum. Hsuan-tsung's reign is regarded as the zenith and the turning point of the Tang dynasty. He is praised for his achievements in unifying China and promoting a golden age of culture and civilization. He is also criticized for his mistakes in handling the An Lushan rebellion, which caused millions of deaths and weakened the dynasty.