Li Shimin (d. 649)

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Biography

Emperor Taizong of Tang, previously Prince of Qin, personal name Li Shimin, was the second emperor of the Tang dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649. He is traditionally regarded as a co-founder of the dynasty for his role in encouraging his father Li Yuan to rebel against the Sui dynasty at Jinyang in 617. Taizong subsequently played a pivotal role in defeating several of the dynasty's most dangerous opponents and solidifying its rule over China proper.

In Their Own Words (1)

With a bronze mirror, one can see whether he is properly attired; with history as a mirror, one can understand the rise and fall of a nation; with men as a mirror, one can see whether he is right or wrong. Now I've lost my faithful mirror by the death of Weizheng.

Quoted in: Yanqing Vanessa Ong et al. Memories unfolded: a guide to memories at Old Ford Factory, 2008, p. 50 , 2008

Timeline

The story of Li Shimin, told in moments.

598 Birth

Born Li Shimin in what is now Shaanxi province. Second son of Li Yuan, a Sui dynasty nobleman and military commander. Raised in a world of palace intrigue and frontier warfare.

Second son in a world of palace intrigue. Was the throne always in your mind? Raised among frontier warfare. Which battle taught you most?

617 Event

Convinced his father to rebel against the collapsing Sui dynasty. Li Shimin was 19. He personally led cavalry charges. Within a year, his father had taken the capital and founded the Tang dynasty.

Convincing your father to rebel at nineteen. Was that courage or impatience? Leading cavalry charges yourself. Were you reckless?

626 Event

Ambushed and killed his two brothers at the Xuanwu Gate of the imperial palace. His father abdicated within two months. The coup was bloody and calculated. He became Emperor Taizong. He was 28.

Killing both brothers at the Xuanwu Gate. Do you justify that? Your father abdicating within two months. Was that grief or relief?

630 Event

Defeated the Eastern Turkic Khaganate. Foreign rulers began calling him "Heavenly Khan." His court welcomed ambassadors, scholars, and monks from Persia, India, Japan, and Byzantium. Chang'an became the world's largest city.

'Heavenly Khan' from foreign rulers. Did that title please you? Chang'an as the world's largest city. Was cosmopolitanism the goal?

649 Death

Died at Cuiwei Palace at 50, probably from dysentery complicated by mineral poisoning from Taoist longevity elixirs. His reign is still called the "Prosperity of Zhenguan." Chinese historians rank it among the greatest in 5,000 years.

Dying from longevity elixirs at fifty. Does that irony register? 'Prosperity of Zhenguan' still praised after 1,400 years. Is that enough?

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