Tang Xiujing
Encyclopedia
Tang Xiujing (627–712), formal name Tang Xuan (唐璿) but went by the courtesy name of Xiujing, formally Duke Zhong of Song (宋忠公), was an official and general of the Chinese
dynasty Tang Dynasty
and Wu Zetian
's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reigns of Wu Zetian
, her sons Emperor Zhongzong
and Emperor Ruizong
and her grandson Emperor Shang
.
. His family was from the Tang Dynasty
capital Chang'an
, and for generations had served as officials of Tang's predecessor dynasties Northern Zhou
and Sui Dynasty
. Tang Xiujing's great-grandfather Tang Gui (唐規) served as a general during Northern Zhou and carried the title of Duke of Anyi. Tang Xiujing's grandfather Tang Zong (唐宗) served as the secretary general of Shuofang
Commandery (朔方, roughly modern Yulin
, Shaanxi
) late in the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui
, and was killed when Liang Shidu
rose against Emperor Yang and captured Shuofang, as he refused to submit to Liang. Tang Xiujing's father Tang Xie (唐諧) served as the magistrate of Xianyang County (咸陽, in modern Xianyang
, Shaanxi
).
(Emperor Taizong's son), during Emperor Gaozong's Yonghui era (650-656) by serving as the communications officer at the mansion of Emperor Gaozong's brother Li Ke
the Prince of Wu. He did not distinguish himself, and later served as the census officer at Ying Prefecture (營州, roughly modern Zhaoyang, Liaoning
).
In 679, Eastern Tujue tribes, which had submitted to Tang and had been governed by Tang's Chanyu Commandant (單于大都護府, headquartered in modern Hohhot
, Inner Mongolia
), rose against Tang rule and declared independence under Ashina Nishoufu (阿史那泥熟匐). They persuaded Xi
and Khitan
tribes to attack Ying Prefecture in coordination with them. The commandant at Ying Prefecture at that time, Zhou Daowu (周道務), sent Tang Xiujing to defend against the Xi and Khitan attack, and Tang Xiujing was successful. Because of this accomplishment, he was promoted to be the military advisor to the prefect of Feng Prefecture (豐州, roughly modern Bayan Nur
, Inner Mongolia
).
Ashina Nishoufu was soon killed by the Tang general Pei Xingjian (裴行儉), but eventually rebelled again, and by 683 Eastern Tujue was fully independent under the rule of Ashina Gudulu. In 683, Ashina Gudulu attacked Wei Prefecture (蔚州, roughly modern Datong
, Shanxi
) and killed its prefect LI Sijian (李思儉). When Tang Xiujing's superior, Cui Zhibian (崔智辯) the commandant at Feng Prefecture, tried to intercept Ashina Gudulu at Mount Zhaona (朝那山, in modern Baotou
, Inner Mongolia
), he was defeated and captured by Ashina Gudulu. In response, Emperor Gaozong considered withdrawing from Feng Prefecture and moving its residents to Ling (靈州, roughly modern Yinchuan, Ningxia
) and Xia (夏州, roughly modern Yulin) Prefectures. Tang Xiujing submitted a petition opposing the idea, pointing out that Feng Prefecture had land that was fit for both husbandry and agriculture, and that it served as a defense for Ling and Xia Prefectures -- that abandoning it would leave those prefectures open to attack. After Tang's petition, the proposal to abandon Feng Prefecture was not again discussed.
the Crown Prince
(as Emperor Zhongzong), but actual power was in the hands of Emperor Gaozong's powerful wife Empress Wu
(later known as Wu Zetian), as empress dowager
and regent
. In spring 684, when Emperor Zhongzong displayed signs of independence, she deposed him and replaced him with his brother Li Dan
the Prince of Yu (as Emperor Ruizong), but thereafter held onto power even more firmly. In Emperor Ruizong's Chuigong era (685-689), Tang Xiujing was made the deputy commandant of Anxi (安西, headquarters at Suyab
(near modern Tokmok
, Kyrgyzstan
)).
In 689, after a failed campaign commanded by the chancellor Wei Daijia
against Tufan in the same general region, Wei was reduced to commoner rank and exiled, and his assistant, Yan Wengu (閻溫古) the commandant of Anxi, was executed. Tang Xiujing was put in command of the remnants of Wei's army and made the commandant at Xi Prefecture (西州, roughly modern Turfan Prefecture, Xinjiang
) to be in charge of the region.
, and Suyab. In response, Wu Zetian commissioned the general Wang Xiaojie
, assisted by Ashina Zhongjie (阿史那忠節), to attack the Tufan forces of the region. Subsequently, during the Shengli era (697-700), Tang Xiujing was made the minister of military supplies (衛尉卿, Weiwei Qing) and the commandant at Liang Prefecture (涼州, roughly modern Wuwei, Gansu), further carrying a title as imperial censor, and he was in command of the forces in the region.
In fall 700, the Tufan general Qumangbuzhi (麴莽布支) attacked Liang Prefecture and put Changsong (昌松, in modern Wuwei) under siege. Tang Xiujing was set to engage them at Hongyuan Valley (洪源谷, also in modern Wuwei), but his subordinates were distressed by the shiny armor that the Tufan forces were displaying. Tang responded:
Tang then put on his armor and led the charge into Tufan forces. He defeated Tufan forces six times straight, killing 2,500 men and two of Qumangbuzhi's assistants. He stacked the bodies into a pile for display. In 702, when Tufan sent the emissary Lun Misa (論彌薩) to seek peace and Wu Zetian held a feast in Lun Misa's honor at the western capital Chang'an
, Tang happened to be in Chang'an as well and was invited to the feast. During the feast, Lun Misa looked at Tang intently, and when Wu Zetian asked him why he did, he responded, "At the Battle of Hongyuan, no one could rival this general's ferocity, and therefore I want to look at him clearly." Wu Zetian promoted Tang Xiujing to be a commanding general of two of the imperial armies and kept him at the central government. It was said at the time that Tang was familiar with border affairs, as far east as Jieshi (碣石, in modern Qinhuangdao
, Hebei
) to the four garrisons of Anxi, knowing about all of the geographic features and defensive frameworks.
As of 703, Tang Xiujing was serving as the minister of defense (夏官尚書, Xiaguan Shangshu) and still in titular command of the armies around Liang Prefecture, when he was given the designation Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin (同鳳閣鸞臺三品), making him a chancellor de facto. At that time, one of Western Tujue's constituent tribal chiefs, Wuzhile (烏質勒) the chief of the Tuqishi (突騎施) tribe, was having conflicts with other Western Tujue tribes, and as a consequence the communications with the Zhou garrisons in Anxi was cut off. Tang, after discussion with other chancellors, came up with a course of action and predicted what would happen next. When reports from Anxi arrived some 10 days later, they matched what Tang expected, and Wu Zetian stated, "I regret not using you earlier." She further turned to the other chancellors Wei Yuanzhong
, Yang Zaisi
, Li Jiao, Yao Yuanchong
, and Li Jiongxiu
, stating, "Tang Xiujing understands the border affairs well, and in this area, 10 of you together cannot match him." She also made him a member of the staff of Li Xian the Crown Prince (the former Emperor Zhongzong, who had been recalled from exile in 698 and made crown prince, further having his name changed).
In 704, in response to the problem that imperial officials were not willing to be local officials, Tang and Li Jiao suggested that the officials at the central government be assigned to the prefectures and counties to serve as officials, offering to go first themselves. Wu Zetian had 20 officials randomly drawn, and neither Li nor Tang was sent out. Later that year, when fellow chancellor Wei Anshi
submitted an indictment against Wu Zetian's lovers Zhang Yizhi
and Zhang Changzong
, Wu Zetian had Wei and Tang investigate, but before investigations could be complete, there were reports that Khitan and Xi were set to attack the northeastern border, and she gave Tang the additional titles as the commandant of You and Ying Prefectures (headquartered in modern Beijing
) and protectorate general of Andong
to defend against Khitan and Xi. Before Tang was set to depart the capital Luoyang
, he secretly spoke with Li Xian, stating, "The two Zhangs depend too much on the favors of the emperor and have lost their proper places as subjects. Surely a disturbance will come. Your Royal Highness should be careful."
Tang retired in spring 706, but in 708 he was referred to as an advisor to the Crown Prince. That year, when the general Zhang Rendan
proposed that three forts be built north of the Yellow River
to control the Tujue population, Tang opposed the project, but the forts were built anyway and were effective in their purpose of controlling the Tujue population. It was said that Tang was not content in his retirement and, seeking to return to chancellor position, had his son marry the adopted daughter of one of the powerful women at Emperor Zhongzong's court, the senior lady in waiting
Lady Helou, and in winter 709, he was again made chancellor with the Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin designation, drawing much popular criticism, although he was also praised for using his wealth as a duke to help his clansmen and reburying deceased ones properly. In any case, his term of service as chancellor was said to be an undistinguished one. In spring 710, there was an occasion when Emperor Zhongzong had the high level officials play games of cuju
and tug of war
. It was said that Tang and fellow chancellor Wei Juyuan
, due to their old age, fell and could not get up, drawing much laughs from the imperial household.
and daughter Li Guo'er the Princess Anle
. His son by a concubine, Li Chongmao
the Prince of Wen, was named emperor (as Emperor Shang), but Empress Wei retained power as empress dowager and regent. Less than a month later, she and Li Guo'er were killed in a coup led by Emperor Zhongzong's sister Princess Taiping
and nephew Li Longji
the Prince of LInzi (a son of Li Dan the Prince of Xiang, the former Emperor Ruizong). Emperor Shang was deposed, and Li Dan returned to the throne. Late that year, Tang Xiujing retired again and was allowed to continue to receive salaries as an official of the first rank (highest in Tang Dynasty's nine-rank civil service system). He died in 712 and was buried with honor.
History of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
dynasty Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
and Wu Zetian
Wu Zetian
Wu Zetian , personal name Wu Zhao , often referred to as Tian Hou during the Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant...
's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reigns of Wu Zetian
Wu Zetian
Wu Zetian , personal name Wu Zhao , often referred to as Tian Hou during the Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant...
, her sons Emperor Zhongzong
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang , personal name Lǐ Xiǎn , at times during his life Li Zhe and Wu Xian , was the fourth Emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling briefly in 684 and again from 705 to 710.Emperor Zhongzong was the son of Emperor Gaozong of Tang and Empress Wu...
and Emperor Ruizong
Emperor Ruizong of Tang
Emperor Ruizong of Tang , personal name Lǐ Dàn , known at times during his life as Li Xulun , Li Lun , Wu Lun , and Wu Dan , was the fifth and ninth emperor of Tang Dynasty...
and her grandson Emperor Shang
Emperor Shang of Tang
Emperor Shang , also known as Emperor Shao , personal name Li Chongmao , was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling briefly in 710....
.
Background
Tang Xiujing was born in 627, during the reign of Emperor TaizongEmperor Taizong of Tang
Emperor Taizong of Tang , personal name Lǐ Shìmín , was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling from 626 to 649...
. His family was from the Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
capital Chang'an
Chang'an
Chang'an is an ancient capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history, today known as Xi'an. Chang'an literally means "Perpetual Peace" in Classical Chinese. During the short-lived Xin Dynasty, the city was renamed "Constant Peace" ; yet after its fall in AD 23, the old name was restored...
, and for generations had served as officials of Tang's predecessor dynasties Northern Zhou
Northern Zhou
The Northern Zhou Dynasty followed the Western Wei, and ruled northern China from 557 to 581. It was overthrown by the Sui Dynasty.Northern Zhou's basis of power was established by Yuwen Tai, who was paramount general of Western Wei, following the split of Northern Wei into Western Wei and...
and Sui Dynasty
Sui Dynasty
The Sui Dynasty was a powerful, but short-lived Imperial Chinese dynasty. Preceded by the Southern and Northern Dynasties, it ended nearly four centuries of division between rival regimes. It was followed by the Tang Dynasty....
. Tang Xiujing's great-grandfather Tang Gui (唐規) served as a general during Northern Zhou and carried the title of Duke of Anyi. Tang Xiujing's grandfather Tang Zong (唐宗) served as the secretary general of Shuofang
Shuofang
Shuofang was a fort built in the land of nomadic horse hasbandry tribes at the dawn of the Chinese written history. According to Bamboo Annals, Shuofang was built by the Emperor Di Yi of Shang state on the third year of his reign in 1098 BC in the midst of the Kun Barbarians territory in the...
Commandery (朔方, roughly modern Yulin
Yulin, Shaanxi
Yulin is a prefecture-level city in the Shaanxi province of the People's Republic of China. It has an area of 43,578 km² and a population of 3,380,000.-Geography and climate:...
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
) late in the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui
Emperor Yang of Sui
Emperor Yang of Sui , personal name Yang Guang , alternative name Ying , nickname Amo , known as Emperor Ming during the brief reign of his grandson Yang Tong), was the second son of Emperor Wen of Sui, and the second emperor of China's Sui Dynasty.Emperor Yang's original name was Yang Ying, but...
, and was killed when Liang Shidu
Liang Shidu
Liang Shidu was an agrarian leader who rebelled against the rule of the Chinese dynasty Sui Dynasty near the end of the reign of Emperor Yang of Sui...
rose against Emperor Yang and captured Shuofang, as he refused to submit to Liang. Tang Xiujing's father Tang Xie (唐諧) served as the magistrate of Xianyang County (咸陽, in modern Xianyang
Xianyang
Xianyang is a former capital of China in Shaanxi province, on the Wei River, a few kilometers upstream from Xi'an. It has an area of...
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
).
During Emperor Gaozong's reign
Tang Xiujing passed the imperial examinations in his youth, and started his civil service career early in the reign of Emperor GaozongEmperor Gaozong of Tang
Emperor Gaozong of Tang , personal name Li Zhi , was the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty in China, ruling from 649 to 683...
(Emperor Taizong's son), during Emperor Gaozong's Yonghui era (650-656) by serving as the communications officer at the mansion of Emperor Gaozong's brother Li Ke
Li Ke
Li Ke , posthumously known as the Prince of Yulin , often known by his greater title as the Prince of Wu , was an imperial prince of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty...
the Prince of Wu. He did not distinguish himself, and later served as the census officer at Ying Prefecture (營州, roughly modern Zhaoyang, Liaoning
Liaoning
' is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the northeast of the country. Its one-character abbreviation is "辽" , a name taken from the Liao River that flows through the province. "Níng" means "peace"...
).
In 679, Eastern Tujue tribes, which had submitted to Tang and had been governed by Tang's Chanyu Commandant (單于大都護府, headquartered in modern Hohhot
Hohhot
Hohhot , is a city in north-central China and the capital of the Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, serving as the region's administrative, economic, and cultural centre....
, Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China, located in the northern region of the country. Inner Mongolia shares an international border with the countries of Mongolia and the Russian Federation...
), rose against Tang rule and declared independence under Ashina Nishoufu (阿史那泥熟匐). They persuaded Xi
Kumo Xi
The Kumo Xi ) were a Mongolic steppe people located in current Manchuria from 207 AD to 907 AD. After the death of their ancestor Tadun in 207 they were no longer called Wuhuan but joined the Khitan Xianbei in submitting to the Yuwen Xianbei. Their history is widely linked to the more famous Khitan...
and Khitan
Khitan people
thumb|250px|Khitans [[Eagle hunting|using eagles to hunt]], painted during the Chinese [[Song Dynasty]].The Khitan people , or Khitai, Kitan, or Kidan, were a nomadic Mongolic people, originally located at Mongolia and Manchuria from the 4th century...
tribes to attack Ying Prefecture in coordination with them. The commandant at Ying Prefecture at that time, Zhou Daowu (周道務), sent Tang Xiujing to defend against the Xi and Khitan attack, and Tang Xiujing was successful. Because of this accomplishment, he was promoted to be the military advisor to the prefect of Feng Prefecture (豐州, roughly modern Bayan Nur
Bayan Nur
Bayannur is a prefecture-level city in western Inner Mongolia. Until December 1, 2003, the area was called the Bayannur league.Bayannur city has an area of 65,788 km². It borders Mongolia to the north, Alxa to the west, Ordos to the south and Baotou to the east...
, Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China, located in the northern region of the country. Inner Mongolia shares an international border with the countries of Mongolia and the Russian Federation...
).
Ashina Nishoufu was soon killed by the Tang general Pei Xingjian (裴行儉), but eventually rebelled again, and by 683 Eastern Tujue was fully independent under the rule of Ashina Gudulu. In 683, Ashina Gudulu attacked Wei Prefecture (蔚州, roughly modern Datong
Datong
Datong is a prefecture-level city in northern Shanxi Province of North China, located a few hundred kilometres west by rail from Beijing with an elevation of...
, Shanxi
Shanxi
' is a province in Northern China. Its one-character abbreviation is "晋" , after the state of Jin that existed here during the Spring and Autumn Period....
) and killed its prefect LI Sijian (李思儉). When Tang Xiujing's superior, Cui Zhibian (崔智辯) the commandant at Feng Prefecture, tried to intercept Ashina Gudulu at Mount Zhaona (朝那山, in modern Baotou
Baotou
Baotou is a mid-sized industrial city in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. Governed as a prefecture-level city, its urban areas are home to a population of approximately 1.78 million, with a total population of over 2.65 million accounting for counties under...
, Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China, located in the northern region of the country. Inner Mongolia shares an international border with the countries of Mongolia and the Russian Federation...
), he was defeated and captured by Ashina Gudulu. In response, Emperor Gaozong considered withdrawing from Feng Prefecture and moving its residents to Ling (靈州, roughly modern Yinchuan, Ningxia
Ningxia
Ningxia, formerly transliterated as Ningsia, is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China. Located in Northwest China, on the Loess Plateau, the Yellow River flows through this vast area of land. The Great Wall of China runs along its northeastern boundary...
) and Xia (夏州, roughly modern Yulin) Prefectures. Tang Xiujing submitted a petition opposing the idea, pointing out that Feng Prefecture had land that was fit for both husbandry and agriculture, and that it served as a defense for Ling and Xia Prefectures -- that abandoning it would leave those prefectures open to attack. After Tang's petition, the proposal to abandon Feng Prefecture was not again discussed.
During Emperor Zhongzong's and Emperor Ruizong's first reigns
Emperor Gaozong died in 683 and was succeeded by his son Li ZheEmperor Zhongzong of Tang
Emperor Zhongzong of Tang , personal name Lǐ Xiǎn , at times during his life Li Zhe and Wu Xian , was the fourth Emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling briefly in 684 and again from 705 to 710.Emperor Zhongzong was the son of Emperor Gaozong of Tang and Empress Wu...
the Crown Prince
Crown Prince
A crown prince or crown princess is the heir or heiress apparent to the throne in a royal or imperial monarchy. The wife of a crown prince is also titled crown princess....
(as Emperor Zhongzong), but actual power was in the hands of Emperor Gaozong's powerful wife Empress Wu
Wu Zetian
Wu Zetian , personal name Wu Zhao , often referred to as Tian Hou during the Tang Dynasty and Empress Consort Wu in later times, was the only woman in the history of China to assume the title of Empress Regnant...
(later known as Wu Zetian), as empress dowager
Empress Dowager
Empress Dowager was the title given to the mother of a Chinese, Korean, Japanese or Vietnamese emperor.The title was also given occasionally to another woman of the same generation, while a woman from the previous generation was sometimes given the title of Grand empress dowager. Numerous empress...
and regent
Regent
A regent, from the Latin regens "one who reigns", is a person selected to act as head of state because the ruler is a minor, not present, or debilitated. Currently there are only two ruling Regencies in the world, sovereign Liechtenstein and the Malaysian constitutive state of Terengganu...
. In spring 684, when Emperor Zhongzong displayed signs of independence, she deposed him and replaced him with his brother Li Dan
Emperor Ruizong of Tang
Emperor Ruizong of Tang , personal name Lǐ Dàn , known at times during his life as Li Xulun , Li Lun , Wu Lun , and Wu Dan , was the fifth and ninth emperor of Tang Dynasty...
the Prince of Yu (as Emperor Ruizong), but thereafter held onto power even more firmly. In Emperor Ruizong's Chuigong era (685-689), Tang Xiujing was made the deputy commandant of Anxi (安西, headquarters at Suyab
Suyab
Suyab was an ancient Silk Road city located some 50 km east from Bishkek, and 8 km west southwest from Tokmok, in the Chui River valley, present-day Kyrgyzstan.- History :...
(near modern Tokmok
Tokmok
Tokmok ; , Tokmak) is a city of about 53,087 in northern Kyrgyzstan, east of the country's capital of Bishkek. Its geographical location is ; its altitude is 816 m above sea level. From 2004 until 19 April 2006 it served as the administrative seat of Chui Province...
, Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan , officially the Kyrgyz Republic is one of the world's six independent Turkic states . Located in Central Asia, landlocked and mountainous, Kyrgyzstan is bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the southwest and China to the east...
)).
In 689, after a failed campaign commanded by the chancellor Wei Daijia
Wei Daijia
Wei Daijia was a general and official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the first reign of Emperor Ruizong.- Background :...
against Tufan in the same general region, Wei was reduced to commoner rank and exiled, and his assistant, Yan Wengu (閻溫古) the commandant of Anxi, was executed. Tang Xiujing was put in command of the remnants of Wei's army and made the commandant at Xi Prefecture (西州, roughly modern Turfan Prefecture, Xinjiang
Xinjiang
Xinjiang is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China. It is the largest Chinese administrative division and spans over 1.6 million km2...
) to be in charge of the region.
During Wu Zetian's reign
In 690, Empress Dowager Wu had Emperor Ruizong yield the throne to her, and she took the throne as "emperor," establishing a new Zhou Dynasty and interrupting Tang. Around 692, Tang Xiujing suggested to her that a military campaign be launched to recover four important garrisons that had been lost to Tufan -- Qiuzi, Yutian, ShuleKashgar
Kashgar or Kashi is an oasis city with approximately 350,000 residents in the western part of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. Kashgar is the administrative centre of Kashgar Prefecture which has an area of 162,000 km² and a population of approximately...
, and Suyab. In response, Wu Zetian commissioned the general Wang Xiaojie
Wang Xiaojie
Wang Xiaojie , formally the Duke of Geng , was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving in campaigns against Tufan, Eastern Tujue, and Khitan and briefly serving as chancellor during Wu Zetian's reign...
, assisted by Ashina Zhongjie (阿史那忠節), to attack the Tufan forces of the region. Subsequently, during the Shengli era (697-700), Tang Xiujing was made the minister of military supplies (衛尉卿, Weiwei Qing) and the commandant at Liang Prefecture (涼州, roughly modern Wuwei, Gansu), further carrying a title as imperial censor, and he was in command of the forces in the region.
In fall 700, the Tufan general Qumangbuzhi (麴莽布支) attacked Liang Prefecture and put Changsong (昌松, in modern Wuwei) under siege. Tang Xiujing was set to engage them at Hongyuan Valley (洪源谷, also in modern Wuwei), but his subordinates were distressed by the shiny armor that the Tufan forces were displaying. Tang responded:
Tang then put on his armor and led the charge into Tufan forces. He defeated Tufan forces six times straight, killing 2,500 men and two of Qumangbuzhi's assistants. He stacked the bodies into a pile for display. In 702, when Tufan sent the emissary Lun Misa (論彌薩) to seek peace and Wu Zetian held a feast in Lun Misa's honor at the western capital Chang'an
Chang'an
Chang'an is an ancient capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history, today known as Xi'an. Chang'an literally means "Perpetual Peace" in Classical Chinese. During the short-lived Xin Dynasty, the city was renamed "Constant Peace" ; yet after its fall in AD 23, the old name was restored...
, Tang happened to be in Chang'an as well and was invited to the feast. During the feast, Lun Misa looked at Tang intently, and when Wu Zetian asked him why he did, he responded, "At the Battle of Hongyuan, no one could rival this general's ferocity, and therefore I want to look at him clearly." Wu Zetian promoted Tang Xiujing to be a commanding general of two of the imperial armies and kept him at the central government. It was said at the time that Tang was familiar with border affairs, as far east as Jieshi (碣石, in modern Qinhuangdao
Qinhuangdao
Qinhuangdao is a port city in northeastern Hebei province of North China. It is about 300 km east of Beijing, on the Bohai Sea, the innermost gulf of the Yellow Sea....
, Hebei
Hebei
' is a province of the People's Republic of China in the North China region. Its one-character abbreviation is "" , named after Ji Province, a Han Dynasty province that included what is now southern Hebei...
) to the four garrisons of Anxi, knowing about all of the geographic features and defensive frameworks.
As of 703, Tang Xiujing was serving as the minister of defense (夏官尚書, Xiaguan Shangshu) and still in titular command of the armies around Liang Prefecture, when he was given the designation Tong Fengge Luantai Sanpin (同鳳閣鸞臺三品), making him a chancellor de facto. At that time, one of Western Tujue's constituent tribal chiefs, Wuzhile (烏質勒) the chief of the Tuqishi (突騎施) tribe, was having conflicts with other Western Tujue tribes, and as a consequence the communications with the Zhou garrisons in Anxi was cut off. Tang, after discussion with other chancellors, came up with a course of action and predicted what would happen next. When reports from Anxi arrived some 10 days later, they matched what Tang expected, and Wu Zetian stated, "I regret not using you earlier." She further turned to the other chancellors Wei Yuanzhong
Wei Yuanzhong
Wei Yuanzhong , né Wei Zhenzai , formally Duke Zhen of Qi , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reigns of Wu Zetian and her son Emperor Zhongzong.- Background :It is not known which year Wei Yuanzhong was born, but it...
, Yang Zaisi
Yang Zaisi
Yang Zaisi , formally Duke Gong of Zheng , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving several times as chancellor during the reigns of Wu Zetian and her son Emperor Zhongzong...
, Li Jiao, Yao Yuanchong
Yao Chong
Yao Chong , né Yao Yuanchong , known 700s-713 by the courtesy name of Yuanzhi , formally Duke Wenxian of Liang , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor under four sovereigns—Wu Zetian, her sons Emperor Zhongzong and Emperor Ruizong,...
, and Li Jiongxiu
Li Jiongxiu
Li Jiongxiu , courtesy name Maozhi , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as chancellor during Wu Zetian's reign.- Background :...
, stating, "Tang Xiujing understands the border affairs well, and in this area, 10 of you together cannot match him." She also made him a member of the staff of Li Xian the Crown Prince (the former Emperor Zhongzong, who had been recalled from exile in 698 and made crown prince, further having his name changed).
In 704, in response to the problem that imperial officials were not willing to be local officials, Tang and Li Jiao suggested that the officials at the central government be assigned to the prefectures and counties to serve as officials, offering to go first themselves. Wu Zetian had 20 officials randomly drawn, and neither Li nor Tang was sent out. Later that year, when fellow chancellor Wei Anshi
Wei Anshi
Wei Anshi , formally Duke Wenzhen of Xun , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor several times, during the reigns of Wu Zetian, her sons Emperor Zhongzong and Emperor Ruizong, and her grandson Emperor Shang.- Background :Wei Anshi...
submitted an indictment against Wu Zetian's lovers Zhang Yizhi
Zhang Yizhi
Zhang Yizhi , formally the Duke of Heng , nickname Wulang , was an official of Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty who, along with his brother Zhang Changzong, became a lover of Wu Zetian and became very powerful late in her reign...
and Zhang Changzong
Zhang Changzong
Zhang Changzong , formally the Duke of Ye , nickname Liulang , was an official of Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty who, along with his brother Zhang Yizhi, became a lover of Wu Zetian and became very powerful late in her reign...
, Wu Zetian had Wei and Tang investigate, but before investigations could be complete, there were reports that Khitan and Xi were set to attack the northeastern border, and she gave Tang the additional titles as the commandant of You and Ying Prefectures (headquartered in modern Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
) and protectorate general of Andong
Protectorate General to Pacify the East
The Protectorate-General to Pacify the East was a short-lived military government established at Pyongyang by Tang Dynasty China in 668. It played an important role in the turbulent events of the peninsula in the late 7th century....
to defend against Khitan and Xi. Before Tang was set to depart the capital Luoyang
Luoyang
Luoyang is a prefecture-level city in western Henan province of Central China. It borders the provincial capital of Zhengzhou to the east, Pingdingshan to the southeast, Nanyang to the south, Sanmenxia to the west, Jiyuan to the north, and Jiaozuo to the northeast.Situated on the central plain of...
, he secretly spoke with Li Xian, stating, "The two Zhangs depend too much on the favors of the emperor and have lost their proper places as subjects. Surely a disturbance will come. Your Royal Highness should be careful."
During Emperor Zhongzong's second reign
In 705, Wu Zetian was overthrown in a coup, and Li Xian was restored to the throne. He recalled Tang Xiujing, conferring on him the honorific title of Fuguo Da Jiangjun (輔國大將軍, literally "grand general who assists the state"), and Tang continued to serve as chancellor with the designation Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin (同中書門下三品). He soon made Tang Zuo Pushe (左僕射), one of the heads of the executive bureau of government (尚書省, Shangshu Sheng) and still chancellor with the Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin. He also put Tang in charge of Chang'an, now again the main capital, as at that time he was at Luoyang, now eastern capital. He also initially created Tang the Duke of Jiuquan, and then the greater title of Duke of Song.Tang retired in spring 706, but in 708 he was referred to as an advisor to the Crown Prince. That year, when the general Zhang Rendan
Zhang Renyuan
Zhang Renyuan , né Zhang Rendan , formally the Duke of Han , was an official and general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reigns of Wu Zetian's sons Emperor Zhongzong and Emperor Ruizong and grandson Emperor Shang.- Background :It...
proposed that three forts be built north of the Yellow River
Yellow River
The Yellow River or Huang He, formerly known as the Hwang Ho, is the second-longest river in China and the sixth-longest in the world at the estimated length of . Originating in the Bayan Har Mountains in Qinghai Province in western China, it flows through nine provinces of China and empties into...
to control the Tujue population, Tang opposed the project, but the forts were built anyway and were effective in their purpose of controlling the Tujue population. It was said that Tang was not content in his retirement and, seeking to return to chancellor position, had his son marry the adopted daughter of one of the powerful women at Emperor Zhongzong's court, the senior lady in waiting
Lady in Waiting
Lady in Waiting is the 2nd album by American southern rock band Outlaws, released in 1976. -Track listing:#"Breaker-Breaker" – 2:59#"South Carolina" – 3:05#"Ain't So Bad" – 3:48...
Lady Helou, and in winter 709, he was again made chancellor with the Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin designation, drawing much popular criticism, although he was also praised for using his wealth as a duke to help his clansmen and reburying deceased ones properly. In any case, his term of service as chancellor was said to be an undistinguished one. In spring 710, there was an occasion when Emperor Zhongzong had the high level officials play games of cuju
Cuju
Cuju is an ancient code of football with similarities to association football. It is seen by some to be a forerunner of modern football and originated in China, and was also played in Korea, Japan and Vietnam.-History:...
and tug of war
Tug of war
Tug of war, also known as tug o' war, tug war, rope war or rope pulling, is a sport that directly pits two teams against each other in a test of strength. The term may also be used as a metaphor to describe a demonstration of brute strength by two opposing groups, such as a rivalry between two...
. It was said that Tang and fellow chancellor Wei Juyuan
Wei Juyuan
Wei Juyuan , formally Duke Zhao of Shu , was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty and Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving multiple times as chancellor during the reigns of Wu Zetian, her son Emperor Zhongzong, and her grandson Emperor Shang...
, due to their old age, fell and could not get up, drawing much laughs from the imperial household.
During Emperor Shang's reign and Emperor Ruizong's second reign
In summer 710, Emperor Zhongzong died suddenly -- a death that traditional historians believed to be a poisoning by his powerful wife Empress WeiEmpress Wei (Zhongzong)
Empress Wei was an empress of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty. She was the second wife of Emperor Zhongzong, who reigned twice, and during his second reign, she tried to emulate the example of her mother-in-law Wu Zetian and seize power...
and daughter Li Guo'er the Princess Anle
Princess Anle
Princess Anle , personal name Li Guo'er , was a princess of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty. She was the youngest daughter of Emperor Zhongzong and his wife Empress Wei who was greatly favored by her parents and therefore grew very powerful and corrupt during her father's second...
. His son by a concubine, Li Chongmao
Emperor Shang of Tang
Emperor Shang , also known as Emperor Shao , personal name Li Chongmao , was an emperor of the Tang Dynasty of China, ruling briefly in 710....
the Prince of Wen, was named emperor (as Emperor Shang), but Empress Wei retained power as empress dowager and regent. Less than a month later, she and Li Guo'er were killed in a coup led by Emperor Zhongzong's sister Princess Taiping
Princess Taiping
Princess Taiping was a princess of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty and her mother Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty. She was the youngest daughter of Wu Zetian and Emperor Gaozong and was powerful during the reigns of her mother and her elder brothers Emperor Zhongzong and Emperor Ruizong , particularly...
and nephew Li Longji
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang
Emperor Xuanzong of Tang , also commonly known as Emperor Ming of Tang , personal name Li Longji , known as Wu Longji from 690 to 705, was the seventh emperor of the Tang dynasty in China, reigning from 712 to 756. His reign of 43 years was the longest during the Tang Dynasty...
the Prince of LInzi (a son of Li Dan the Prince of Xiang, the former Emperor Ruizong). Emperor Shang was deposed, and Li Dan returned to the throne. Late that year, Tang Xiujing retired again and was allowed to continue to receive salaries as an official of the first rank (highest in Tang Dynasty's nine-rank civil service system). He died in 712 and was buried with honor.