Li Chéngqián (李承乾) (619?[1]-January 5, 645[2]), courtesy name Gaoming (高明), formally Prince Min of Hengshan (恆山愍王), was a crown prince of the Chinese Tang Dynasty. Events By Place Byzantine Empire The Avars attack Constantinople. Events 1477 - Battle of Nancy: Charles the Bold is killed and Burgundy becomes part of France. Events By Place Byzantine Empire The Byzantines recapture Alexandria from the Arabs Asia A Chinese style name, sometimes also known as a courtesy name ( zì) is a given name to be used later in life Crown Princess redirects here for the ship see Crown Princess (ship. Chinese civilization originated in various city-states along the Yellow River ( valley in the Neolithic era The Tang Dynasty ( Middle Chinese: dhɑng (June 18 618&ndashJune 4 907 was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by He was Emperor Taizong's oldest son and first crown prince, but was replaced later by his younger brother Li Zhi (the eventual Emperor Gaozong). Emperor Taizong of Tang ( January 23, 599 &ndash July 10 649) personal name Lǐ Shìmín ( was the second emperor of the Background and life as Prince of Jin Li Zhi was born in 628 He was the ninth son of his father Emperor Taizong, and the third son of his mother Emperor Taizong's wife
Li Chengqian was created crown prince in 627 at the age of eight, after his father became emperor in 626. Events By Place Byzantine Empire December 12 — Battle of Nineveh: Emperor Heraclius defeats the Persians ending Events By Place Byzantine Empire The Byzantines defeat the Avars and Slavs, who were besieging Constantinople In his youth, he had a reputation for good judgment, but was also said to be suffering from a foot illness. Later on, he was said to be frivolous, favoring Tujue customs instead of studying about ways to rule an empire. Göktürks ( Turkish: Gök Türkler) were a Turkic people of ancient Central Asia. He lost favor in Emperor Taizong's eyes to a younger brother, Li Tai the Prince of Wei. Li Tai (李泰 Pinyin: Lǐ Tài (618- December 15, 652) Courtesy name Huibao (惠褒 nickname Qingque (青雀 formally (Both were born of Emperor Taizong's wife Empress Zhangsun. Empress Zhangsun (長孫皇后 personal name unknown ( 601 - July 28, 636) formally Empress Wendeshunsheng (文德順聖皇后 literally "the ) In 643, in fear that Emperor Taizong was about to depose him in favor of Li Tai, he plotted with the general Hou Junji to overthrow Emperor Taizong. Events By Place Europe Rothari King of the Lombards, issues the Lombard law code Hou Junji (侯君集 (d April 29, 643) was a major general and chancellor of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, particularly known The plot was discovered, and he was deposed and reduced to commoner rank, but Emperor Taizong, believing that Li Tai to be responsible for Li Chengqian's downfall, created yet another son, Li Zhi (also by Empress Zhangsun), crown prince instead. Li Chengqian was exiled, and died in exile in 644, as a commoner under house arrest. He was posthumously granted an imperial prince title during the reign of his grandnephew, Emperor Xuanzong after his grandson Li Shizhi became chancellor. Emperor Xuanzong of Tang ( ( September 8, 685 Background Li Longji was born at the Tang Dynasty eastern capital Luoyang Li Shizhi ( d 747 né Li Chang (李昌 formally the Duke of Qinghe (清和公 was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving The chancellor of the Tang Dynasty (唐朝宰相 was an office that was semi-formally designated for a number of high level officials at one time during the Chinese
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Early life
Li Chengqian was born in 619, not long after his grandfather Emperor Gaozu established Tang Dynasty in 618. Events By Place Byzantine Empire The Avars attack Constantinople. Background and early career Li Yuan's seventh-generation ancestor was Li Gao, the founder of the Sixteen Kingdoms state Western Liang. The Tang Dynasty ( Middle Chinese: dhɑng (June 18 618&ndashJune 4 907 was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by Events By Place Asia The Sui Dynasty ends and the Tang Dynasty begins in China. He was the first son of Emperor Gaozu's son Li Shimin the Prince of Qin and Li Shimin's wife Princess Zhangsun, and was named Chengqian because he was born at Chengqian Hall (承乾殿). Emperor Taizong of Tang ( January 23, 599 &ndash July 10 649) personal name Lǐ Shìmín ( was the second emperor of the Empress Zhangsun (長孫皇后 personal name unknown ( 601 - July 28, 636) formally Empress Wendeshunsheng (文德順聖皇后 literally "the In 620, he was created the Prince of Hengshan, at the same time that his younger brothers Li Ke and Li Tai were also created princes. Events By Place Byzantine Empire The Slavs attack Thessaloniki. Li Ke (李恪 (d March 6, 653) posthumously known as the Prince of Yulin (鬱林王 often known by his greater title as the Prince of Wu Li Tai (李泰 Pinyin: Lǐ Tài (618- December 15, 652) Courtesy name Huibao (惠褒 nickname Qingque (青雀 formally
Early years as crown prince
In 626, Li Shimin seized power after ambushing and killing his older brother Li Jiancheng the Crown Prince and younger brother Li Yuanji the Prince of Qi at the Incident at Xuanwu Gate, and later that year, Emperor Gaozu yielded the throne to him (as Emperor Taizong). Events By Place Byzantine Empire The Byzantines defeat the Avars and Slavs, who were besieging Constantinople Li Jiancheng (李建成 ( 589 - July 2, 626) formally Crown Prince Yin (隱太子 literally "the hidden crown prince" nickname Crown Princess redirects here for the ship see Crown Princess (ship. Li Yuanji (李元吉 ( 603 - July 2, 626) formally Prince La of Chao (巢剌王 more commonly known by the title of Prince of Qi The Incident at Xuanwu Gate (玄武門之變 refers to an incident on July 2, 626, when Li Shimin the Prince of Qin a son of Emperor Gaozu of Tang Emperor Taizong created Li Chengqian's mother Princess Zhangsun empress. An emperor (from the Latin " Imperator " is a (male Monarch, usually the sovereign ruler of an Empire or another type of In 627, Emperor Taizong created Li Chengqian crown prince. Events By Place Byzantine Empire December 12 — Battle of Nineveh: Emperor Heraclius defeats the Persians ending In 630, in order to show honor to the chancellor Du Ruhui in Du's illness, Emperor Taizong sent Li Chengqian to personally visit Du. Events By Place Byzantine Empire Serbs settle in the Balkans having been invited by the Byzantine emperor Heraclius The chancellor of the Tang Dynasty (唐朝宰相 was an office that was semi-formally designated for a number of high level officials at one time during the Chinese Du Ruhui (杜如晦 (585-630 Courtesy name Keming (克明 formally Duke Cheng of Lai (萊成公 was one of the most celebrated chancellors Later that year, Emperor Taizong formally made Li Chengqian in charge of listening to legal appeals where the litigants were dissatisfied with the judgments made by the executive bureau of the government (尚書省, Shangshu Sheng), putting a layer of appeal between the executive bureau and the emperor himself. The senior officials Li Gang (李綱) and Xiao Yu were made his senior advisors, and whenever Li Chengqian were officially hearing governmental matters, he would be accompanied by Li Gang and the chancellor Fang Xuanling. Xiao Yu (蕭瑀 (574-647 Courtesy name Shiwen (時文 formally Duke Zhenbian of Song (宋貞褊公 was an imperial prince of the Chinese Fang Xuanling (房玄齡 (579–648 formal name Fang Qiao (房喬 but went by the Courtesy name of Xuanling formally Duke Wenzhao of Liang (梁文昭公 In 631, he held his official rite of passage. Events By Place Europe The Battle of Wogastisburg is fought between the Slavs led by Samo, and the Franks A rite of passage is a Ritual that marks a change in a person's social or sexual status In winter 632, after a feast Emperor Taizong held for Emperor Gaozu (then with the title Taishang Huang (retired emperor)) at Emperor Gaozu's Da'an Palace (大安宮), Emperor Taizong wanted to hold up Emperor Gaozu's litter personally; Emperor Gaozu disallowed it, but had Li Chengqian take Emperor Taizong's place in doing so. Events By Place Europe Khan Kubrat starts to rule in Great Bulgaria. Taishang-huang ( was a Chinese title sometimes translated in English as Retired Emperor, Grand Emperor or Emperor Emeritus used throughout Meanwhile, by 633, Li Chengqian was said to be beginning to favor frivolous games, and his staff members Yu Zhining, Du Zhenglun, and Kong Yingda (孔穎達) often advised him to not do so. Events By Place Europe Oswald of Bernicia becomes Bretwalda. Osric becomes king of Deira. Yu Zhining (于志寧 (588-665 Courtesy name Zhongmi (仲謐 formally Duke Ding of Yan (燕定公 was a chancellor of the Chinese Du Zhenglun (杜正倫 (d 658? was an official of the Chinese dynasties Sui Dynasty and Tang Dynasty, serving as chancellor during the reign Emperor Taizong approved of Yu, Du, and Kong, and rewarded them.
In 635, Emperor Gaozu died. Events By Topic Religion Saint Aidan founds Lindisfarne in Northumbria, England Emperor Taizong observed a period of mourning for him. During that time, Li Chengqian formally ruled on important matters of state for about 45 days, after which Emperor Taizong resumed his imperial authority, but still had Li Chengqian rule on more minor issues. It was around this time that Li Chengqian was said to have good judgment and logical abilities. From this point on, whenever Emperor Taizong was away from the capital Chang'an, Li Chengqian would be in charge of the imperial government. Chang'an ( is an ancient Capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history.
In 636, Li Chengqian's mother Empress Zhangsun was seriously ill. Events By Place Byzantine Empire August 20 — Battle of Yarmuk: Khalid ibn al-Walid 's victory against the Li Chengqian suggested to her that a general pardon be declared and that people be encouraged to become Buddhist or Taoist monks to try to gain divine favor. Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices Taoism (pronounced /ˈdaʊɪzəm/ or /ˈtaʊɪzəm/ also spelled '''Daoism''') refers to a variety of related Philosophical and Religious traditions Empress Zhangsun disallowed it, disfavoring pardons herself and knowing that Emperor Taizong also disapproved Buddhism and Taoism, and li Chengqian then discussed the matter with Fang, who relayed his request to Emperor Taizong. Emperor Taizong wanted to declare a general pardon, but was dissuaded by Empress Zhangsun. She died later that year.
Struggles against Li Tai
By this point, Li Tai, who was considered intelligent and talented in literature, had gained Emperor Taizong's favor over Li Chengqian -- so much so that in 638, Emperor Taizong let it slip out that it was not impossible that an imperial prince would one day be his officials' overlord, when Wang Gui suggested that high level officials not be required to bow to imperial princes other than the crown prince. Events By Place Asia The Muslims capture Jerusalem, Antioch, Caesarea Maritima and Akko Wang Gui (王珪 (571-639 Courtesy name Shujie (叔玠 formally Duke Yi of Yongning (永寧懿公 was a chancellor during the reign Li Chengqian, meanwhile, was allowing his games to interfere with his studies, despite urgings of his advisor Zhang Xuansu (張玄素). At one point, after Zhang expressed disapproval of his playing drums, Li Chengqian destroyed his drums, but was not otherwise listening to Zhang's advice.
In 641, When Emperor Taizong visited the eastern capital Luoyang, Li Chengqian was in charge of Chang'an, assisted by the chancellor Gao Shilian (his granduncle). Events By Place Europe Chindaswinth deposes Tulga, and becomes king of the Visigoths. Luoyang ( is a Prefecture-level city in western Henan province, People's Republic of China. Gao Shilian (高士廉 ( 576 - February 14, 647) formal name Gao Jian (高儉 but went by the Courtesy name of Shilian formally Around that time, Li Chengqian had gathered a group of guards who served as his personal assassins, and when he grew angry at the earnest urgings by Yu Zhining, he sent his assassins Zhang Shizheng (張師政) and Gegan Chengji (紇干承基) to kill Yu, although Zhang and Gegan, when they saw that Yu was observing a mourning period for his mother, relented and did not kill Yu. Meanwhile, in 642, with Li Tai engaging many scholars on staff, Emperor Taizong had increased Li Tai's stipend so much that it exceeded Li Chengqian's. Events By Place Europe August 5 — In the Battle of Maserfield, Penda, king of Mercia defeats and The official Chu Suiliang, whose advice Emperor Taizong usually listened to, advised against this, believing that this would bring conflict. Chu Suiliang (褚遂良 (597-658 Courtesy name Dengshan (登善 formally Duke of Henan (河南公 was a chancellor of the Chinese Instead, Emperor Taizong removed all limits on Li Chengqian's spending, causing Li Chengqian to be wasteful. When Zhang advised against wastefulness, Li Chengqian became so displeased that he sent servants to attack Zhang with large whips, almost killing him. With Emperor Taizong's favors for Li Tai apparent, there began to be a faction that supported Li Chengqian and a faction that supported Li Tai at court. In order to quell the speculations about Li Tai's replacing Li Chengqian, Emperor Taizong made the honored chancellor Wei Zheng Li Chengqian's senior advisor, but this failed to end the rumors. Wei Zheng ( 580-643 Courtesy name Xuancheng (玄成 formally Duke Wenzhen of Zheng (鄭文貞公 was a Chinese politician and the lead editor The rumors also continued to persist even after Emperor Taizong publicly declared in spring 643 that even if Li Chengqian died (as Li Chengqian's foot illness -- the historical accounts did not specify what kind of illness -- was well-known among the officials), Li Chengqian's son Li Xiang (李象) would inherit the throne, not another prince. Events By Place Europe Rothari King of the Lombards, issues the Lombard law code
It was said that Li Chengqian favored music, women, and hunting, and was wasteful in pursuing these things, but at the same time maintained a veneer of virtue to the outside world. Among his guards, he often took on Tujue customs, wearing Tujue clothes and spoke Tujue, often engaging in Tujue-style camping. Göktürks ( Turkish: Gök Türkler) were a Turkic people of ancient Central Asia. Meanwhile, several other acts of Li Chengqian were also drawing Emperor Taizong's ire. Li Chengqian had favored a young man that he nicknamed Chengxin (稱心, meaning, "satisfying my heart"), probably in a sexual relationship. He had also favored Taoist monks Qin Ying (秦英) and Wei Lingfu (韋靈符), and he had them use magic -- acts that were considered extremely disapproved among imperial subjects. When Emperor Taizong found out about these things, he put Chengxin and the Taoist monks all to death. Li Chengqian, believing that it was Li Tai who informed Emperor Taizong, became increasingly angry with Li Tai, and he, in sadness over Chengxin's death, also refused to attend imperial gatherings for months, while establishing a shrine for Chengxin within his palace.
Removal and death
Meanwhile, Li Tai was having officials who were in his faction often spread news about Li Tai's abilities, trying to create an impression among the people that Li Tai should be crown prince. Li Chengqian was becoming increasingly insecure, and he began to discuss within his own faction what to do. His closest allies included his uncle Li Yuanchang (李元昌) the Prince of Han, the imperial guard commander Li Anyan (李安儼), his cousin Zhao Jie (趙節), and Du Ruhui's son and his brother-in-law Du He (杜荷). Eventually, he also invited the major general Hou Junji, whose son-in-law Helan Chushi (賀蘭楚石) was Li Chengqian's guard commander, into the plot, considering overthrowing Emperor Taizong. Hou Junji (侯君集 (d April 29, 643) was a major general and chancellor of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, particularly known
In spring 643, however, Li Chengqian's younger brother Li You (李祐) the Prince of Qi, resentful of the head of his household, Quan Wanji (權萬紀), killed Quan and then rebelled. Li You was soon defeated and captured, and when Emperor Taizong investigated Li You's co-conspirators, Gegan Chengji was arrested and sentenced to death. Gegan, in order to save himself, revealed the plot. Emperor Taizong, in shock, convened the senior officials Zhangsun Wuji (Empress Zhangsun's brother), Fang Xuanling, Xiao Yu, and Li Shiji, as well as officials from the supreme court, the legislative bureau, and the exmaination bureau, to investigate, and the extent of the plot was revealed. Zhangsun Wuji (長孫無忌 (d 659 Courtesy name Fuji (輔機 formally Duke of Zhao (趙公 was a chancellor of the Chinese Li Shiji (李世勣 (594- December 31, 669) né Xu Shiji (徐世勣 later known in the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang as Li Ji When Emperor Taizong requested opinions on what to do with Li Chengqian, Lai Ji suggested sparing him, and Emperor Taizong agreed. Lai Ji (來濟 (610-662 was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving as a chancellor during the reign of Emperor Gaozong. He deposed Li Chengqian and reduced him to commoner rank, while ordering Li Yuanchang to commit suicide. Hou and the other conspirators were all executed.
Emperor Taizong initially told Li Tai that he would be created crown prince, but soon came to believe that Li Tai's machinations were responsbile for Li Chengqian's downfall. When Emperor Taizong himself visited Li Chengqian, Li Chengqian told him:
- I was already crown prince, and what else could I be looking for. It is because Li Tai often conspired against me, and I had to therefore discuss with my staff how to save myself. Those overly ambitious people thus suggested that I commit treason. If you create Li Tai crown prince, you are falling into his trap.
Emperor Taizong agreed, and as Zhangsun Wuji proposed creating another son by Empress Zhangsun, Li Zhi the Prince of Jin, crown prince, Emperor Taizong did so, putting Li Tai under house arrest as well and reducing his title, although keeping the title a princely title. Background and life as Prince of Jin Li Zhi was born in 628 He was the ninth son of his father Emperor Taizong, and the third son of his mother Emperor Taizong's wife In fall 643, Emperor Taizong exiled both Li Chengqian and Li Tai -- in the case of Li Chengqian, to Qian Prefecture (黔州, modern southeastern Chongqing). Chongqing ( Postal map spelling: Chungking; Wade-Giles: Ch'ung-ch'ing) is the largest and most populous of the People's Republic of China
Around the new year 645, Li Chengqian died at Cheng Prefecture. Events By Place Byzantine Empire The Byzantines recapture Alexandria from the Arabs Asia Emperor Taizong ordered that he be buried with the honors due a duke. After Li Chengqian's grandson Li Shizhi became chancellor during the reign of Li Chengqian's grandnephew Emperor Xuanzong, he often spoke to Emperor Xuanzong in defense of his grandfather. Li Shizhi ( d 747 né Li Chang (李昌 formally the Duke of Qinghe (清和公 was an official of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, serving Emperor Xuanzong of Tang ( ( September 8, 685 Background Li Longji was born at the Tang Dynasty eastern capital Luoyang In 736, Emperor Xuanzong posthumously honored Li Chengqian the Prince of Hengshan -- a title that he previously held -- and gave him the posthumous name of Min (愍, meaning "suffering"). Events By Place Asia The scholar-priest Rōben invites Shinshō to give lectures on the Avatamsaka Sutra at Kinshōsen-ji A posthumous name is an honorary name given to royalty nobles and sometimes others in some cultures after the person's death
Notes
- ^ However, this date does not reconcile well with historical records also stating that his younger brother Li Tai was 34 when he died in 652 -- which would make Li Tai born in 618. Li Tai (李泰 Pinyin: Lǐ Tài (618- December 15, 652) Courtesy name Huibao (惠褒 nickname Qingque (青雀 formally Events By Place Europe Rodoald succeeds his father Rothari as king of the Lombards. Events By Place Asia The Sui Dynasty ends and the Tang Dynasty begins in China. As Li Tai was clearly younger and born of the same mother as Li Chengqian, the dates cannot be both correct, but it is not clear which, if either, date was correct. Further, given that Li Chengqian was Emperor Taizong's first-born son and Li Tai was the fourth-born son, they could not be twins.
- ^ 兩千年中西曆轉換
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