Introduction to Li Duozuo A famous general of the Tang Dynasty, who was ultimately killed due to the defeat in the Jinglong coup

Li Duozuo (654-707 AD) was born in Gaichuan (now Gaizhou City, Liaoning Province). The Mohe people were famous generals of the Tang Dynasty. Below, the history encyclopedia editor will bring you a detailed introduction. Let’s take a look together!
Li Duozuo served as the chief of the Mohe tribe and later led his troops to submit to the Tang Dynasty. Brave and skilled in battle, participated in suppressing the rebellions of the Turkic, Heishui Mohe, Shiwei, and Khitan tribes, made numerous military achievements, and was appointed as the Grand General of the Right Yulin Army, the Prince of Shangzhu State, and the Prince of Liaoyang County. He controlled the Forbidden Army and the North Gate of the Garrison for more than 20 years.
In the first year of the Shenlong era (705 AD), taking advantage of Wu Zetian’s illness, he assisted Prime Minister Zhang Jianzhi in launching the “Shenlong Revolution”, killing Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong brothers, and forcing Wu Zetian to return to Tang Zhongzong. In July of the third year of the Shenlong era (707 AD), Li Duozuo assisted Crown Prince Li Chongjun in launching the “Jinglong Coup”, killing Wu Sansi, his son, and his followers. Outside Xuanwu Gate, Emperor Zhongzong of Tang climbed up the tower and called out, causing soldiers to defect in battle. Li Duozuo was defeated and killed at the age of 54.
After Tang Ruizong Li Dan ascended the throne, he issued an edict to exonerate Zhao Xue and restore his official title.
Biography
Take charge of the Forbidden Army
Li Duozuo’s ancestors have been chiefs of the Mohe tribe for generations, and later surrendered to the Tang Dynasty. When Li Duozuo was young, he was brave and skilled in archery, passionate and inspiring, and made numerous military achievements. He was eventually promoted to the position of Right Eagle Soaring General. During the campaign against the Heishui Mohe, Li Duozuo devised a scheme to lure their leader, set up a high-level drinking meeting, and took advantage of his drunkenness to kill him and defeat his followers.
When Shi Wei and Khitan Sun Wanrong rebelled against the Tang Dynasty, Li Duozuo and his generals led their troops to attack. Due to their achievements, they were appointed as the Grand General of the Right Feather Forest Army by the Tang court, and were in charge of the Imperial Guards for more than 20 years.
Shenlong Coup
In the first year of the Shenlong era (705 AD), when Zhang Jianzhi planned to launch a coup to kill Zhang Yizhi’s brothers, he prepared to invite Li Duozuo to participate and asked him, “How many years has the general been at the north gate?” Li Duozuo replied, “Thirty years.” Zhang Jianzhi also said, “The general eats by beating bells and placing tripods, with golden plaques and purple ribbons, a respected position, and an extremely powerful minister. Isn’t this the kindness of the emperor?” Li Duozuo replied with tears in his eyes, “It was given by Emperor Gaozong.” Zhang Jianzhi said, “Now that the son of Emperor Gaozong is threatened by the two children, Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong, doesn’t the general want to repay Emperor Gaozong? Kindness!” Li Duozuo replied, “As long as it is beneficial to the country, I will obey the arrangements of the Prime Minister and dare not take into account my own safety and that of my wife and children
So the two of them jointly swore allegiance to the gods of heaven and earth, their words moved and their righteousness manifested. They planned to kill Zhang Yi’s brother and force Wu Zetian to pass on the throne to Li Xian. After their success, Li Duozuo was appointed as the Prince of Liaoyang County, with a fief of eight hundred households. His son Li Chengxun was appointed as the Second Lieutenant of the Wei Commandery. At that time, Li Xian was preparing to go to the Temple of Heaven and ordered Li Duozuo to accompany the Prime Minister of Anguo, Li Dan, on horseback.
Jinglong Coup
In July of the first year of Jinglong (707 AD), Prince Jiemin Li Zhongjun conspired with the Minister of War Wei Yuanzhong to order General Cheng Wang Li Qianli, General Li Duozuo, General Li Sichong, General Li Chengkuang, Dugu Yizhi, and Sha Zha Zhongyi of the Left and Right Yulin to launch a rebellion, known as the Jinglong Coup.
Li Zhongjun first killed Wu Sansi and Wu Chongxun in the Wu family, while also killing more than ten of his followers. He also ordered General Zuo Jinwu, Prince Cheng, to divide his troops by a thousand miles and personally lead his troops to rush to the Su Zhang Gate to search for Empress Wei and Princess Anle. However, due to the fact that Zhao Rong Shangguan Wan’er had always had an affair with Wu Sansi, he seized the cabinet and demanded compensation. Shangguan Wan’er shouted loudly, “It seems that they want to catch my son first, then the empress, and finally the emperor. Li Xian, along with Empress Wei, Princess Anle, and Shangguan Jieyu, climbed up to the Xuanwu Gate to hide. At the same time, they sent General Liu Renjing of the Right Feather Forest to lead over a hundred Feather Forest riders to gather under the gate to protect themselves.
Yang Zaisi, Su Rang, Li Qiao, along with the Minister of War Zong Chuke and the Left Guard General Ji Chune, gathered in front of the Taiji Hall with more than 2000 soldiers and held their ground behind closed doors. Li Duozuo was the first to come downstairs to Xuanwu and wanted to go upstairs, but was stopped by the Imperial Guard. Li Duozuo and Li Zhongjun were both hesitant and restrained their troops. They did not immediately attack Xuanwu Tower, but hoped that Li Xian could come out and inquire about the reason for their uprising. The imperial court ordered Yang Sixu, a resident of Shicheng County, to stand next to Li Xian and request his permission to lead troops on an attack. Li Duozuo’s son-in-law, Yu Linzhong Lang, served as the forward manager at that time. Yang Sixu drew his sword and beheaded him, causing Li Duozuo’s soldiers to lose their courage at that time. Tang Zhongzong held onto the railing of Xuanwu Tower and leaned down to say to the thousand cavalry led by Li Duozuo downstairs, “You are all my guards. Why did you rebel with Li Duozuo? If you can kill the rebels, there is no need to worry about losing glory and wealth.” Therefore, the thousand cavalry beheaded Li Duozuo, Li Chengguang, Duhu Zhi, and Sha Zha, and the others scattered and fled.
After Tang Ruizong Li Dan ascended the throne, he issued an edict to exonerate Li Duozuo, restore his original position, and forgive his wife and children. Wei Cong, a minister of Emperor Ruizong of Tang, said that Li Duozuo and others who invaded the emperor with soldiers were not guilty, but could only be released without being called snow. Emperor’s words. At that time, the government had already implemented regulations and it was difficult to change them, except for Li Duozuo and others who stopped giving official titles.