In the early years of the Tang Dynasty, several very famous emperors were born in Chinese history. Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, was talented and strategic, and his reign in Zhenguan marked the beginning of the prosperous Tang Dynasty; Empress Wu Zetian, the only empress in Chinese history, was a legendary figure known for her unparalleled beauty and grace. However, as the husband of Empress Wu Zetian, Tang Gaozong Li Zhi could only become the man behind her. What kind of emperor was the real Li Zhi in history? Can he really only be the man behind Wu Zetian? Below, the history encyclopedia editor will bring you a detailed introduction. Let’s take a look together!
In 628 AD, Li Zhi was born with a golden key. At this time, his father Li Shimin had already eliminated all opponents and ascended to the throne as emperor. As the legitimate son born to Empress Changsun, Li Zhi’s father’s authority grew stronger and his mother’s position was stable. His childhood was extremely happy. However, Wu Zetian, who was born four years earlier than him, was not so lucky. Although she was born into a wealthy family, her father also contributed to Li Yuan’s rebellion in Taiyuan and served as the Minister of Works and Governor of Jingzhou. However, her father’s death deprived her of her greatest reliance, and Wu Zetian, who was bullied by her cousin, had no choice but to move back to Chang’an with her mother. At this time, Li Zhi was eight years old and Wu Zetian was twelve years old, two years before their destinies met.
One year later, Empress Changsun passed away, and Li Zhi, who was only nine years old, lost his mother, ending his childhood; At this time, Wu Zetian had already grown up with a daughter from a neighboring family, and she was eager to try her hand at entering the Daming Palace.
In 637 AD, Wu Zetian, who had already risen gracefully, was selected into the palace. Li Shimin conferred upon her the title of “talented person” and bestowed upon her the nickname “Wu Mei”, indicating that Wu Zetian was also naturally charming, which greatly pleased Li Shimin. At this time, Li Zhi was still treating the pain of losing his mother, and had no ambition for the throne because his Crown Prince brother Li Chengqian had a stable position and could not afford to think too much. He just hasn’t figured it out yet. His grandfather Li Yuan and father Li Shimin both won the throne, and if they did, he couldn’t win it himself. Encouraged by this ancestral motto, his half brother Li Tai challenged his biological brother Li Chengqian.
Will he do better than his father?
At the end of the Zhenguan reign, due to Li Shimin’s three expeditions to Goryeo, the national strength declined and people’s livelihoods became difficult. After Li Zhi ascended to the throne, he ordered no more expeditions to Liaodong, no construction work, and the restoration of people’s livelihoods. And restore the imperial examination system, select talents, and balance the gentry. Appointing wise officials, diligent in national affairs, and gradually restoring national strength.
In 668 AD, the Tang Dynasty’s army directly targeted Goguryeo and ultimately captured Pyongyang, fulfilling the long-standing wish of several generations of the Central Plains dynasties. Li Zhi is not known for his martial arts, but the Tang Dynasty under his rule was the largest in terms of territory. However, his glory was overshadowed by a generation of empresses, which is a pity.
In 683 AD, Emperor Gaozong of Tang, Li Zhi, passed away. Although Li Zhi’s life was not particularly famous, his literary and martial arts were no less than those of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin. However, historical records have mixed reviews of him, and his achievements and mistakes will last for generations to evaluate!
