Li Longji, the grandson of Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi and Empress Wu Zetian, and the third son of Emperor Ruizong Li Dan, also known as Li Sanlang.
In the ancient feudal system, the position of emperor was inherited by the eldest son, and the eldest son of Emperor Ruizong was called Li Chengqi. This prince was naturally intelligent and versatile, and could be said to have accumulated numerous halos. In terms of talent and status, Li Longji could be said to have had little chance of ascending to the throne in his lifetime.
So why did Li Dan pass the throne to his third son Li Longji instead of his eldest son Li Chengqi?
We have to talk about Li Dan’s mother, Wu Zetian. As a strong mother, Wu Zetian was a fragile person in Li Dan’s heart. When Li Dan was the emperor, Li Chengqi was the crown prince.
Later, due to Empress Wu Zetian’s removal of her son from the throne, Li Chengqi’s position as crown prince was also revoked and he left. Li Dan’s second coronation was due to the help of Li Longji. If it were not for the joint execution of Empress Wei and Princess Anle, he would not have been in this position.
For this coronation, Li Dan hesitated. His eldest son’s character was not a problem, and it was not a problem to crown him. However, for this coronation, the person who made great contributions was Li Longji, with flesh on both his palms and hands.
Just as Li Dan was hesitating, his eldest son Li Chengqi also expressed that his third brother should have been appointed as the crown prince for this credit, and only after Li Chengqi’s repeated requests did Li Dan agree. After learning about it, Li Longji also stated that his elder brother is the eldest son, and the position of crown prince should be held by his elder brother.
Many people believe that Li Longji’s throne was relinquished by Li Chengqi, but based on the situation at that time, Li Longji’s power in the court was beyond Li Chengqi’s control, even though he was the eldest son. So Li Chengqi voluntarily abdicated the throne for self-protection, and later chose to protect himself wisely.
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