Today, the History Encyclopedia editor will bring you why An Lushan did not bow down to the Crown Prince when he visited Li Longji during his visit to the court. Interested readers can follow the editor to take a look together.
In the 14th year of the Tianbao era (755), An Lushan rebelled in Fanyang. Bai Juyi said in “Song of Everlasting Sorrow”: “The sound of the Yuyang bell came stirring, shattering the melody of the Ni Chang and Yu Yi.” For Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, An Lushan’s rebellion was too sudden. An Lushan pretended to be dull and cute in front of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, using all kinds of tricks and tactics to make Xuanzong, who thought he was clever, unguarded. An Lushan’s methods were extremely clever.
In the first year of Tianbao (742), An Lushan was appointed as the military governor of Pinglu. Two years later, An Lushan also served as the military governor of Fanyang. In the sixth year of the Tianbao era (747), An Lushan once again entered the court to pay his respects to Emperor Xuanzong. As soon as he entered the palace gate, An Lushan prostrated himself and reported, “I grew up as a barbarian soldier. I am grateful for the emperor’s grace and have received great favor and honor. I feel ashamed and foolish, and I am unable to fulfill my duties. I can only offer myself to the country and repay the great favor of the emperor
Emperor Xuanzong was very pleased to hear this and comforted him, saying, “It is Tang’s fortune that you can serve the country with your own life. I am deeply comforted!” After speaking, Emperor Xuanzong pointed to the Crown Prince beside him and asked An Lushan to come forward and pay his respects. An Lushan hesitated for a moment and did not move forward to worship. The eunuch in front of the palace said sharply, “An Lushan, why don’t you bow down when you see Your Highness
An Lushan pretended to be confused and asked Emperor Xuanzong, “Your Majesty, what is Your Highness’s official position?” Emperor Xuanzong thought he really didn’t understand and smiled, saying, “Your Highness is the Crown Prince.” An Lushan also pretended not to understand and said, “I don’t understand the etiquette of the Heavenly Court, so I don’t know what to call the Crown Prince.” Emperor Xuanzong said, “After a hundred years, I will entrust the throne to him, so I am called the Crown Prince
An Lushan pretended to apologize and said, ‘I only know about Your Majesty, not the Crown Prince. I deserve to die for my sins!’ Then he bowed a few times to the Crown Prince. Tang Xuanzong did not understand An Lushan’s treachery, but instead praised him for his honesty and cuteness, feeling very satisfied with his loyalty.
