In ancient times, princesses held noble status and enjoyed the honor and wealth bestowed upon them by the royal family from birth. Correspondingly, they also had to bear the responsibilities bestowed upon them by the royal family. In the eyes of rulers, princesses can be used as political chips to exchange for peace on the border or to win the loyalty of favored courtiers, and the Tang Dynasty’s Princess Gaoyang was no exception. Below, the history encyclopedia editor will bring you a detailed introduction. Let’s take a look together!
Princess Gaoyang was the daughter of Emperor Taizong of Tang. She grew up in favor and luxury, with a lively, passionate, and proud personality. Although Princess Gaoyang was deeply favored by Emperor Taizong of Tang, her fate was still predetermined from birth. In order to win over Fang Xuanling’s loyalty and demonstrate that he was his most trusted courtier, Emperor Taizong of Tang used Princess Gaoyang as a bargaining chip to balance his relationship with Fang Xuanling and married her to Fang Xuanling’s son, Fang Xuanling, as his last love. Although Fang Yiai was born into a prestigious family, she is cowardly, mediocre, and incompetent. Princess Gaoyang naturally dislikes her, but her unwillingness cannot change the fate arranged for her by her father.
Princess Gaoyang, who had an unhappy marriage, often went hunting in the countryside to relax. During an outing, Princess Gaoyang met a monk who was debating. The two fell in love at first sight, forgetting their royal status and monastic precepts, and became entangled together for several years.
In 645 AD, Master Xuanzang returned to China and opened his first translation studio at Hongfu Temple in Chang’an. As a translator of scriptures, Bianji was selected to join Xuanzang’s translation studio. Before parting, Princess Gaoyang gave her jade pillow to her beloved and asked him to take it with him. However, an accident occurred and the jade pillow was stolen by a small thief. After being caught by the government, this petty thief quickly became involved in the shocking love story between Princess Gaoyang and the public. Upon hearing this, Emperor Taizong of Tang was furious and issued an edict to execute Princess Gaoyang by beheading and permanently prohibit her from entering the palace.
The pain and resentment gradually made Princess Gaoyang lose her sanity. Princess Gaoyang hated her father to the core. After the death of Emperor Taizong of Tang, Princess Gaoyang did not even show a sad expression. After Emperor Gaozong Li Zhi succeeded to the throne, Princess Gaoyang regained her freedom, but her behavior became increasingly insane. She sent people to search for handsome young monks and have fun with them. Later, perhaps in order to seek revenge on her father for causing him to die in peace, she began planning to overthrow her father’s designated heir Li Zhi and establish a new emperor.
In 653, Princess Gaoyang was ordered to commit suicide for participating in a rebellion.
