Beginning of the Kaiyuan Prosperity

Timeline

1. 713Chang'an · ShaanxiIn the seventh month of Xiantian 2, Xuanzong launched a coup, executing Princess Taiping and her followers, and Emperor Emeritus Li Dan returned power; Xuanzong fully controlled the government, clearing the last obstacle to the Kaiyuan era change.
2. 713Chang'an · ShaanxiOn the gengyin new moon of the twelfth month, Xuanzong received congratulations at the Danfeng Tower, granted a general amnesty, changed the era name to Kaiyuan, and bestowed one rank of merit on officials inside and out; the new era name meant 'opening a new epoch,' giving the Kaiyuan prosperity its name.
3. 713–741Tang capital region and circuits · ChinaDuring the Kaiyuan era, Xuanzong employed capable chancellors such as Yao Chong, Song Jing, and Zhang Yue, governed diligently, filled the treasuries, and saw the population flourish; this is known as the Kaiyuan prosperity, the peak of Tang power.