Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, Li Longji

Timeline

1. c. 712Chang'an · Tang dynastyLi Longji was the third son of Emperor Ruizong of Tang; after political struggles including the Shenlong Coup and the Tanglong Coup, he ascended the throne in 712, changing the era name to Kaiyuan, becoming Emperor Xuanzong of Tang.
2. 713–741Chang'an · Tang dynastyDuring the Kaiyuan era he governed diligently, appointing capable chancellors such as Yao Chong and Song Jing, reforming administration and developing the economy; Tang power reached its zenith, known historically as the Kaiyuan era prosperity.
3. 742–756Chang'an · Tang dynastyDuring the Tianbao era he neglected governance and indulged in luxury, favoring Consort Yang and Yang Guozhong, and made the frontier general An Lushan military commissioner of Fanyang. The An Lushan Rebellion broke out in 755; in 756 Xuanzong fled west to Mawei Courier Station, where he was forced to order Consort Yang's death before abdicating.
4. 756–762Chang'an · Tang dynastyAfter abdicating he was honored as retired emperor, first residing in Chengdu and later returning to Chang'an. In his later years he was melancholy; he died in the Ganlu Hall in 762 and was buried in Tailing.