Li Zhi

Timeline

1. 649–655Chang'an · Xi'anAcceded after Emperor Taizong's death under the era name Yonghui. He employed senior ministers entrusted by the late emperor, such as Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang, revised laws and statutes, and governed with clarity and harmony, known to history as the Yonghui governance.
2. 655Chang'an · Xi'anDeposed Empress Wang and Consort Xiao, and established Wu Zetian as empress; the court situation thus took a major turn, and Wu Zetian's political influence rose markedly.
3. 660–683Luoyang · LuoyangDue to long illness from dizziness, he delegated much of government to Wu Zetian, forming the situation known as the rule of the two sages. He destroyed Goguryeo, established the Protectorate General to Pacify the East, and expanded the northeastern territories.