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Pei Ji

Type Figure Region China Time 570–629 Also known as Pei Xuanzhen、Sikong

Pei Ji (570–629) was a founding meritorious official of the early Tang, a close friend of Li Yuan whom he strongly urged to rebel against Sui at Taiy…

Timeline

  1. c. 590–615Puzhou · YunchengPei Ji came from an official family and served Sui as deputy warden of the Jinyang Palace, becoming close with the Taiyuan defender Li Yuan through gaming and banquets, and becoming Li Yuan's trusted confidant. When Emperor Yang of Sui toured Jiangdu, Pei Ji was ordered to remain in charge of the Jinyang Palace.
  2. 617–618Taiyuan · TaiyuanPei Ji, together with Liu Wenjing and others, strongly urged Li Yuan to rise in rebellion at Taiyuan, taking part in the plan to kill the Sui generals Wang Wei and Gao Junya and rebel against Sui. After entering Guanzhong, Pei Ji participated in major state affairs and became one of the core figures in the founding of the Tang.
  3. 618–626Chang'an · Xi'anAfter Li Yuan proclaimed himself emperor, Pei Ji was appointed Right Vice Director of the Department of State Affairs, directing court governance, and enfeoffed as Duke of Wei, ranking above all other officials. During the Wude era he oversaw official selection and military and civil affairs, being Li Yuan's most trusted minister.
  4. 626–629Jiaozhou · JiaozhouAfter the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Pei Ji fell out with Li Shimin and was repeatedly impeached. In the third year of Zhenguan he was exiled to Lingnan for certain reasons, and died of illness at Jiaozhou, ending the life of this founding elder minister of the early Tang.

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