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Li Linfu

Type Figure Region China Time c. 683–753 Also known as Duke Wen of Jin

Li Linfu (c.683–753), a powerful Tang chancellor from the imperial clan in Longxi, served as head of government nearly twenty years from Kaiyuan, fla…

Timeline

  1. c. 683–720Chang'an · Xi'anLi Linfu was a descendant six generations removed from Emperor Gaozu of Tang; through imperial-clan privilege he entered officialdom, serving as Household Attendant to the Crown Prince and Vice Minister of Justice, gradually promoted for his skill in cultivating powerful connections and reading the emperor's intentions.
  2. 720–734Chang'an · Xi'anDuring Kaiyuan Li Linfu successively held the posts of Vice Director of the Chancellery, Minister of Rites, and Vice Minister of Personnel, allying with Consort Wu and eunuchs, growing in power at court and gradually sidelining upright ministers such as Zhang Jiuling.
  3. 734–752Chang'an · Xi'anAppointed chancellor in the twenty-second year of Kaiyuan, he thereafter held power nearly twenty years. Skilled in political arts, he memorialized to place military command in the hands of men of humble birth to check meritorious officials, allowing the likes of An Lushan to grow strong; at the same time he blocked remonstrance, greatly reducing the court's culture of candid advice.
  4. 752–753Chang'an · Xi'anIn the eleventh year of Tianbao Li Linfu fell gravely ill; Yang Guozhong took the opportunity to slander him and Xuanzong gradually grew distant. He died in the twelfth year of Tianbao at his post in the Secretariat, and after death his offices and titles were posthumously stripped.

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