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Li Keyong

Type Figure Region China Time 856–908 Also known as Son of Li Guochang、Prince of Jin、One-Eyed Dragon

Li Keyong (856–908) was a Shatuo military leader and Hedong military commissioner of the late Tang, famed for bravery;…

Timeline

  1. 856–878Daibei · DaibeiLi Keyong was son of the Shatuo leader Li Guochang; from youth he trained in riding and archery, brave and fierce in battle. He followed his father through Daibei, establishing a foothold between the Tang court and the regional warlords, gradually becoming a military power in his own right.
  2. 882–884Chang'an · Jingzhao PrefectureDuring the Zhonghe era he answered the summons of Zheng Tian and others to aid the throne; Shatuo cavalry repeatedly defeated Huang Chao's forces, recaptured Chang'an, and he was appointed Hedong military commissioner, becoming a powerful regional force the court relied on.
  3. 885–907Taiyuan · Taiyuan PrefectureAfter returning to his post he carved out Hedong, waging years of war with Zhu Wen in Henan and Hebei. In the second year of Qianning he was created Prince of Jin, holding Bing, Fen and other prefectures, laying the foundation for the Shatuo regime of the Five Dynasties.
  4. 907–908Taiyuan · Taiyuan PrefectureAfter Zhu Wen usurped the Tang and founded Liang, Li Keyong continued to observe the Tang calendar, confronting Liang as Prince of Jin. He died of illness in Taiyuan in the second year of Kaiping; his son Li Cuxu succeeded and later destroyed Liang, founding Later Tang.

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