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Li Shimin

Type Figure Region China Time 598–649 Also known as Emperor Taizong of Tang、Prince of Qin

Li Shimin (598–649), second emperor of the Tang dynasty with temple name Taizong, who took power after the Xuanwu Gate Incident in 626 and inaugurate…

Timeline

  1. 626–627Chang'an · Xi'anIn 626 he launched a coup at Chang'an's Xuanwu Gate, killing Crown Prince Li Jiancheng and Prince of Qi Li Yuanji, forcing Li Yuan to abdicate; the following year he adopted the era name Zhenguan and began personal rule.
  2. 627–649Chang'an · Xi'anOver more than twenty years on the throne he lightened taxes and corvée, employed the worthy and accepted remonstrance, destroyed the Eastern Turkic khaganate, established the Anxi Protectorate, and left the state powerful—an era known as the Reign of Zhenguan.
  3. 645Liaodong · LiaoningIn the nineteenth year of Zhenguan he personally led a great army against Goguryeo; after taking several cities he withdrew because of cold weather and supply difficulties—though he did not destroy the state, he deterred the northeast.

Sources