The Chaotic Landscape of Early Tang China

The early 7th century was a turbulent period in Chinese history, as the collapse of the Sui Dynasty (581–618) gave way to a fractured landscape of warlords vying for supremacy. Among these regional powers, three figures emerged as dominant forces in the lower Yangtze region: Du Fuwei, Shen Faxing, and the cunning strategist Li Zitong. Their rivalry would shape the course of the Tang Dynasty’s consolidation of power.

Li Zitong, originally a minor rebel leader, rose to prominence through deception and opportunism. His most infamous maneuver came when he exploited tensions between Du Fuwei and Shen Faxing. By disguising his own troops as soldiers under Shen Faxing’s son, Shen Lun, Li Zitong staged a nighttime raid on Du Fuwei’s camp. The enraged Du Fuwei retaliated against Shen Lun, sparking a conflict between the two warlords. This masterstroke of manipulation allowed Li Zitong to seize the strategic city of Jiangdu unchallenged.

The Bold Claim to Imperial Power

With Jiangdu under his control, Li Zitong made a daring proclamation in 619—he declared himself emperor of the short-lived Wu state, adopting the reign name “Mingzheng.” This audacious move made him the first rebel leader in the Yangtze region to claim imperial title, demonstrating both his ambition and his understanding of political symbolism.

Meanwhile, Du Fuwei faced a critical decision. After suffering setbacks against Li Zitong, he made the strategic choice to submit to the Tang Dynasty in September 619, receiving the title of “Pacification Commissioner of Huainan.” This decision proved remarkably prescient, as the Tang was still just one of several competing powers at the time. Du Fuwei’s submission gave him legitimacy while maintaining de facto control over his territories.

The Climactic Showdown

The conflict reached its climax in 621 when Du Fuwei launched a decisive campaign against Li Zitong. His general Wang Xiongdan employed brilliant tactics—using nighttime deception with torches and banners to simulate a larger force—that routed Li Zitong’s army at Duspine Ridge. The defeated pretender fled to Hangzhou but was ultimately captured and sent to the Tang capital.

Li Zitong’s story didn’t end there. After being pardoned by Emperor Gaozu, he attempted to escape in 622, hoping to revive his rebellion. His recapture and execution marked the final chapter of his dramatic rise and fall.

The Tang Dynasty’s Delicate Balancing Act

The Tang court demonstrated remarkable political acumen in handling these regional powers. While accepting Du Fuwei’s nominal submission, they gradually consolidated control through both military pressure and diplomatic maneuvering. The dispatch of Li Shimin (the future Emperor Taizong) to campaign near Du Fuwei’s territories in 623 served as both a military operation and a subtle show of force.

Du Fuwei’s eventual decision to journey to the Tang capital in 622 reflected the dynasty’s growing dominance. His warm reception—including the extraordinary honor of sharing the imperial dais—masked the reality of his effective house arrest. This delicate dance of power demonstrated the Tang’s sophisticated approach to unification.

Legacy of the Yangtze Warlords

The elimination of Li Zitong and the neutralization of Du Fuwei marked a critical step in the Tang unification. These events showcased several enduring historical themes:

1. The importance of deception and psychological warfare in medieval Chinese conflicts
2. The Tang’s skillful combination of military force and political accommodation
3. The precarious position of regional warlords during dynastic transitions

Li Zitong’s story particularly illustrates how ambition could both create and destroy warlords during this chaotic period. His initial success through cunning gave way to eventual overreach, while Du Fuwei’s pragmatic submission ensured his survival (if not his independence).

The Tang Dynasty’s handling of these challenges established patterns that would characterize its governance—balancing central control with regional autonomy, and using both carrot and stick to integrate former enemies into the imperial system. These early successes paved the way for the golden age of Tang rule that would follow.