The Rise of Li Jingye and the Tang Dynasty’s Political Landscape

Li Jingye, also known as Xu Jingye before receiving the imperial surname “Li,” was a military leader during the Tang Dynasty who led a rebellion against Empress Wu Zetian’s consolidation of power. Born into a prestigious family as the grandson of Li Ji (originally Xu Shiji), a renowned Tang general, Li Jingye inherited the title of Duke of Ying and held various official positions, including Taipu Shaoqing and Prefect of Meizhou.

The Tang Dynasty, established in 618, was one of China’s most prosperous empires, but by the late 7th century, political instability brewed. Emperor Gaozong’s reign (649–683) saw the increasing influence of his wife, Wu Zetian, who effectively controlled state affairs. When Gaozong died in 683, their son Li Xian (Emperor Zhongzong) briefly ascended the throne, only to be deposed by Wu Zetian within months. She replaced him with another son, Li Dan (Emperor Ruizong), while she ruled as regent. This power grab alienated many Tang loyalists, including Li Jingye.

The Conspiracy and Outbreak of Rebellion

In 684, Li Jingye was demoted to the position of Military Commander of Liuzhou due to political disputes. On his way to exile, he stopped in Yangzhou, where he met other disaffected officials: Tang Zhiqi, Luo Binwang (a famed poet), Du Qiuren, Li Jingye’s younger brother Li Jingyou, former county magistrate Wei Siwen, and censor-inspector Xue Zhang. Together, they plotted an uprising against Wu Zetian’s regime.

Yangzhou, a major economic hub, lacked a military governor at the time, making it vulnerable. The conspirators falsely accused the acting governor, Chen Jingzhi, of treason, leading to his execution. Li Jingye then declared himself Governor of Yangzhou, rallying hundreds of prisoners, artisans, and laborers to his cause. To legitimize the rebellion, they issued The Proclamation Against Wu Zhao, a fiery manifesto penned by Luo Binwang that denounced Wu Zetian’s usurpation and called for Zhongzong’s restoration.

Military Campaign and Strategic Mistakes

Wu Zetian swiftly retaliated, stripping Li Jingye of the imperial surname “Li” and dispatching General Li Xiaoyi with a large army to crush the revolt. The rebels debated their next move: some advocated marching north to seize Luoyang, the eastern capital, while others favored securing southern strongholds like Changzhou and Runzhou (modern Zhenjiang) first. Li Jingye chose the latter, crossing the Yangtze and capturing Runzhou.

However, this decision proved fatal. While Li Jingye was occupied in the south, Li Xiaoyi’s forces advanced toward Yangzhou. The rebels hastily retreated to confront the imperial army near Gaoyou but suffered a crushing defeat in November 684. Fleeing to Runzhou, Li Jingye attempted to escape by sea to Goguryeo (Korea), but his own subordinates killed him and his brother to avoid further persecution. Most of his allies were later captured and executed.

Cultural and Political Repercussions of the Revolt

Though short-lived, Li Jingye’s rebellion had lasting cultural and political impacts. Luo Binwang’s The Proclamation Against Wu Zhao became a literary masterpiece, admired for its rhetorical brilliance even by Wu Zetian herself, who reportedly lamented that such talent had not been employed in her service. The document remains a classic of Chinese political writing, studied for its persuasive techniques.

Politically, the failed uprising solidified Wu Zetian’s grip on power. By eliminating a major opposition force, she paved the way for her eventual proclamation as China’s only female emperor in 690. The rebellion also exposed divisions within the Tang aristocracy, as many officials hesitated to support Li Jingye, fearing Wu Zetian’s retribution.

Legacy and Historical Reflections

Li Jingye’s rebellion is often viewed as a last stand for Tang loyalists against Wu Zetian’s unprecedented rise. While his military tactics were flawed, his defiance symbolized resistance to perceived tyranny. Modern historians debate whether his motives were purely ideological or also driven by personal ambition.

The event also highlights the broader tensions of the Tang Dynasty’s middle period, where court intrigues and regional power struggles frequently erupted. Wu Zetian’s subsequent reign, though controversial, demonstrated her political acumen in neutralizing threats like Li Jingye’s revolt.

Today, the rebellion is remembered not only for its dramatic failure but also for its role in shaping one of China’s most formidable female rulers. The story of Li Jingye serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of miscalculated opposition—and the enduring power of well-crafted words, as seen in Luo Binwang’s immortal proclamation.