The Turbulent Backdrop of Tang Succession Politics

The early 8th century marked one of the most chaotic periods in Tang Dynasty history. Following the 710 Tanglong Coup that toppled Empress Wei’s faction, the imperial court became a battleground between two formidable forces: the newly empowered Li Longji (future Emperor Xuanzong) and his formidable aunt, Princess Taiping. This power struggle unfolded against the lingering shadow of Empress Wu Zetian’s controversial reign, which had fundamentally altered Tang political norms.

Emperor Ruizong (Li Dan), caught between his ambitious son and politically savvy sister, presided over a court where legitimacy remained fragile. The immediate post-coup period saw systematic erasure of Wu clan influence—posthumous demotions, exhumations, and destruction of tombs signaled a definitive break from the recent past. Simultaneously, Ruizong rehabilitated officials purged during Empress Wei’s reign, including the “Five Worthies” who had opposed Wu-Wei coalition. These symbolic acts established the new regime’s ideological foundation: rejection of female-dominated governance and reaffirmation of patriarchal Tang legitimacy.

The Duel of Titans: Li Longji vs. Princess Taiping

At just 25 years old, Li Longji emerged from the Tanglong Coup as crown prince, his position formalized through calculated maneuvers. The 710 “auspicious clouds” (景云) omen justifying his ceremonial inauguration signaled divine favor, while Ruizong’s retention of the Jingyun era name for the crown prince’s accession subtly acknowledged shifting power dynamics.

Princess Taiping, survivor of four turbulent reigns, commanded unparalleled influence. Contemporary records describe her holding de facto veto power—ministers routinely sought her approval before presenting policies to Ruizong. Her network extended across bureaucracy and military, with protégés like Dou Huai’en and Cui Shi occupying key posts. The princess’ strategy mirrored Wu Zetian’s playbook: control personnel appointments, dominate policy debates, and cultivate military connections through Northern Army commanders.

Li Longji’s response revealed his political maturation. Recognizing his weak institutional base, he cultivated two critical alliances:
1. Disillusioned Reformers: Officials like Yao Yuanzhi and Song Jing, weary of court intrigues, backed him as stability’s guarantor
2. Personal Retainers: Eunuch Gao Lishi and general Wang Maozhong formed his “family slave” (家奴) core—absolutely loyal operatives

The Bureaucratic Battleground

Princess Taiping struck first in the personnel wars. Between 710-712, she engineered:
– Purges of Li Longji’s allies under guise of administrative reform
– Strategic appointments like Cui Shi as chancellor
– Rehabilitation of competent conservatives (Xiao Zhizhong) to broaden appeal

Li Longji counterpunched through institutional channels:
– Abolishing “oblique appointment” (斜封官) corrupt practices
– Installing allies like Liu Youqiu in key military posts
– Leveraging celestial omens (712 comet) to force Ruizong’s abdication

The 712 transition to “Supreme Emperor” (太上皇) status preserved Ruizong’s theoretical authority over top appointments—a concession that nearly proved fatal. By 713, five of seven chancellors owed allegiance to Princess Taiping, while Northern Army commanders reportedly pledged loyalty to her.

The Decisive Strike: 713 Xiantian Coup

Facing existential threat, Li Longji executed a masterful preemptive strike on July 29, 713:
1. Ultra-Compact Operation: 300+ trusted operatives (mostly household retainers)
2. Surgical Elimination: Beheading Taiping’s military commanders at palace gates
3. Information Control: Isolating Ruizong at Chengtian Gate with “protective” troops

The coup’s success hinged on Li Longji’s understanding of power’s essence:
– Violence Monopoly: Neutralizing Taiping’s military networks first
– Legitimacy Theater: Maintaining filial deference to Ruizong throughout
– Operational Security: Excluding even senior allies from planning

Legacy of the Family Slave Model

Xuanzong’s victory established governance patterns defining his 44-year reign:
1. Inner Court Dominance: Reliance on eunuchs (Gao Lishi) and personal retainers over bureaucratic elites
2. Military Centralization: Creation of professional frontier armies under loyalist generals
3. Symbolic Reconciliation: Selective rehabilitation of Taiping-era officials (Zhang Yue)

This “family slave” approach proved double-edged—while enabling the Kaiyuan Golden Age, it sowed seeds for later An Lushan Rebellion when personal loyalty systems failed. The 713 showdown remains a masterclass in political survival, demonstrating how astute operators could navigate even the Tang’s most treacherous waters.

The ultimate irony? History’s most brilliant princess was outmaneuvered by a prince who trusted slaves more than scholars—a lesson in power that would echo through dynastic China’s corridors for centuries.