Zhao Zong (Tang Dynasty)

Zhao-zong (Chinese 昭宗; March 31, 867 - September 22, 904) is the 22nd emperor of the Tang Dynasty , who ruled in 888–904.

Born March 31, 867 in the family of Emperor I-zong. At birth, received the name Li Jie. In 872 he became Prince of the Shaw. during the uprising of Huang Chao in 878–882, he left Chang'an together with the court. Subsequently, Emperor Xi Zong declared Li Jie the heir to the throne. After the death of Xi Zong in 888, Li Jie changed his name to Li Ming and ascended the throne under the name Zhao Zong.

Some time after gaining power, he again changed his name to Lee E. The main task was to reduce the influence of military governors ( tsedushi ). To this end, in 888 he began a military campaign against the Chen clan, at the same time deciding to get rid of Li Guoyun, the leader of the Chateau tribe, who helped the previous emperor regain power. The campaign against him, which was conducted in 890–891, however, was unsuccessful. Zhao Zong also failed to defeat the most influential zedushi; confrontation with them lasted until 895. Beginning in 896, the emperor actually no longer controlled most of the empire: the tzedushi, hiding behind the emperor’s name, fought with each other. They also helped to suppress the numerous rebellions of the Lee clan against the emperor.

Finally, the emperor’s influence was reduced to the central regions of the country. The eunuchs ruled in the central government, the army was falling apart, although in 903 the emperor managed to inflict a serious defeat on the court group of eunuchs. However, influential official Zhu Wen plotted against Zhao Zong, which resulted in him being killed on September 22, 904.