Taiping Princess (Li Shi; ?–713), a princess of the early Tang, was the daughter of Emperor Gaozong, Li Zhi, and Wu Zetian. Her birth year is unknown; both her native place and place of death are given as Chang'an, and Li Yueling is another name.
Life
She initially became a Daoist. In 681, the second year of Yonglong, she married Xue Shao. After Xue Shao was killed during the Chuigong era, accounts differ on the order of her later marriages: one names Wu Youji as the next husband, while another places Wu Chengsi before Wu Youji. Wu Zetian considered her resourceful and like herself, favored her deeply, and consequently often involved her in political deliberations.
Her children included a daughter, Xue (687–710), and three sons: Xue Chongjian (d. 775), Xue Chongmin, and Xue Chongxing.
She held a fief during the Shengli era; in 705, the first year of Shenlong, she was created Zhen'guo Taiping Princess, established an official household, recruited men of talent from across the empire, and grew increasingly powerful; in 710, the fourth year of Jinglong, she also received a taxable fief.
In 710, she helped Li Longji eliminate Empress Wei; the palace coup is also placed in the first year of Tanglong and is described as killing Empress Wei and Princess Anle and installing Ruizong. During Ruizong's reign, she controlled the government and wielded power throughout the realm.
After Xuanzong's accession, she plotted to depose and replace the ruler; the plot was exposed in 713, the second year of Xiantian, and Xuanzong had her killed. She died in Chang'an.
Literary activity and associations
A joint poem by her and Zhongzong is preserved. She is also associated with poems and prose presented to her by Han Yu, Su Ting, Li Zhi, Li Xian, Wei Sili, Zhang Yizhi, Zhang Changzong, Song Zhiwen, Li Jiao, Li Yong, Pei Shouzhen, Shen Quanqi, Ren Jingchen, Liu Yizhi, Shao Sheng, Hu Yuanfan, Zhao Yanzhao, Guo Zhengyi, and Yuan Wanqing.