Li Xian (656–710) was an emperor of the Tang dynasty and is known by the temple name Zhongzong. Originally named Li Zhe, he was the seventh son of Emperor Gaozong and the third son of Wu Zetian; his ancestral register was in Chang’an.
Life
Born in the first year of Xianqing, he was made Prince of Zhou in its second year and served as governor of Luozhou; in the second year of Yifeng he was transferred to the title Prince of Ying, changed his name to Zhe, and served as governor of Yongzhou. In the eighth month of the first year of Yonglong, he was made crown prince. In the first year of Hongdao (弘道; also written 宏道; 684), he acceded in the twelfth month; the reign era Sisheng followed.
After his accession, Empress Wu ruled from court. He was soon deposed as Prince of Luling, moved first to Junzhou and later placed at Fangzhou; the year of the deposition is given as the first year of Guangzhai or the first year of Sisheng. In the first year of Shengli (689), he was restored as crown prince and resumed the name Xian. In the first year of Shenlong (705), Zhang Jianzhi and others used imperial guards to suppress a disturbance; Wu Zetian was compelled to abdicate in his favor, and Li Xian recovered the throne and the dynastic name Tang.
In Shenlong 1, he received the honorific title Yingtian Huangdi in the eleventh month; in Shenlong 3, he added Yingtian Shenlong Huangdi in the eighth month. His reign eras were Sisheng, Shenlong, and Jinglong. His first reign lasted two years before his deposition, and his restored reign lasted four years; one summary gives about five and a half years in total, while another gives seven. After his restoration, Empress Wei and Wu Sansi dominated the court, while Princess Anle sold offices and titles.
Li Xian died in 710; the date is given as July 3 or July 7, and he was poisoned by Empress Wei and Princess Anle.
Posthumous titles and burial
His posthumous title was 孝和皇帝, and his temple name was Zhongzong. The extended honorific appears as 太和大聖大昭孝皇帝 in one form and 大和大聖大昭孝皇帝 in another; 孝和大聖大昭孝皇帝 also occurs. His burial place was Fuping.
Family
His father was Li Zhi (Emperor Gaozong), his mother was Wu Zhao (Wu Zetian), and his younger brother was Li Dan (Emperor Ruizong). His wives were Zhao (Empress Hesi) and Wei (Empress Wei of Zhongzong); his fathers-in-law are variously given as Wei Xuanzhen, Zhao Xiaoju, and Zhao Huan.
His sons were Li Chongmao, Li Chongjun, Li Chongfu, and Li Chongrun; his daughters were Li Xianhui (Princess Yongtai), Li (Princess Ding'an), Li (Princess Changning), and Li Guo'er (Princess Anle). His sons-in-law were Yang Shenjiao, Wei Zhuo, Wei Jie, Wei Hui, Wang Tongjiao, and Su Yanbo.
Writings
A collection of his writings comprised forty juan.
References
- CBDB Li Xian (Emperor Zhongzong of Tang) (19242)
- 搜韵 李顯 (13899)
- Wikidata Emperor Zhongzong of Tang (Q9717)
- 法鼓佛教人名规范数据库 李顯 (A002100)