Li Kaigu in the history of the Tang Dynasty is a character full of drama and twists. His life experience reflects the complex relationship between the Tang Dynasty and ethnic minorities at that time and the role of political wisdom in historical turns. However, in the process, his fate was inseparable from the political elite of the Tang Dynasty, especially Prime Minister Di Renjie. This was not only because of Li Kaigu's military talent, but also because his return marked the Tang Dynasty's tolerance and use of ethnic minorities.
Li Kaigu's story begins with the "Yingzhou Rebellion", which originated from the Khitan tribes living near Yingzhou, an area where many ethnic groups coexisted.
In this place, ethnic strife was common, and the changes in ethnic policy during the Wuzhou period and the development of the Khitan tribe became the fuse. The Khitan tribe was bullied by local official Zhao Wenchong, sparking the rebellion. However, this rebellion did not simply maintain the traditional pattern of ethnic minorities against the Central Plains dynasty. The relaxation of the military system and the decline in the combat effectiveness of the government soldiers in the Tang Dynasty further complicated the war situation. In fact, the Tang army suffered a crushing defeat in the Battle of Kioshi Valley, and even had to use prisoners and domestic slaves to participate in the battle, which showed the corruption of the army during Wu Zetian's reign and the shortage of troops under the government soldier system.
This situation was exposed in the Battle of Kip Shi Valley and became one of the reasons for the defeat of the Tang army.
The military difficulties of this period worried political elites such as Di Renjie, who believed that new military leaders needed to strengthen the Tang dynasty. It was in this context that Li Kaigu's surrender took place. As prime minister during the Wu Zetian period, Di Renjie was known for his ability to govern, enforce the law fairly, and observe the people's feelings, and he dared to speak out and was committed to finding new solutions for the country and the army. After learning that Li Kaigu was willing to surrender, Di Renjie suggested to Empress Wu that Li Kaigu be retained, believing that his courage and good fighting could make an important contribution to the Tang Dynasty.
In addition, Di Renjie also holds a national ideology that certain talents should not be excluded because of different origins. He advocated the inclusion of Li Kaigu in the Tang Dynasty and gave him an official position. This is a dual starting point based on Di Renjie's national ideology and national interests. He hoped to strengthen the military power of the Tang Dynasty by recruiting ethnic minority generals and contribute to the long-term peace and stability of the country.
The reason for Li Kaigu's return to the Tang Dynasty was not limited to political decisions, but also affected by changes in the war situation. With the defeat of the Khitan tribe in the Battle of Kioshi Valley, Li Kaigu gradually realized the hopelessness of fighting the Tang Dynasty, and realized that the military strength of the Tang Dynasty far exceeded that of the Khitan.
After Sun Wanrong's death, he faced the continuation of the war, but eventually lost the battle with Yang Xuanji and finally chose to surrender to the Tang Dynasty. At this moment, he was not captured, but voluntarily chose the Tang Dynasty. This reflects his recognition of the strength of the Tang Dynasty and his expectations for better treatment and prospects in the Tang Dynasty.
In addition, Li Kaigu's return also reflected the influence of the Tang Dynasty government's tolerance of ethnic minorities and ethnic policies at that time. In dealing with ethnic minorities, the Tang Dynasty adopted a policy of including tribal chiefs or their children in the imperial court. This policy promoted the surrender and integration of many ethnic minority generals into the Tang system.
This atmosphere of ethnic integration also affected the fate of Li Kaigu and his descendants Li Jingluo and other family members. Li Jingluo's contribution to the frontier in the Tang Dynasty reflected the sinicization process of the family and was also part of the national integration of the Khitan and Tang dynasties.
On the whole, the reasons for Li Kaigu's return to the Tang Dynasty are complex and diverse. The changes in the war situation, the balance of power between the Khitan tribes and the Tang Dynasty, Di Renjie's recommendation and the influence of ethnic policies all contributed to his surrender. His story reflects not only the political wisdom and complex relationships of the era, but also the time
The Tang government's strategy of inclusiveness and utilization of ethnic minorities.