At dawn in Chang'an City, the glimmer of light shined through the clouds of the palace and sprinkled on the stone road of Daming Palace. Tang Zhaozong, the emperor of the Tang Dynasty, dressed in court clothes, was about to enter the court and start his day of imperial government. However, the moment he stepped out of the dormitory, an unexpected voice pierced the silence of the early morning.
"The crown prince has ascended the throne, you better stay honest. The voice of a eunuch rang out abruptly, and there was a hint of nervousness in his tone.
Tang Zhaozong stopped, his eyes searching for the answer on the eunuch's face. What kind of morning was this? The sun had not yet risen, and his empire had changed upside down. The eunuch's words pierced his heart like a sharp knife in the cold wind. The change of throne was originally the most brutal scene in the palace battle, but today it happened to the king of a country.
1. The Fall of Yang Fugong: The Beginning of Turmoil in the Imperial Court
Tang Zhaozong's actions in 894 marked a major blow to the power of the eunuchs. Yang Fugong, a eunuch who had been domineering in the imperial court, originally fled to Huazhou. However, his fortunes were soon reversed. Tang Dynasty spies finally captured him in Huazhou. The capture was swift and secretive, ensuring that Yang Fugong could not escape.
After being captured, Yang Fugong was closely guarded and escorted back to Chang'an along the dusty ancient road. The escort marched through the darkness of the night, avoiding the main roads in case of a possible rescue or ambush. The soldiers in the team were cold and wary of Yang Fugong's attitude, and they understood that this figure, who had once called for wind and rain in the imperial court, had now become a prisoner awaiting execution.
Upon his return to Chang'an, Yang Fugong was imprisoned in a gloomy cell awaiting the emperor's trial. Tang Zhaozong treated this former important minister of the court without mercy. At a court meeting, Tang Zhaozong ordered Yang Fugong to be executed, indicating his resolute attack on the eunuch dictatorship. In the court, civil and military officials reacted differently to this decision, but no one dared to openly oppose it.
On the day of execution, Yang Fugong was taken to the execution ground. His face was devoid of the arrogance of the past, only pale and fearful. The crowd of onlookers was whispering, many of them had been hurt by Yang Fugong's power, and now they saw this once high-ranking eunuch fall into such a field, and their hearts were complicated.
Yang Fugong's execution symbolized the end of an era. This scene is not only a trial of a eunuch, but also a warning to the entire eunuch group. The fall of Yang Fugong marked the intensification of power struggles at the end of the Tang Dynasty, and also laid the groundwork for subsequent political changes.
After this incident, the power structure within the imperial court began to change quietly. Some officials who were originally attached to Yang Fugong began to look for new supporters, and those forces that had been suppressed by Yang Fugong began to gradually rise. Tang Zhaozong's decision, although temporarily stabilized his position, also triggered a new round of power struggle.
2. Liu Jishu's ambitions and conspiracy
Liu Jishu, a lieutenant in the Left Army at the end of the Tang Dynasty, saw the fall of Yang Fugong and began to worry deeply about his fate. He was prominent in the DPRK, but the fall of Yang Fugong gave him a clear warning that no one is safe in this turbulent political situation. So, he began to secretly hatch a bold plan.
Liu Jishu met with Wang Zhongxian, Wang Yanfan and others in a secret meeting. They gathered in a dimly lit room, dimly lit only by an oil lamp. Liu Jishu softly unveiled his plan to them: "Abolish the establishment without permission." His tone was firm and calm, and he seemed unusually decisive. Wang Zhongxian and Wang Yanfan exchanged a look, as if to gauge the feasibility and risk of this plan.
"We must act quickly, before the Emperor notices. Liu Jishu continued.
"But this involves holding the crown prince hostage, and the risks are extremely high. Wang Zhongxian replied softly.
"It's the only way. Wang Yanfan interjected, his voice firm, obviously having made a decision.
After the meeting, Liu Jishu began to make active preparations. He secretly contacted a group of forbidden troops loyal to him, and at the same time secretly bribed some cronies in the court. They planned to hold the crown prince hostage at an opportune time to force Tang Zhaozong to abdicate.
As the plan progressed gradually, the atmosphere throughout Chang'an City became more tense. The contradictions and instability within the imperial court became more and more obvious, and many officials began to secretly observe the changes in the situation and try to find their own foothold. Some of the generals in the forbidden army also felt the unusual atmosphere, but most knew nothing about Liu Jishu's plan.
Liu Jishu's actions in the palace were extremely cautious. He would often visit some of the most important Praetorian generals late at night to make sure they were able to follow his orders at critical moments. He also secretly observes the whereabouts of the crown prince and plans how to carry out the hijacking without attracting too much attention.
At the same time, the atmosphere inside the palace became increasingly tense. Some court ladies and eunuchs began to notice unusual moves, such as unusual movements in the forbidden army and secret meetings with some officials. However, under the oppression of power, they did not dare to say much, and could only whisper behind their backs.
3. Tang Zhaozong's ignorance and Liu Jishu's actions
In the third year of Guanghua (900 years), the spring sun sprinkled all over Chang'an. Tang Zhaozong chose to go to the Royal Forbidden Garden to hunt for recreation on this warm day. He was surrounded by a group of cronies and guards, and the sound of horses' hooves and the barking of hounds led the Emperor's ranks deep into the dense woods of the garden. The chase of prey became the main theme of the day, and Tang Zhaozong devoted himself to this tense and exciting activity, completely immersed in it.
As the sun went down, Tang Zhaozong ended his day's hunting. He seemed to be in a very happy mood, and after handing over the prey to his entourage, he began to drink with his cronies. At the banquet, wine glasses were exchanged and laughter was filled. However, Tang Zhaozong's disregard for government politics was also increasingly revealed in this indulgence.
In another place not far from the palace, Liu Jishu was paying close attention to all this. He knew that this indulgent night would provide the perfect opportunity for his plans. He quietly gathered a loyal Janissaries and prepared for action. They were all strictly selected, absolutely loyal to Liu Jishu, and never leaked any information to the outside world.
"We have to act at night. Liu Jishu whispered to his deputy.
"What if there's a mistake?" the deputy asked, with a hint of nervousness in his voice.
"There can be no mistake. Liu Jishu replied, his tone firm.
"Then we'll go now. The deputy nodded in understanding.
As night fell, Liu Jishu led a thousand elite forbidden troops and quietly marched towards the palace. They passed through the streets of Chang'an City, and were on standby along the way to ensure the concealment of their movements. The steps of the forbidden soldiers were light and orderly, like a gust of wind crossing the night of the city.
When arriving at the palace, Liu Jishu ordered part of the forbidden army to guard outside the palace gate to prevent any possible interference. Subsequently, he led another part of the elite guards into the palace quietly. The eunuchs and maids in the palace all showed panicked expressions when they saw this sudden forbidden army, but under the deep threat of Liu Jishu and his men, no one dared to make any sound.
Liu Jishu and his forbidden army quickly took control of the vital positions in the palace, and his movements were capable and swift, apparently carefully planned in advance. They eventually came to the outside of Tang Zhaozong's dormitory. Liu Jishu took a deep breath, then pushed open the door of the dormitory and stepped into it.
At this time, Tang Zhaozong was already immersed in the spirit of wine and was defenseless. He lay on the bed, breathing evenly, and was clearly asleep.
4. The Implementation of the Coup d'état: Liu Jishu's Interpretation of Power
After the forbidden army led by Liu Jishu took control of the imperial palace, he quickly turned his attention to the power core of the imperial court. He knew that in order for the coup to succeed, he had to have the support of Prime Minister Choi Yin. As an important official of the imperial court, Cui Yin's position was crucial to stabilizing the other officials of the imperial court.
Liu Jishu sent a team of elite forbidden troops to Cui Yin's mansion. It was getting late, and Cui Yin's mansion was quiet, with only a few lanterns swaying in the breeze. The forbidden army surrounded the mansion, and Liu Jishu personally stepped into it.
Cui Yin was awakened by the forbidden army and saw that his mansion was occupied by armed soldiers, and he immediately realized the seriousness of the situation. Liu Jishu bluntly expressed his intentions to Cui Yin: "Lord Cui, you must draft an edict of abdication. ”
"This is rebellion!" Cui Yin exclaimed, his face pale.
"This is for the future of Datang. Liu Jishu responded calmly.
"How can I disobey the order of the Son of Heaven?" Cui Yin said in a trembling voice.
"Now you have no choice. Liu Jishu's words were cold and firm.
Under Liu Jishu's threat, Cui Yin reluctantly sat down to draft an edict of abdication. The generals of the forbidden army closely monitored inside and outside the room to ensure that Cui Yin did not dare to make any abnormal movements. The tip of the pen swiped across the paper, and each stroke seemed to be on Cui Yin's heart. The edict of abdication was quickly drafted, although every word revealed the helplessness of being under pressure.
Subsequently, Liu Jishu took this edict and forcibly summoned the civil and military officials of the imperial court. Under the close supervision of his army, hundreds of officials gathered in the court. In the face of Liu Jishu and his armed forces, they did not dare to put up any resistance.
Liu Jishu stood above the court and read out the draft edict of abdication. The officials looked at each other, but under the deterrence of Liu Jishu's army, they had to succumb to this ridiculous coup. This scene not only shows Liu Jishu's cunning and cruelty, but also exposes the corruption and incompetence within the imperial court.
The atmosphere in the court was heavy and depressing, and the eyes of the officials were full of helplessness and fear. They know that any resistance could cost them their lives. In this silence and oppression, Liu Jishu's plan was able to proceed smoothly. On this night, Chang'an City was full of unease and panic, and a coup d'état was quietly staged.
5. The imprisonment of Tang Zhaozong and the collapse of the government
The glimmer of dawn shone through the palace window, and Tang Zhaozong prepared to go to the morning court as usual. Dressed in court clothes, he stepped out of the dormitory and prepared to go to the court. The eunuchs and ladies of the court were busy making final preparations for the emperor's court. However, the day was very different from usual.
At the moment when Tang Zhaozong stepped out of the dormitory, Liu Jishu walked quickly, his face was serious, and he was followed by a group of armed forbidden troops. Tang Zhaozong stopped and looked at the scene in front of him suspiciously.
"The crown prince has ascended the throne and succeeded to the throne, so you better go back and stay. Liu Jishu said calmly, without the slightest fluctuation in his voice.
"What?" Tang Zhaozong asked in shock, but before the words fell, Liu Jishu interrupted him.
"This is for the stability of Datang. Liu Jishu quickly ordered the forbidden army behind him: "Take the emperor back." ”
The forbidden soldiers quickly stepped forward, their movements were swift and decisive, and they did not give Tang Zhaozong any chance to react. They surrounded Tang Zhaozong and escorted him back to the dormitory. At this time, the dormitory was no longer a haven of tranquility, but a prison.
Liu Jishu followed, his eyes were cold, and he gave a more severe order. He ordered the craftsmen to seal the gate to Shaoyang Temple with molten iron. The red-hot molten iron flowed down the crack in the door, quickly solidified, the gate was firmly sealed, and all the retreats of Tang Zhaozong were blocked.
The craftsmen finished the work quickly with their heads down, their movements mechanical and efficient, and they did not dare to hesitate at all. Liu Jishu stood aside, monitoring the whole process. After the closure was completed, he issued a new order to the forbidden army: "No one is allowed to enter or leave the Shaoyang Courtyard without authorization. ”
This order spread like a thunderclap through the court. The forbidden soldiers were nervously arranged around the Shaoyang Courtyard, their eyes vigilant, and the weapons in their hands clenched. The eunuchs and maids in the palace were stunned by this sudden turn of events, and they exchanged glances in horror, but did not dare to make any sound.
In the Shaoyang Courtyard, Tang Zhaozong was imprisoned. The courtyard was so quiet that only the sound of the wind and the occasional birdsong could be heard. The forbidden army kept a close watch outside the hospital, and anyone who approached it was strictly censored. Tang Zhaozong in the courtyard became an isolated prisoner, and his fate was completely rewritten.
At this time, Chang'an City seemed to feel the tense atmosphere in the palace. The citizens talked a lot, but no one knew exactly what happened. The changes in the court were like a whirlwind, quickly sweeping through the entire capital, pushing an era into an unpredictable future.
Resources:
- The New Tang Dynasty Book: The Book of Zhaozong
- "Zizhi Tongjian: Tang Ji"
- "The Records of the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty"
- "New Words of the Tang Dynasty"
- Studies in the Political History of the Tang Dynasty
- History of Ancient Chinese Eunuchs