First Reign
Emperor Zhongzong, in spring 684, created his wife Crown Princess Wei empress, and he wanted to make his father-in-law, Wei Xuanzhen (韋玄貞) Shizhong (侍中) – the head of the examination bureau of government and a post considered one for a chancellor. He also wanted to make the son of his wet nurse an official of the fifth rank. Pei Yan resisted both commissions. As they argued, Emperor Zhongzong, in anger, remarked:
What would be wrong even if I gave the empire to Wei Xuanzhen? Why do you care about Shizhong so much?Pei, in fear, informed this to Empress Dowager Wu. Just less than two months after Emperor Zhongzong had taken the throne, Empress Dowager Wu summoned the officials and generals and issued an edict deposing Emperor Zhongzong and reducing to the title of Prince of Luling. As generals loyal to her physically removed Emperor Zhongzong from the throne, he struggled and asked, "What crime have I committed?" Empress Dowager Wu responded, "You wanted to give the empire to Wei Xuanzhen. How can that not be a crime?" She had him put under arrest and reduced him to the rank of Prince of Luling, and she made Li Lun (now named Li Dan) the Prince of Yu the new emperor (as Emperor Ruizong). Li Chongzhao was reduced to commoner rank.
Read more about this topic: Emperor Zhongzong Of Tang
Famous quotes containing the word reign:
“No one would have doubted his ability to reign had he never been emperor.”
—Tacitus (c. 55–c. 120)
“For sov’reign pow’r reign not alone,
Grace is the partner of the throne;
Thy grace and justice mighty Lord,
Shall well divide our last reward.”
—Isaac Watts (1674–1748)