During Emperor Zhongzong's Reign
In 705, Wu Zetian was overthrown in a coup, and Li Xian, formerly emperor, was restored to the throne (as Emperor Zhongzong). He recalled Li Huaiyuan to serve as a senior advisor at the examination bureau and gave him the designation Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin (同中書門下三品), again making him chancellor. He also created Li Huaiyuan the Duke of Zhao Commandery and gave him the honorific title Jinzi Guanglu Daifu (金紫光祿大夫). In 706, Li Huaiyuan retired again, although when Emperor Zhongzong soon departed the eastern capital Luoyang to return to the capital Chang'an, he put Li Huaiyuan in charge of Luoyang. It was said that while Li Huaiyuan was greatly honored, he lived a simple and frugal life. He did not build mansions and did not enlarge his garden. He often rode a small horse, and when his fellow chancellor Doulu Qinwang asked him, "You, Duke, are greatly honored. Why not buy a handsome horse?" Li Huaiyuan responded, "I value a horse by its tameness, not by its handsomeness." Li Huaiyuan died in fall 706 and was buried with honor, with Emperor Zhongzong personally writing his eulogy.
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