History of Emperor Gaozong of Tang

Emperor Gaozong of Tang, born Li Zhi in 628 and reigning from 649 to 683, was the third emperor of the Tang Dynasty, a period often considered a golden age in Chinese history. An emblematic figure in Chinese history, Gaozong’s reign was marked by significant events that altered the course of the dynasty, including military campaigns, domestic policies, and the influence of his powerful wife, Empress Wu Zetian. To understand Emperor Gaozong as a politician, we need to examine his rise to power, administrative reforms, military strategies, and political alliances, which collectively delineated an important chapter in the history of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Zhi was the ninth son of Emperor Taizong and ascended to the throne after his father’s death in 649. Initially, Li Zhi wasn't considered likely to succeed his father, given the fierce competition among his brothers. However, the untimely deaths and demotions of his elder siblings positioned him as the next in line. This ascent marked the continuation of Taizong’s legacy, as Gaozong was expected to fortify the ethos of governance and expansion that characterized his father's reign.

Gaozong’s reign initially reflected continuity in policy, with stability and consolidation as key themes. His tenure sought to extend the influence of the Tang Dynasty, echoing its predecessor through the patronization of Buddhism and the continuation of building projects like those of the Grand Canal. His domestic policy included the reconstruction of Chang’an, the dynasty's capital, marking it as a center of culture and politics, symbolizing the strength and prosperity of his reign.

However, Gaozong's reign is often overshadowed by his wife, Wu Zetian, whose influence became increasingly prominent as Gaozong’s health began to deteriorate. Initially, Wu Zetian served as one of Gaozong's consorts before ascending to the role of Empress. Her political acumen and ambition gradually shifted the dynamics of the Tang court. Under her guidance, the administration saw centralization efforts and a considerable reorganization of the imperial bureaucracy, which, while credited to Gaozong's reign, bore Wu Zetian’s influence.

The political strategies adopted during Gaozong's rule involved significant military campaigns aimed at consolidating and expanding the Tang influence across Asia. Gaozong pursued aggressive expansionist policies in Korea, notably the Goguryeo-Tang Wars, which sought to conquer the Goguryeo kingdom but initially met with limited success, highlighting the persistent nature of East Asian geopolitics. Despite these challenges, later campaigns against Korea proved successful, leading to the eventual fall of the Goguryeo kingdom. Moreover, the Tang military expanded into Central Asia, leading to an extending influence into regions such as the Tarim Basin and establishing a long-standing Chinese presence.

Internally, Gaozong and his administration worked to uphold the legalist legacy of his father, applying Confucian principles in the state’s governance and maintaining a meritocratic bureaucracy. The meritocratic examination system continued to evolve under his reign, fostering administrative cohesiveness and ensuring competent governance. Gaozong’s reign also witnessed the conflation of civil and military authority, as evidenced by the systematic use of governors with military command across various provinces to maintain central power over expansive territories.

One of the most significant and often contentious aspects of Gaozong's politics was the balancing act between the influential clans and noble families that constituted the power structure of the Tang dynasty. Under Gaozong, efforts were made to weaken the power of the aristocracy by incorporating officials from humbler backgrounds, broadening the base of support for the central authority. This move was a calculated political strategy to prevent potential challenges to the throne, which could arise from powerful aristocratic families.

The latter part of Gaozong's reign was increasingly defined by Empress Wu Zetian’s political presence. As Gaozong suffered from health complications, Wu Zetian emerged as the de facto ruler, effectively steering the affairs of the state during his incapacitation. Her unprecedented rise to power culminated in her becoming the sole woman in Chinese history to assume the title of Emperor, marking the beginning of a new era following Gaozong’s death in 683.

In summary, Emperor Gaozong of Tang stands as a pivotal figure in Chinese history, whose political career is inseparable from the influence of Empress Wu Zetian. His reign marked by significant military and administrative achievements but also defined by the gradual shift of power that saw Empress Wu Zetian take center stage. Gaozong’s time as emperor exemplifies the complexities of political leadership during one of China’s most lauded dynasties, reflecting a balance of continuity with his father’s policies and the innovative shifts that would come to full fruition in the decades following his reign.