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The Reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang: A Historical Quiz

Test your knowledge on the significant events and figures during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, a pivotal era in Chinese history.

#Tang Dynasty #Emperor Xuanzong #Chinese history #historical quiz #ancient China

1 When he saw Li Mao's wife (his daughter-in-law) Princess Yang Yuhuan, however, he was infatuated with her, and he had her become a ________ nun and gave Li Mao the wife of the general Wei Zhaoxun (韋昭訓) as his new wife and princess.

2 In 724, he also commissioned the chief imperial astronomer Nangong Shuo (南宮說) to carry out a major astronomical survey to observe the sun and the ________ at various points of the empire.

3 On the western front, Gao Xianzhi suffered a major defeat at the Abbasid forces at the ________ in 751 as well, ending the Tang expansion to the west.

4 [29] Such generals who rose in ranks included ________, An Sishun, Geshu Han, and Gao Xianzhi.

5 Its vassal ________ rose and became the dominant power of the region, but formally submitted to Tang as a vassal.

6 ________ (716, 720–729)

7 In 728, Emperor Xuanzong added the general ________ as a chancellor.

8 However, later in the year, when ________ forces attacked, Emperor Xuanzong again commissioned Xue to defend against the attack, and Xue was able to repel the Tufan forces.

9 He, however, was blamed for overly trusting of Li Linfu, Yang Guozhong, and ________, with his reign and Tang's golden age ending in the Anshi Rebellion.

10 The rebels quickly seized the eastern capital ________, and then the imperial capital Chang'an six months later.

💡 Interesting Facts

  • the Tang Dynasty chancellor Liu Yan had, as a child, impressed Emperor Xuanzong of Tang by writing a song dedicated to his sacrifices at Mount Tai.
  • the Tang Dynasty general Wang Zhongsi was raised inside the palace of Emperor Xuanzong of Tang after Wang's father was killed in battle in army service when he was still young.
  • the career of Tang Dynasty official Zhao Jing was launched after he was praised for his petition for frugality in the funerals of Emperors Xuanzong and Suzong.
  • when the senior officials Yuan Qianyao, Song Jing, and Zhang Shuo were commissioned with new offices in 729, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang held an elaborate ceremony, with music and food from the imperial kitchen.
  • the Tang Dynasty chancellor Chen Xilie first endeared himself to Emperor Xuanzong by explaining the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching to Emperor Xuanzong.
  • the Tang Chinese government of Emperor Xuanzong achieved considerable savings from reforms implemented by Chancellor Pei Yaoqing.
  • Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, impressed with Zhang Jiazhen but forgetting his name, almost made Zhang Qiqiu chancellor instead of Zhang Jiazhen.
  • despite his never having been emperor, Li Chengqi was posthumously honoured as such by the Tang Chinese Emperor Xuanzong.
  • it was at the urging of Pei Mian and Du Hongjian that Emperor Suzong of Tang China claimed the throne, despite the fact that his father Emperor Xuanzong was still alive.
  • the Tang Chinese chancellor Zhang Jiuling offered a five-volume historical work that he authored as a birthday gift to Emperor Xuanzong.
  • Emperor Xuanzong of Tang had the eunuch Gao Lishi strangle Consort Yang Yuhuan to prevent a rebellion by the imperial guards angry at her.
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