Li Ji

Also known as Xu Shiji · Xumao Gong · Caoguo Gong · Zhen Wu

Li Ji, born Xu Shiji, courtesy name Maogong, came from Lihu in Caozhou. At the end of the Sui he joined the Wagang rebels and later followed Li Mi, and in 619 he brought Li Mi's former territory over to the Tang, receiving the imperial surname Li. He fought under Li Shimin against Wang Shichong and Dou Jiande and helped crush Liu Heita and Fu Gongshi. Under Taizong he held Bingzhou for sixteen years, joined Li Jing in breaking the Eastern Turks in 630 and later routed the Xueyantuo; he dropped 'Shi' from his name to avoid the emperor's, became Duke of Ying, and was portrayed in the Lingyan Pavilion. Under Gaozong he was minister of works, and in 668 he took Pyongyang and ended Goguryeo. He died in 669 and was buried at Zhaoling. When his grandson Xu Jingye rose against Empress Wu in 684, his titles were stripped and his grave opened; he was rehabilitated after Zhongzong's restoration.