Li Xian

Also known as Tang Zhongzong

Li Xian, first named Li Zhe, was the seventh son of Emperor Gaozong and the third borne by Wu Zetian, born in 656. He took the throne on Gaozong's death in late 683 and opened the Sisheng era, but when he tried to make his father-in-law Wei Xuanzhen a chief minister he clashed with Pei Yan, and after about fifty days his mother deposed him as Prince of Luling and sent him to Fangzhou. Recalled to Luoyang in 698, he was again named heir. The Shenlong coup led by Zhang Jianzhi in early 705 forced Wu Zetian to step down; he returned to the throne, restored the Tang name. In his second reign Empress Wei and his daughter the Anle Princess meddled in government, and in 710 Princess Jincheng was sent to marry the Tibetan ruler. He died suddenly that summer, the histories say from poison given by Empress Wei and the princess. His temple name is Zhongzong, and he was buried at Dingling.