Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty (685–762 CE), also known as Li Longji, was one of the most influential and significant rulers in Chinese history. Under his reign, the Tang dynasty reached its height of prosperity, known as the Kaiyuan era (713–741 CE), often regarded as a golden age of Chinese culture, governance, and military strength. However, towards the end of his reign, political instability and military strife forced Emperor Xuanzong to make one of the most significant decisions of his reign: his withdrawal from the capital city of Chang’an. This event marked a turning point in the Tang Dynasty’s fortunes and is intimately connected with the disastrous An Lushan Rebellion, which profoundly impacted the future of the empire.

This article explores the circumstances, causes, and political significance of Emperor Xuanzong’s decision to leave Chang’an, as well as its far-reaching consequences for the Tang Dynasty.

Background to Emperor Xuanzong’s Reign

Emperor Xuanzong initially ascended to the throne as a young and capable leader, and his early years as emperor were marked by a focus on strengthening central authority, expanding economic prosperity, and promoting cultural achievements. The Kaiyuan era, named after the first year of his reign, witnessed a flourishing of art, poetry, and music, and the Tang empire achieved military victories that extended its borders into Central Asia, Korea, and Vietnam.

Despite these early successes, cracks began to appear in the stability of the empire in the latter years of Emperor Xuanzong’s reign. One of the key factors contributing to his eventual withdrawal from Chang’an was the accumulation of military, political, and personal crises, most notably the rise of An Lushan, a general who would go on to challenge the very foundations of the Tang Dynasty.

The Rise of An Lushan

An Lushan’s Background

An Lushan, originally of Sogdian and Turkic descent, was an ambitious general who initially served the Tang Dynasty in various military campaigns. He gained prominence for his role in the successful suppression of frontier uprisings and his ability to command large armies. Despite his loyalty to the emperor, An Lushan’s increasing power and influence began to stir fears in the imperial court.

Over time, An Lushan exploited the decentralized nature of the Tang military system and gained control over several strategically important regions, particularly in the northern and western parts of China. As his military might grew, so too did his political ambitions.

The Growing Threat to the Emperor

An Lushan’s power was further bolstered by the favor he received from Emperor Xuanzong’s consort, Yang Guifei, whose close relationship with the general created an avenue for his political advancement. While Xuanzong initially trusted An Lushan, the general’s growing influence eventually became a serious threat to the emperor’s authority. The relationship between the emperor, Yang Guifei, and An Lushan was a key factor that contributed to the unrest within the imperial court.

As An Lushan’s ambition and military strength continued to grow, many officials and generals at the court began to worry about the potential for rebellion. There were already signs that An Lushan was plotting to seize power. Yet, the emperor, besotted by Yang Guifei and trusting of An Lushan’s loyalty, failed to take the necessary steps to curb his growing influence.

The An Lushan Rebellion

In 755 CE, An Lushan finally launched his rebellion, declaring himself the emperor of the “Great Yan” dynasty and marching his forces toward Chang’an. The rebellion initially took the Tang Dynasty by surprise, as An Lushan’s forces rapidly gained territory. His uprising was further compounded by the support of several military governors and local officials who saw the rebellion as an opportunity to challenge the Tang court’s authority.

The Fall of Chang’an

As An Lushan’s army advanced, Emperor Xuanzong realized the gravity of the situation. With his capital under threat, the emperor ordered a retreat to the city of Chengdu in Sichuan, hoping to regroup and reorganize his forces. His decision to leave Chang’an marked a moment of dramatic personal failure and political instability. The city of Chang’an, once a symbol of the Tang Dynasty’s grandeur and power, fell into chaos and was eventually captured by An Lushan’s forces.

Emperor Xuanzong’s withdrawal from Chang’an, compounded by the loss of his capital, sent shockwaves through the entire empire. The retreat represented not only a military defeat but also a loss of imperial prestige, as the Tang Dynasty’s hold on power seemed increasingly tenuous. In the face of mounting military pressure, the Tang Dynasty seemed to falter under the stress of internal divisions, imperial disarray, and rebellion.

The Aftermath of Xuanzong’s Withdrawal

The Impact on the Imperial Court

The consequences of Emperor Xuanzong’s withdrawal from Chang’an were severe for both the Tang Dynasty and the imperial court. The emperor’s retreat represented a symbolic break from the past, as the central authority of the Tang Dynasty appeared to have been severely weakened. The power vacuum created by Xuanzong’s departure opened the door for factionalism, internal strife, and military dominance by regional warlords.

Further destabilizing the imperial authority was the fact that the emperor’s decision to flee was seen as a sign of weakness. Court officials and generals began to act independently, seeking to protect their own interests, and many saw this as an opportunity to usurp power. The Tang court was in disarray, and the once-flourishing political unity of the empire began to crumble.

The Fall of Yang Guifei

One of the most tragic personal consequences of Xuanzong’s flight was the demise of his beloved consort, Yang Guifei. As the retreat continued and the empire fell into further turmoil, resentment grew among the imperial army. The soldiers, frustrated by the inability of the imperial family to respond to the rebellion, blamed Yang Guifei for her alleged role in promoting An Lushan’s rise.

In 756 CE, during the retreat, Yang Guifei was implicated in the discontent and ultimately forced to commit suicide by the imperial troops. Her death further marred the emperor’s legacy, marking the tragic end of one of the most famous and beloved figures in Chinese history.

The Long-Term Consequences for the Tang Dynasty

A Fragmented Empire

While the Tang Dynasty was not immediately destroyed by the An Lushan Rebellion, the empire never fully recovered from the damage done during this period. The rebellion led to a long era of internal conflict, weakened imperial authority, and the eventual rise of regional warlords, who held considerable influence over their territories. The fragmentation of the Tang dynasty ultimately led to the dissolution of centralized power and the division of China into smaller, competing states.

The Decline of the Tang Dynasty

The emperor’s retreat, and the subsequent rebellion, deeply weakened the Tang Dynasty. Though the rebellion was suppressed by 763 CE, the political and military consequences were profound. The once-centralized bureaucracy and military system could never return to its former glory, and the once-strong central authority of the emperor was irreparably diminished. The rebellion’s consequences were felt for decades, as internal power struggles, corruption, and further rebellions plagued the later years of the Tang Dynasty.

Cultural and Social Shifts

Beyond the political and military impact, the An Lushan Rebellion also had lasting social and cultural effects. The conflict devastated large parts of China, including major cities such as Chang’an and Luoyang. Millions of lives were lost, and large swaths of the population were displaced. The rebellion caused significant social and economic disruption, particularly for peasants and rural communities.

Conclusion

The event of Emperor Xuanzong’s withdrawal from Chang’an was a key turning point in Chinese history. It symbolized the collapse of imperial authority and the beginning of a long period of political instability for the Tang Dynasty. The An Lushan Rebellion and its aftermath changed the course of Chinese history, leaving an indelible mark on the Tang Dynasty’s legacy. While the empire struggled to recover from the devastating rebellion, the event ultimately played a crucial role in shaping the future of Chinese governance and the evolution of power dynamics in the empire. The consequences of Xuanzong’s decision to leave Chang’an still resonate in Chinese historical memory, providing a stark reminder of the fragile nature of imperial power.