Emperor Xuanzong of Tang (9th century)

Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, also known as Emperor Xuanzong the Later (唐宣宗), personal name Li Chen (李忱), later changed to Li Yi (李忱), was the emperor of the Tang dynasty from 846 to 859. He is generally considered the last effective ruler of the Tang dynasty, as his reign, known as the Great Zhongxuan Restoration (大中宣宗復興), saw a resurgence of imperial authority and a period of relative peace and prosperity.

Prior to becoming emperor, Li Chen was known as the "Fool Prince" due to his apparent learning disabilities and reluctance to speak, which some historians attribute to him deliberately playing the part of an imbecile to avoid being targeted by jealous relatives. However, after the death of his uncle, Emperor Wuzong, Li Chen was unexpectedly selected to be emperor by the powerful eunuch Ma Yuanzhi, who saw him as a more pliable ruler than other potential candidates.

Contrary to expectations, Emperor Xuanzong proved to be an intelligent and capable ruler. He was known for his diligence, frugality, and his willingness to listen to the advice of his ministers. He reformed the bureaucracy, reduced corruption, and strengthened the military. He also suppressed rebellions and successfully defended the Tang empire against foreign threats, particularly the Uyghur Khaganate and the Tufan (Tibetan) Empire.

His policies focused on restoring the power of the central government and improving the lives of the common people. He reduced taxes, promoted agriculture, and punished corrupt officials. He also emphasized Confucian ideals and promoted meritocracy in the civil service.

Despite his successes, Emperor Xuanzong's later years were marked by increasing paranoia and a reliance on Daoist alchemists seeking elixirs of immortality. He died in 859, likely from the side effects of ingesting these substances, leaving behind a restored, but ultimately fragile, Tang empire that would soon descend into further chaos and decline. While his reign represented a temporary revival, the underlying problems that plagued the dynasty, such as the power of the eunuchs and the unequal distribution of land, were never fully addressed, setting the stage for the eventual collapse of the Tang.