Li Gui (prince)

Li Gui 李軌 (d. 619), also known as Emperor Wude of Liang (涼武帝), was a rebel leader during the late Sui Dynasty who declared himself emperor and ruled a significant portion of present-day Gansu province.

Li Gui's rebellion began in 617, capitalizing on the widespread unrest and famine that plagued the Sui Dynasty. He initially styled himself as the General of the Western Qin (西秦大將軍), evoking the historical Sixteen Kingdoms era. His rebellion gained momentum quickly, attracting followers among the local population suffering under Sui rule.

In 617, he declared himself Emperor Wude of Liang, establishing a short-lived Liang dynasty. His territory encompassed mainly the Wuwei area (present-day Wuwei, Gansu). He implemented some administrative reforms aimed at easing the burden on the peasantry and consolidating his rule.

However, his reign was marked by internal strife and challenges from other rebel leaders. Ultimately, he was defeated by Li Yuan (later Emperor Gaozu of Tang), the founder of the Tang Dynasty, in 619. Li Gui was captured and executed, and his territory was absorbed into the nascent Tang Empire.

Li Gui's brief reign exemplifies the chaotic period at the end of the Sui Dynasty, characterized by numerous rebellions and power struggles that eventually led to the rise of the Tang Dynasty. While his reign was short-lived and ultimately unsuccessful, he remains a significant figure in the history of Gansu and the transitional period between the Sui and Tang Dynasties. His story is a reminder of the widespread discontent during the decline of the Sui and the opportunities that arose for ambitious individuals during a time of political instability.