Define Li Shimin
Define Li Shimin
Emperor Taizong of Tang (599-649) was the second emperor of Tang, and he was often regarded as one of the most powerful emperors in Chinese history. He was born Li Shimin, son of Emperor Gaozu, founder of the Tang dynasty. He named Taizong in 626 when he became emperor.
Li Shimin (Emperor Taizong) was born to Duchess Dou's mother, and Li Yuan's father (later Emperor Gaozu). Shimin had three brothers: Li Jiancheng (older), Li Yuanji (younger), and Li Xuanba (younger but also died in 614).
By the time he was 14, Li Shimin was married to the nephew of Gao Shilian, the Sui royal family at the time. Two years later, in 615, Li Shimin joined the military in response to Emperor Wen's call for men to help with the Eastern Tujue invasion. In 616 when Li Yuan was appointed governor of the great city of Taiyuan, Li Shimin went with him.
Emperor Taizong made many changes and amendments in the Tang dynasty. He freed hundreds of Ladies from Waiting, though it is said he later collected more than that he released. He stripped the titles and titles of several members of the royal family, instead of assigning them their position according to their role in the Tang community. He buried his dead brothers with honor.
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