Emperor Shunzong of Tang

Emperor Tang Shunzong (唐顺宗李诵 761–806), born Li Song, was the tenth emperor of the Tang dynasty of China. He was created crown prince in 779 and reigned in 805 but lasted less than a year). Shunzong was the eldest son of emperor Emperor Dezong of Tang.

Shunzong was a hardworking and diligent emperor and he employed capable individuals such as Liu Zongyuan, Liu Shunchi, Han Tai, Han Hua as well as many others who supported Shunzong in reforming and rejuvenating the administration. Shunzong also tried to subdue the powers of corrupt eunuchs and its initial result, albeit shortlived, was quite successful thus earning Shunzong's short reign Era of the Yong Zhen Reformation (永贞革新). It gave the Tang dynasty brief stability but in August of 805, Shunzong fell ill after a stroke and was forced by corrupt officials to abdicate in favour of his son.

Shunzong died in the first month of the next year (806) in the Xingqing Palace. It was rumoured he was murdered by corrupt officials. He was 46.

Trivia

* Shunzong held the title of crown prince for almost 26 years - longer than any crown prince of the Tang dynasty but his reign as emperor was the shortest. He reigned less than 200 days.

References

* [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9071499?query=Shun%20Tsung&ct=eb Encyclopedia Britannica]