Opinion/Editorial

Was Emperor Hsuan Tsung a Bad Emperor?

By: Jacquelyn Zinchuk, Junior Writer

     Emperor Hsuan Tsung lived from 685-762 AD.  He is the seventh emperor of the Tang Dynasty and the great nephew of Empress Wu, the only female emperor in the Tang Dynasty. He helped his father restore the throne and 710 and becomes emperor himself in 713.  He is a vigorous and active ruler at first by continuing the efforts of preceding rulers, but his efforts ended in his downfall.  While emperor, he implements many different ideas to strengthen its political, economical, and military power.  Eventually, Hsuan Tsung falls in love with a woman and neglects his duties.  The woman takes advantage of him and appoints her family and friends in high positions of authority that eventually lead to an eight year rebellion.  Due to his lack of responsibility, Hsuan Tsung is one of the worst emperors ever to lead the Tang Dynasty.

     While Hsuan Tsung tries to continue the efforts of previous rulers, the new political changes he added to strengthen the dynasty ended in his downfall.  "To carry out his reforms, he used individuals and groups that could help implement his policies. In doing this... he introduced new political elements... that eventually usurped power and authority" (“T’ang Hsuan-Tsung”).  Hsuan Tsung, even though tries to make the dynasty prosperous, is not strong enough to control those below him.  A strong emperor is one who is able to have full control over those under them, while still maintaining their rights, happiness, and power.  Hsuan Tsung proves his irresponsibility by losing control of his people.  He also failed his dynasty by terminating his rule through his own actions, and possibly putting it in the danger of incompetent hands.  He neglects his duties because of his own selfish desire and puts the Tang Dynasty in great turmoil.  The woman he fell in love with appointed incapable people to government positions and the people she placed in those positions caused a rebellion.  "After this rebellion, the central government was never the same. The Tang could no longer control the generals along the border" (“The Tang Dynasty”).  Hsuan Tsung establishes his inability to rule his dynasty by not fulfilling his duties, especially since it is through his weakness for women.  Because of him, these eight years of fighting greatly hinders the Tang Dynasty.  It weakens the Tang Dynasty's government, which is the most important aspect of it.  Without its centralized government, a dynasty is unable to rule its people properly.  Also, Hsuan Tsung weakens the borders of the dynasty, leaving it vulnerable to be attacked and conquered by outside powers.  He is the worst emperor of the Tang Dynasty because his rule leaves the Tang Dynasty in shambles.