Emperor Suzong (肅宗)

Overview

Emperor Suzong was a ruler.

Life and dates

Attested activity

AD 756 to AD 762 肅宗朝
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passages 13, 15, 23

Family

Immediate relationships attested in the translated histories.

Spouse of Empress Zhang (張皇后)
empress 皇后 · Primary marriage
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passage 15
Parent of Daizong (代宗)
father 父
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passage 23
Parent of Son of Empress Zhang (張皇后之子)
father 父
Strongly inferred · Old Book of Tang 126, passage 22

Places and affiliations

Polity Tang 唐 · Relation Ruled
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passage 13

Works and attributed material

Speech · Speaker · With Li Kui (李揆) · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passages 13, 23, 25
Speech · Speaker · Direct quotation
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passage 20

Events and relationships

Abandoned Assistant Sage title proposal
Political · Ruler
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passages 20-21
Consulted Li Kui on naming heir
Political · Ruler · With Li Kui (李揆)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passages 23, 25
Summoned Li Kui about Empress Zhang title
Political · Ruler · With Li Kui (李揆)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passage 15

Assessments and attributes

Assessment admired Li Kui and praised his lineage, person, and writings · Mode named-person-speech Speaker Emperor Suzong (肅宗)
Directly stated · Old Book of Tang 126, passages 13-14

References in the histories

Search passages

History

8 passages

Old Book of Tang, Chapter 126Volume 122 Biographies 72: Zhang Xiancheng, Lu Sigong, Qu Huan, Jin Hanheng, Yang Chaocheng, Fan Ze, Li Shuming, Pei Zhou · 8 passages

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肅宗賞嘆之，嘗謂揆曰：「卿門地、人物、文章，皆當代所推。」 Emperor Suzong admired him greatly and once told Kui, "Your family standing, your person, and your writings are all esteemed in our time."

其為舍人也，宗室請加張皇后「翊聖」之號，肅宗召揆問之，對曰； While he served as a Secretariat drafter, members of the imperial clan petitioned to add the honorific "Assistant Sage" to Empress Zhang. Emperor Suzong summoned Kui for his view, and he answered:

景龍失政，韋氏專恣，加號翊聖，今若加皇后之號，與韋氏同。 In the Jinglong era the court lost its way, the Wei clan seized power, and the title Assistant Sage was added. If Your Majesty now adds such a title to the empress, you will be repeating the Wei precedent.

陛下明聖，動遵典禮，豈可蹤景龍故事哉！」 Your Majesty is enlightened and always observant of ritual—how could you follow the Jinglong precedent!"

肅宗驚曰：「凡才幾誤我家事。」 Emperor Suzong was startled and said, "Mediocre counsel nearly ruined my house."

揆因對見，肅宗從容曰：「成王嫡長有功，今當命嗣，卿意何如？」 On one audience Kui was present, and Emperor Suzong said calmly, "The Prince of Cheng is the eldest legitimate son and has rendered service. It is time to name the heir. What do you think?"

揆拜賀曰：「陛下言及於此，社稷之福，天下幸甚，臣不勝大慶。」 Kui bowed in congratulation and said, "That Your Majesty speaks of this is a blessing to the altars of state and a great fortune for the realm. Your servant is overcome with joy."

肅宗喜曰：「朕計決矣。」 Emperor Suzong said gladly, "My mind is made up."