Li Sigong
Encyclopedia
Li Sigong (d. 886
?), né Tuoba Sigong (拓拔思恭), formally the Duke of Xia (夏公), was an ethnically-Dangxiang warlord of the late Chinese
dynasty Tang Dynasty
, who, for his contributions against the major agrarian rebel Huang Chao
, was allowed to retain Dingnan Circuit
(定難, headquartered in modern Yulin, Shaanxi
) as its military governor (Jiedushi
). The position became passed down in his family, eventually forming the foundation for the Dangxiang state Western Xia
of the 11th to 13th centuries.
-874
) of Emperor Yizong
, he seized control of You Prefecture (宥州, in modern Ordos
, Inner Mongolia
), which had been established by the Tang imperial government to govern the Dangxiang, and he claimed the title of prefect.
, during the reign of Emperor Xizong
, the major agrarian rebel Huang Chao
attacked and captured the Tang imperial capital Chang'an
, forcing Emperor Xizong to flee to Chengdu
. Huang established a new state of Qi as its emperor. A number of Tang generals near Chang'an gathered their troops to prepare to attack Huang to recapture Chang'an. Tuoba Sigong gathered his own troops and went to Fu Prefecture (鄜州, in modern Yan'an
, Shaanxi
) to rendezvous with Li Xiaochang (李孝昌) the military governor of Fuyan Circuit (鄜延, headquartered at Fu Prefecture). They swore an oath to attack Huang, and subsequently advanced south toward Chang'an. In light of Tuoba Sigong's display of loyalty, Emperor Xizong made him the acting military governor of Xiasui Circuit (夏綏).
Subsequently, with Tang forces gathered around Chang'an, Huang abandoned Chang'an. The forces under the Tang generals Tang Hongfu (唐弘夫), Cheng Zongchu (程宗楚), and Wang Chucun
entered the city, but did not notify Tuoba, Li Xiaochang, or Zheng Tian
the military governor of Fengxiang Circuit (鳳翔, headquartered in modern Baoji
, Shaanxi
). The Tang forces that entered the city became bogged down in pillaging the city, and Qi forces counterattacked, crushing them and recapturing Chang'an. Subsequently, Qi forces engaged those under Tuoba and Li Xiaochang at Wangqiao (王橋, in modern Xianyang
, Shaanxi
), defeating them. Tuoba and Li Xiaochang nevertheless stayed in the area, and Huang sent his general Zhu Wen to defend against them. Soon thereafter, Emperor Xizong made Tuoba full military governor and renamed his circuit Dingnan Circuit (meaning, "those who stopped disaster"). Tuoba and Li Xiaogong then engaged Zhu and the major Qi general Shang Rang
, but could not prevail, and withdrew. Subsequently, Tuoba was also made the acting mayor of Jingzhao Municipality (京兆, i.e., the Chang'an region). However, the extent of his participation in the subsequent Tang victory over Huang is not known — although the Song Dynasty
work the New History of the Five Dynasties
, which referred to him as Tuoba Sijing in the biographies of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period military governors of Dingnan Circuit, for reasons unclear, had the semi-laudatory, semi-derogatory explanation that because Tuoba had neither great accomplishments nor rebellious acts against the imperial government, his deeds went largely unrecorded. After Huang was destroyed, Tuoba was created the Duke of Xia, and given the imperial surname of Li. At some point, he also apparently seized Fuyan Circuit, an act that later was referred to by Li Keyong
the military governor of Hedong (河東, headquartered in modern Taiyuan
, Shanxi
).
, after Emperor Xizong fled to Xingyuan (興元, in modern Hanzhong
, Shaanxi
) due to a major dispute between the powerful eunuch Tian Lingzi
(who controlled Emperor Xizong's court) and Li Keyong and Wang Chongrong
the military governor of Hezhong Circuit (河中, headquartered in modern Yuncheng, Shanxi), Tian's erstwhile ally Zhu Mei
the military governor of Jingnan Circuit (靜難, headquartered in modern Xianyang) declared Emperor Xizong's distant relative Li Yun
the Prince of Xiang the new emperor. Emperor Xizong ordered Li Sigong to attack Zhu. Before Li Sigong could launch his troops, however, he died. Emperor Xizong gave Li Sigong's younger brothers Li Sijian Dingnan Circuit and Li Sixiao Baoda Circuit (保大, i.e., Fuyan). Li Sijian's successor Li Yichang might have been Li Sigong's son — the traditional sources differ as to whether he was Li Sijian's son or Li Sigong's son.
886
Year 886 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :...
?), né Tuoba Sigong (拓拔思恭), formally the Duke of Xia (夏公), was an ethnically-Dangxiang warlord of the late Chinese
History of China
Chinese civilization originated in various regional centers along both the Yellow River and the Yangtze River valleys in the Neolithic era, but the Yellow River is said to be the Cradle of Chinese Civilization. With thousands of years of continuous history, China is one of the world's oldest...
dynasty Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
, who, for his contributions against the major agrarian rebel Huang Chao
Huang Chao
Huang Chao was the leader of the Huang Chao Rebellion , known in mainland China as the Huang Chao Revolution in China that seriously weakened the once mighty Tang Dynasty of China...
, was allowed to retain Dingnan Circuit
Dingnan Jiedushi
The "Jiedushi of Dingnan" was Li Jiqian of 10th and 11th century China. He was awarded the position of military governor of Dingnan, and King of Xiping by Emperor Zhenzong of Song China...
(定難, headquartered in modern Yulin, Shaanxi
Yulin, Shaanxi
Yulin is a prefecture-level city in the Shaanxi province of the People's Republic of China. It has an area of 43,578 km² and a population of 3,380,000.-Geography and climate:...
) as its military governor (Jiedushi
Jiedushi
The Jiedushi were regional military governors in China during the Tang Dynasty and the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. Originally set up to counter external threats, the jiedushi were given enormous power, including the ability to maintain their own armies, collect taxes, and pass their...
). The position became passed down in his family, eventually forming the foundation for the Dangxiang state Western Xia
Western Xia
The Western Xia Dynasty or the Tangut Empire, was known to the Tanguts and the Tibetans as Minyak.The state existed from 1038 to 1227 AD in what are now the northwestern Chinese provinces of Ningxia, Gansu, eastern Qinghai, northern Shaanxi, northeastern Xinjiang, southwest Inner Mongolia, and...
of the 11th to 13th centuries.
Background
It is not known when Tuoba Sigong was born. His family was of Dangxiang stock, of the Pingxia (平夏) branch. Late in the Xiantong (咸通) era (861861
Year 861 was a common year starting on Wednesday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Carloman revolts against his father Louis the German.* Michael III and Bardas invade Bulgaria....
-874
874
Year 874 was a common year starting on Friday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Ingólfur Arnarson arrives as the first permanent Viking settler in Iceland, settling in Reykjavík ....
) of Emperor Yizong
Emperor Yizong of Tang
Emperor Yizong of Tang , né Li Wen , later changed to Li Cui , was an emperor of the Tang dynasty of China. He reigned from 859 to 873. Yizong was the eldest son of Emperor Xuānzong...
, he seized control of You Prefecture (宥州, in modern Ordos
Ordos
-Places:*Ordos Loop of the Yellow River, a region of China*Ordos Desert, in Inner Mongolia*Ordos City, city and district in Inner Mongolia*Ordos International Circuit, a race track in Ordos City.-People:...
, Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia
Inner Mongolia is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China, located in the northern region of the country. Inner Mongolia shares an international border with the countries of Mongolia and the Russian Federation...
), which had been established by the Tang imperial government to govern the Dangxiang, and he claimed the title of prefect.
Campaign against Huang Chao
Around new year 881881
Year 881 was a common year starting on Sunday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :* Charles the Fat is crowned Western Emperor.* Battle of Saucourt-en-Vimeu: Louis III of France routs Norman pirates....
, during the reign of Emperor Xizong
Emperor Xizong of Tang
Emperor Xizong of Tang , né Li Yan , later name changed to Li Xuan , was an emperor of the Tang dynasty of China. He reigned from 873 to 888. He was the fifth son of his predecessor Emperor Yizong and was the elder brother of his successor Emperor Zhaozong...
, the major agrarian rebel Huang Chao
Huang Chao
Huang Chao was the leader of the Huang Chao Rebellion , known in mainland China as the Huang Chao Revolution in China that seriously weakened the once mighty Tang Dynasty of China...
attacked and captured the Tang imperial capital Chang'an
Chang'an
Chang'an is an ancient capital of more than ten dynasties in Chinese history, today known as Xi'an. Chang'an literally means "Perpetual Peace" in Classical Chinese. During the short-lived Xin Dynasty, the city was renamed "Constant Peace" ; yet after its fall in AD 23, the old name was restored...
, forcing Emperor Xizong to flee to Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu , formerly transliterated Chengtu, is the capital of Sichuan province in Southwest China. It holds sub-provincial administrative status...
. Huang established a new state of Qi as its emperor. A number of Tang generals near Chang'an gathered their troops to prepare to attack Huang to recapture Chang'an. Tuoba Sigong gathered his own troops and went to Fu Prefecture (鄜州, in modern Yan'an
Yan'an
Yan'an , is a prefecture-level city in the Shanbei region of Shaanxi province in China, administering several counties, including Zhidan County , which served as the Chinese communist capital before the city of Yan'an proper took that role....
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
) to rendezvous with Li Xiaochang (李孝昌) the military governor of Fuyan Circuit (鄜延, headquartered at Fu Prefecture). They swore an oath to attack Huang, and subsequently advanced south toward Chang'an. In light of Tuoba Sigong's display of loyalty, Emperor Xizong made him the acting military governor of Xiasui Circuit (夏綏).
Subsequently, with Tang forces gathered around Chang'an, Huang abandoned Chang'an. The forces under the Tang generals Tang Hongfu (唐弘夫), Cheng Zongchu (程宗楚), and Wang Chucun
Wang Chucun
Wang Chucun was a general of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, who controlled Yiwu Circuit in late Tang. He was one of the main contributors in Tang's eventual defeat of the agrarian rebel Huang Chao....
entered the city, but did not notify Tuoba, Li Xiaochang, or Zheng Tian
Zheng Tian
Zheng Tian , courtesy name Taiwen , formally Duke Wenzhao of Xingyang , was a chancellor of late Tang Dynasty, serving two terms as chancellor during the reign of Emperor Xizong...
the military governor of Fengxiang Circuit (鳳翔, headquartered in modern Baoji
Baoji
Baoji is a prefecture-level city in Shaanxi province, China.-Geography:The prefecture-level city of Baoji has a population of 3,716,731 according to the 2010 Chinese census, inhabiting an area of . The city itself has a population of approximately 800,000. Surrounded on three sides by hills,...
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
). The Tang forces that entered the city became bogged down in pillaging the city, and Qi forces counterattacked, crushing them and recapturing Chang'an. Subsequently, Qi forces engaged those under Tuoba and Li Xiaochang at Wangqiao (王橋, in modern Xianyang
Xianyang
Xianyang is a former capital of China in Shaanxi province, on the Wei River, a few kilometers upstream from Xi'an. It has an area of...
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
), defeating them. Tuoba and Li Xiaochang nevertheless stayed in the area, and Huang sent his general Zhu Wen to defend against them. Soon thereafter, Emperor Xizong made Tuoba full military governor and renamed his circuit Dingnan Circuit (meaning, "those who stopped disaster"). Tuoba and Li Xiaogong then engaged Zhu and the major Qi general Shang Rang
Shang Rang
Shang Rang was a major follower of Huang Chao, an agrarian rebel leader against the rule of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty, and carried prominent titles after Huang declared himself the emperor of a new state of Qi. As Huang neared defeat in 884, Shang turned against him and submitted to the...
, but could not prevail, and withdrew. Subsequently, Tuoba was also made the acting mayor of Jingzhao Municipality (京兆, i.e., the Chang'an region). However, the extent of his participation in the subsequent Tang victory over Huang is not known — although the Song Dynasty
Song Dynasty
The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China between 960 and 1279; it succeeded the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period, and was followed by the Yuan Dynasty. It was the first government in world history to issue banknotes or paper money, and the first Chinese government to establish a...
work the New History of the Five Dynasties
New History of the Five Dynasties
The New History of the Five Dynasties is a history of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period of Chinese history. It was written by the Song Dynasty official Ouyang Xiu and completed in 1053...
, which referred to him as Tuoba Sijing in the biographies of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period military governors of Dingnan Circuit, for reasons unclear, had the semi-laudatory, semi-derogatory explanation that because Tuoba had neither great accomplishments nor rebellious acts against the imperial government, his deeds went largely unrecorded. After Huang was destroyed, Tuoba was created the Duke of Xia, and given the imperial surname of Li. At some point, he also apparently seized Fuyan Circuit, an act that later was referred to by Li Keyong
Li Keyong
Li Keyong was a Shatuo military governor during the late Tang Dynasty and was key to developing a base of power for the Shatuo in what is today Shanxi Province in China...
the military governor of Hedong (河東, headquartered in modern Taiyuan
Taiyuan
Taiyuan is the capital and largest city of Shanxi province in North China. At the 2010 census, it had a total population of 4,201,591 inhabitants on 6959 km² whom 3,212,500 are urban on 1,460 km². The name of the city literally means "Great Plains", referring to the location where the Fen River...
, Shanxi
Shanxi
' is a province in Northern China. Its one-character abbreviation is "晋" , after the state of Jin that existed here during the Spring and Autumn Period....
).
Death
In 886886
Year 886 was a common year starting on Saturday of the Julian calendar.- Europe :...
, after Emperor Xizong fled to Xingyuan (興元, in modern Hanzhong
Hanzhong
Hanzhong is a municipality in southwest Shaanxi Province, China, occupying a historically significant valley in the mountains between the Xi'an area, home to many Chinese capitals, and the fertile but isolated Sichuan Basin...
, Shaanxi
Shaanxi
' is a province in the central part of Mainland China, and it includes portions of the Loess Plateau on the middle reaches of the Yellow River in addition to the Qinling Mountains across the southern part of this province...
) due to a major dispute between the powerful eunuch Tian Lingzi
Tian Lingzi
Tian Lingzi , courtesy name Zhongze , formally the Duke of Jin , was a powerful eunuch during the reign of Emperor Xizong of Tang...
(who controlled Emperor Xizong's court) and Li Keyong and Wang Chongrong
Wang Chongrong
Wang Chongrong , formally the Prince of Langye , was a warlord of the late Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty who controlled Hezhong Circuit...
the military governor of Hezhong Circuit (河中, headquartered in modern Yuncheng, Shanxi), Tian's erstwhile ally Zhu Mei
Zhu Mei
Zhu Mei was a warlord of the Chinese dynasty Tang Dynasty. Disillusioned with Emperor Xizong and the powerful eunuch Tian Lingzi, he tried to support Emperor Xizong's distant relative Li Yun the Prince of Xiang as the new emperor, but was soon thereafter killed by his own officer Wang Xingyu.-...
the military governor of Jingnan Circuit (靜難, headquartered in modern Xianyang) declared Emperor Xizong's distant relative Li Yun
Li Yun
Li Yun is a fictional character in the Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. He ranks 97th of the 108 Liangshan heroes and 61st of the 72 Earthly Fiends. He is nicknamed "Green Eyed Tiger".-Background:...
the Prince of Xiang the new emperor. Emperor Xizong ordered Li Sigong to attack Zhu. Before Li Sigong could launch his troops, however, he died. Emperor Xizong gave Li Sigong's younger brothers Li Sijian Dingnan Circuit and Li Sixiao Baoda Circuit (保大, i.e., Fuyan). Li Sijian's successor Li Yichang might have been Li Sigong's son — the traditional sources differ as to whether he was Li Sijian's son or Li Sigong's son.