Li Linfu

Li Linfu (Chinese: 李林甫; 683 – 3 January 753), milk name Genu (哥奴), art name Yuetang (月堂), was a Chinese historian, musician, and politician of the Tang dynasty, serving as a chancellor for 18 years (734–752), during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong. His tenure as chancellor was one of the longest in Tang history, and the longest during Emperor Xuanzong's reign. Li was known for his flattery of the Emperor and skill in the political scene, which enabled him to remain powerful throughout his lengthy duration as chancellor. His treachery in cutting off all routes for all potential political challengers, including false accusations against other officials and the granting of key military commands to non-Han commanders, were blamed for the deterioration of Emperor Xuanzong's reign, which culminated in the An–Shi Rebellion after Li Linfu's death. Emperor Xuanzong himself admitted after the An–Shi Rebellion broke out (when Li had died) that Li was most adept at removing political rivals and being jealous of any potential challengers, a factor which resulted in the Tang administration lacking seriously competent officials during the Tianbao era.