Princess Taiping

Princess Taiping (Chinese: 太平公主; pinyin: Tàipíng Gōngzhǔ; literally "Princess of Great Peace"; born after 662 – died August 2, 713), personal name unknown, was a member of the imperial family of the Tang dynasty and a political figure active during the reigns of her mother Wu Zetian, and her brothers Emperor Zhongzong and Emperor Ruizong (both of whom reigned twice), particularly during Emperor Ruizong's second reign, when for three years until her death, she was the real power behind the throne. Her personal name is not recorded in official histories, though some later sources suggest it may have been Li Lingyue (李令月). She played a significant role in court politics during a period of dynastic transition, including the restoration of the Tang dynasty following Wu Zetian’s abdication. Princess Taiping was involved in the 705 coup that reinstated Emperor Zhongzong and later supported the 710 purge of Empress Wei’s faction. During Emperor Ruizong’s second reign (710–712), she held considerable influence over state affairs and was regarded as a key figure in the administration. Following Emperor Ruizong’s abdication in favor of his son Li Longji (later Emperor Xuanzong) in 712, tensions between Princess Taiping and the new emperor escalated. In 713, according to historical records, believing that she was planning to overthrow him, acted first, executing a large number of her powerful allies and forcing her to commit suicide.