Liu Wenjing, courtesy name Zhaoren, formally the Duke of Lu, was a Chinese politician during the Tang dynasty.
15 Facts About Liu Wenjing
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Liu Wenjing initially served as an official of the Sui dynasty and was one of the driving forces in persuading the general Li Yuan to rebel against Emperor Yang of Sui.
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Liu Wenjing assisted Li Yuan in establishing the Tang dynasty and becoming its first ruler.
4.
Liu Wenjing engaged sorcerers to help him seek divine favours, but was executed after Li Yuan found out about it.
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Liu Wenjing's grandfather Liu Yi was a provincial governor during Northern Zhou.
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In 617, when Li Mi rose in open rebellion near the eastern capital Luoyang, claiming the title of Duke of Wei, Liu Wenjing, who was related to Li Mi by marriage, was briefly arrested and jailed on Emperor Yang's orders.
7.
Li Yuan declared rebellion in fall 617, and Liu Wenjing suggested that he, who was still ostensibly claiming to be loyal to Sui but wanting to support Emperor Yang's grandson Yang You the Prince of Dai, then at Chang'an, as emperor, should change his banners from the regular Sui banners to distance himself from Emperor Yang, while seeking an alliance with Eastern Tujue for support.
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Qutu did indeed attack to try to prevent Li Yuan's advance, and while Liu Wenjing initially suffered losses against Qutu's subordinate Sang Xianhe, he was ultimately able to defeat Sang and further capture Qutu.
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Once Li Yuan captured Chang'an in winter 617 and declared Yang You emperor but retained power as regent, Liu Wenjing was created the Duke of Lu.
10.
Liu Wenjing made Liu Wenjing Nayan, the head of the examination bureau of the government, considered one of the posts for a chancellor.
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Liu Wenjing had Liu and Pei Ji revised the Sui laws, although he rejected Liu's suggestion to distance himself a bit more from his officials in order to show authority, opting often to dine with his officials at the same table.
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Later that year after Xue Ju's death, Liu Wenjing participated in Li Shimin's campaign that defeated Xue Ju's son and successor Xue Rengao, and his title was restored, but he was not again made a chancellor, but only as Li Shimin's assistant.
13.
Emperor Gaozu arrested Liu Wenjing and had Pei and Xiao Yu interrogate him.
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Emperor Gaozu was displeased and believed that Liu Wenjing was planning treason.
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However, Liu Wenjing Shuyi was still resentful over his father's execution, and he plotted a rebellion with his brother Liu Wenjing Shuyi.