10 Facts About Princess Pingyang

Princess Pingyang was the only daughter of Li Yuan, the founding emperor of the Tang dynasty, and his wife Empress Taimu.

Princess Pingyang helped him to seize power and eventually take over the throne from Sui dynasty by organizing an "Army of the Lady", commanded by herself, in her campaign to capture the Sui capital Chang'an.

Princess Pingyang was the first woman general of the Tang dynasty.

The future Princess Pingyang was the third daughter of Li Yuan, then Duke of Tang, a hereditary nobleman of Sui China and cousin of Emperor Yang.

Princess Pingyang is not to be confused with another Princess Pingyang from the Western Han dynasty.

Princess Pingyang sent messengers to his daughter and son-in-law Chai Shao, then at the Sui capital Chang'an, summoning them back to Taiyuan.

Princess Pingyang sent her servant Ma Sanbao to persuade the agricultural rebel leader He Panren to join her, and then persuaded other rebel leaders Li Zhongwen, Xiang Shanzhi, and Qiu Shili to join her as well.

Princess Pingyang attacked and captured some of the nearby cities and garrisons, and she gathered a total of 70,000 men.

Princess Pingyang created her the Princess Pingyang, and as she contributed greatly to his victory, he particularly honored her over his 18 other daughters.

Princess Pingyang participated in many battles, and her help was decisive in founding the Tang dynasty.