Zhangsun Wuji
One of the chief planners of the Xuanwu Gate Incident, first among the Lingyan Pavilion meritorious officials, and leader of the compilation of the Tang Code with Commentary.
Life
Imperial in-law and close friend
Zhangsun Wuji was the elder brother of Empress Zhangsun, consort of Emperor Taizong of Tang, and had been close to Li Shimin since childhood. In 626 he planned the Xuanwu Gate Incident with Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui and others, helping Li Shimin seize the throne.
First in the Lingyan Pavilion
He ranked first among the Twenty-Four Meritorious Officials of Lingyan Pavilion and served long as chancellor. In Emperor Taizong's later years he pressed for his nephew Li Zhi to be made crown prince, and on his deathbed Taizong entrusted Li Zhi to him and Chu Suiliang.
Tang Code and tragedy
Under Emperor Gaozong he led the compilation of the Tang Code with Commentary, the earliest and most complete feudal legal code to survive. Because he opposed making Wu Zetian empress, in 659 he was falsely accused of treason by Xu Jingzong, exiled to Qianzhou and forced to hang himself.
Legacy
Zhangsun Wuji was the most powerful minister of the Zhenguan and Yonghui reigns, and the Tang Code with Commentary, whose compilation he oversaw, had a far-reaching influence on the laws of East Asian states.
Major works & achievements
- Planned the Xuanwu Gate Incident
- Compiled the Tang Code with Commentary
Did you know? He opposed making Wu Zetian empress, and was ultimately brought down by Wu Zetian's faction.
Key dates
- 626Planned the Xuanwu Gate Incident
- 643First among the Lingyan Pavilion meritorious officials
- 649Entrusted with the heir by Emperor Taizong
- 653Led the compilation of the Tang Code with Commentary
- 659Falsely accused and exiled; hanged himself