The Role of Xuanzong, An Lushan, and Guifei in Tang China (Essay Sample)

Name
Professor
Course Number
Submission Date
The role of Xuanzong, An Lushan, and Guifei in Tang China
The An Lushan rebellion was a remarkable turning point in the political history of China. This uprising has been immortalized due to the roles of Xuanzong and Guifei in the rebellion. An Lushan served in the Tao military and his defeat to Khitan saw his rise in military ranks. Through Xuanzong’s patronage, the Sogdian-Turkic general gained power and in 755 he led an uprising.
An Lushan was obsequious to Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei. He flattered Xuanzong and through self-deprecation, he approved harmless. He declared himself an eccentric barbarian that abides by his culture’s protocol of honoring mothers, thus he bowed to Guifei before bowing to the Emperor. His antics endeared him to Xuanzong. Additionally, Lushan was given a rare privilege, he was granted access to inner courts. He would visit ladies’ quarters in the palace, a pleasure only enjoyed by the eunuchs.
Lushan did not only become close to the Emperor but also developed an intimate companion with Guifei. Furthermore, Xuanzong and Guifei adopted Lushan as a son. Although not proven, it has been suggested that Guifei and Lushan had an erotic relationship, “she bathed him as if he was a baby” (Lee and Jennifer 441). Bai claims that