Emperor Zhongzong of Tang (Li Xian)

Emperor Zhongzong of Tang (656-710), born Li Xian and at times named Li Zhe, holds the unusual distinction of having reigned twice, in 684 and again from 705 to 710, with two decades of exile in between. He was the third son of Emperor Gaozong by Empress Wu, the future Wu Zetian, and became heir after the deaths or depositions of his elder brothers.

His first reign lasted less than two months. Succeeding Gaozong early in 684, he moved to promote the family of his wife, Empress Wei, reportedly declaring that he could give the empire itself to his father-in-law if he chose. His mother, ruling as empress dowager, deposed him in favor of his brother Ruizong and banished him to the provinces, where he lived for fourteen years under conditions he apparently found terrifying; he is said to have contemplated suicide at each arrival of imperial messengers. In 698 Wu Zetian, by then emperor of her own Zhou dynasty, recalled him to Luoyang and reinstated him as heir, a decision that signaled the eventual return of the Tang line.

The coup of February 705 that forced Wu Zetian's abdication restored Zhongzong to the throne and the Tang dynasty to its name. His second reign, however, was dominated by others: Empress Wei, who aspired to a position like that of her mother-in-law; their daughter the Princess Anle, who openly sought designation as heir apparent; and Wu Sansi, Wu Zetian's nephew, who maintained great influence at court. Corruption in the sale of offices was widespread, and in 707 the crown prince Li Chongjun died after an abortive coup against the Wei faction.

Zhongzong died suddenly in July 710. The traditional histories state that Empress Wei and Princess Anle poisoned him with a tainted cake, but the claim was recorded under the regime of those who destroyed the Wei faction weeks later, and some modern historians regard it as unproven. A child, Li Chongmao, was briefly enthroned before Zhongzong's nephew Li Longji, the future Emperor Xuanzong, and the Princess Taiping annihilated Empress Wei's party and restored Ruizong. Zhongzong was buried at the Dingling mausoleum, his career a measure of how thoroughly palace women and factions, rather than emperors, directed the Tang court in this generation.