In the illustrious history of the Tang Dynasty, a period marked by immense prosperity and perilous upheaval, moments of extraordinary heroism and treachery arose. Among these turbulent times were the reigns of Emperor Zhongzong and Emperor Ruizong, both overshadowed by the ambitious Wu Zetian. Her relentless pursuit of power and influence dominated the political landscape of the Tang Dynasty during this tumultuous period.
A cunning scheme
During the rule of these two emperors, Wu Zetian’s cunning scheme to seize the throne succeeded, and she wielded an unjust power that nearly extinguished the prosperity of the Great Tang Dynasty. Amidst these turbulent times, Emperor Ruizong faced false accusations of rebellion. A brave courtier sacrificed his life to protect his sovereign in a display of loyalty and righteousness. The courage and integrity of this noble individual struck fear into the hearts of traitors and decisively altered the course of the rebellion.
To solidify her grip on power, Wu Zetian unleashed a bloody purge that decimated the Li Tang imperial clan and loyal courtiers. In A.D. 690, she declared herself emperor, demoting Emperor Ruizong (Li Dan) to Crown Prince, changing his surname to Wu, and confining him to the Eastern Palace. This was followed by secret executions and strict isolation, effectively depriving Emperor Ruizong of his rightful role and connection to court affairs.
Amidst these oppressive circumstances, Li Dan found solace in the company of a few trusted individuals. Among them was An Jinzang, a Tai Chang Temple musician who steadfastly supported him during these dark times.
To make matters worse, Li Dan was later falsely accused of plotting rebellion, prompting Wu Zetian to assign the ruthless official Lai Junchen to investigate. Known for his brutal methods and unjust executions, Lai resorted to torture to extract confessions from those associated with Li Dan, coercing many into falsely admitting guilt while under extreme duress.
Amidst this climate of fear, as others folded under pressure, An Jinzang stood firm in his integrity. He adamantly refused to give false testimony against Li Dan and boldly challenged Lai, declaring: “If you doubt my words, allow me to open my heart and prove that the Crown Prince is innocent of any rebellion!”
An Jinzang’s self-sacrifice
With that, An Jinzang immediately drew his dagger and cut his chest, causing his internal organs to spill out and blood to flow freely as he collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Shocked by the incident, Lai immediately reported it to Wu Zetian. Upon hearing of An’s sacrifice, Wu ordered him to be carried into the palace and summoned imperial doctors to attend. The doctors meticulously arranged An’s internal organs back into place, stitched his chest wound with mulberry bark thread, administered medicine, and after a night had passed, An regained consciousness.
After recovering, Wu personally visited An and ordered Lai to cease the interrogation, sparing the Crown Prince from false accusations. An’s courage and sacrifice earned him admiration from officials and scholars in the court, who were deeply humbled by his self-sacrifice and example.
When Li ascended the throne in A.D. 710, he thanked An for sacrificing himself to save him and promoted him to the Right Commander of the Imperial Guards. Two years later, Emperor Xuanzong (Li Longji) ascended to the throne and further honored An’s loyalty by issuing commendations and directing historians to record An’s dedication to his sovereign in the annals of history.
In the twentieth year of the Kaiyuan era (A.D. 732), Emperor Xuanzong further honored An by bestowing him the title of Duke of Daiguo. He inscribed his name on monuments, including those at Mount Tai. After An’s peaceful passing, he was posthumously awarded the title of Minister of War.
An Jinzang was a loyal and righteous man known for his filial piety to heaven and earth. When his mother passed away in the early years of the Shenglong era, he buried her at the northern foot of the Dounan Gateway. He built a thatched cottage beside the tomb and worked tirelessly day and night to personally construct a stone mound and pagoda. Amazingly, a spring suddenly gushed in the arid grassland, and plum trees blossomed in the deep winter, attracting dogs and deer to play and frolic.
Historical books such as the Old Tang and Zizhi Tongjian document An’s righteous deeds and ultimate sacrifice for the sovereign. His fearless loyalty, disregarding his own life and death, deeply moved the people of his time and future generations, stirring their hearts and souls. Even the unjust were moved by his actions!
An’s legacy of unwavering loyalty, sacrifice, and righteousness changed the course of history, preventing a grave injustice and preserving the rightful line of succession. His story reminds us that the courage of just one individual can help reshape the future.
Translated by Joseph Wu and edited by Tatiana Denning
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
