Li Linfu

MedievalPoliticianChina683 — 753

Tang chancellor whose misrule contributed to the An Lushan Rebellion.

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Quick Facts

Born

683

Died

753

Country

China

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)44

Political (20%)39

Influence (20%)54

Legacy (20%)56

Leadership (15%)40

Strategy (15%)42

Total Score48.0

Li Linfu — Complete Timeline

734 AD

Appointed as ChancellorPolitical Action◆ Major

Li Linfu was appointed Chancellor under Emperor Xuanzong. He gained power through flattery and manipulation, and he systematically eliminated political rivals, including Zhang Jiuling and Li Shizhi.

Tang DynastyChancellorshipXuanzong

Impact: nationaldestructive

736 AD

Consolidated Power through PurgesPolitical Action◆ Major

Li Linfu orchestrated the dismissal and exile of Chancellor Zhang Jiuling and other upright officials. He replaced them with loyalists, centralizing power in his own hands and weakening the Tang bureaucracy.

Tang DynastyPolitical PurgeCorruption

Impact: nationaldestructive

742 AD

Appointed An Lushan as Military GovernorPolitical Action

Li Linfu recommended An Lushan for the position of military governor (jiedushi) of Fanyang, Pinglu, and Hedong. He believed An could be controlled, but this concentration of military power enabled the later rebellion.

Tang DynastyAn LushanMilitary Command

Impact: nationaldestructive

753 AD

Death and Posthumous CondemnationPolitical Action◆ Major

Li Linfu died in 753. After the An Lushan Rebellion broke out in 755, he was posthumously blamed for the disaster. Emperor Xuanzong ordered his grave desecrated and his family exiled, marking him as a villain in Tang history.

Tang DynastyPosthumous PunishmentAn Lushan Rebellion

Impact: nationaldestructive