Tuoba Tao

Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei (Tuoba Tao) conquered the last rival state, Northern Liang, unifying all of northern China under the Northern Wei dynasty. This ended the Sixteen Kingdoms period and established Northern Wei as the dominant power in the north.

Emperor Taiwu issued an edict suppressing Buddhism, ordering the destruction of monasteries, scriptures, and images. He favored Daoism and sought to reduce Buddhist influence on state affairs. This was the first major persecution of Buddhism in Chinese history.

Emperor Taiwu was assassinated by his eunuch Zong Ai, who feared punishment for his misdeeds. The assassination plunged Northern Wei into a succession crisis, but Zong Ai was soon killed by other officials, and a new emperor was installed.