Yang Guozhong

MedievalPoliticianChina700 — 756

Tang chancellor and cousin of Yang Guifei, killed during An Lushan Rebellion.

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Quick Facts

Born

700

Died

756

Country

China

Era

Medieval

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)21

Political (20%)29

Influence (20%)49

Legacy (20%)42

Leadership (15%)52

Strategy (15%)41

Total Score40.9

Yang Guozhong — Complete Timeline

752 AD

Appointed as ChancellorPolitical Action◆ Major

Yang Guozhong was appointed Chancellor under Emperor Xuanzong, replacing the deceased Li Linfu. He was the cousin of Yang Guifei, the emperor's favorite consort, and his rise was due to family connections rather than merit.

Tang DynastyChancellorshipXuanzong

Impact: nationaldestructive

755 AD

Provoked An Lushan into RebellionPolitical Action

Yang Guozhong repeatedly antagonized An Lushan, accusing him of plotting rebellion and raiding his mansion in Chang'an. These actions, combined with An's fear of being purged, accelerated the outbreak of the An Lushan Rebellion in 755.

Tang DynastyAn Lushan RebellionProvocation

Impact: nationaldestructive

756 AD

Battle of Tong PassWar◆ Major

Yang Guozhong forced the Tang general Geshu Han to engage An Lushan's forces at Tong Pass, despite Geshu's advice to hold the defensive position. The Tang army was defeated, and the pass fell, opening the way to Chang'an.

Tang DynastyAn Lushan RebellionMilitary Defeat

Impact: nationaldestructive

Killed at Mawei StationPolitical Action◆ Major

As Emperor Xuanzong fled Chang'an after the fall of Tong Pass, mutinous soldiers at Mawei Station blamed Yang Guozhong for the disaster. They killed him and forced the emperor to order the death of Yang Guifei.

Tang DynastyAn Lushan RebellionDeath

Impact: nationaltragic