1. Early Life and Family Background
Zhangsun Wuji's early life was shaped by a distinguished lineage and significant family connections that would later propel his political career.
1.1. Ancestry and Family
Zhangsun Wuji's exact birth year is not known, but he was older than his sister, the future Empress Zhangsun, who was born in 601. His family, the Zhangsun clan, traced its origins to the Xianbei people and held a noble status within the Northern Wei dynasty. Their ancestry was linked to Tuoba Kuaili (拓拔儈立), a 17th-generation ancestor of Emperor Taiwu of Northern Wei, whose third son took the surname Baba (拔拔), which was later changed to Zhangsun when Emperor Xiaowen of Northern Wei initiated the Hàn-ization policy in 496. This prestigious background positioned the Zhangsun clan as one of the most prominent families within the Guanlong Group.
His father was Zhangsun Sheng (長孫晟Chinese), a renowned general during the Sui dynasty who helped Emperor Wen of Sui defeat northern nomadic tribes. His mother was Lady Gao, the daughter of the official Gao Jingde (高敬德) and niece of Gao Shilian (高士廉), a prominent official and later a key figure in Zhangsun Wuji's life. Zhangsun Wuji had several older brothers: Zhangsun Xingbu (長孫行布), who was killed in 604 while resisting the rebellion of Yang Liang, the Prince of Han; Zhangsun Heng'an (長孫恆安); and Zhangsun Anye (長孫安業). While Empress Zhangsun was also born to Lady Gao, Zhangsun Anye was from a different mother.
Zhangsun Sheng died in 609. Following his death, Zhangsun Anye, instead of caring for his younger half-siblings, expelled Zhangsun Wuji, his sister, and their stepmother Lady Gao from the Zhangsun household. They sought refuge with Lady Gao's brother, Gao Shilian, who then took on the responsibility of raising them.
1.2. Education and Early Development
Zhangsun Wuji was known for his studious nature from a young age. He was described as intelligent and adept at devising strategies, demonstrating a keen understanding of literature and historical texts. These qualities laid a strong foundation for his future political and military endeavors.
1.3. Relationship with Li Shimin
Zhangsun Wuji's close relationship with Li Shimin (later Emperor Taizong) began when his sister married Li Shimin, the second son of the general Li Yuan (later Emperor Gaozu). Their bond deepened, and they became close friends and confidants. In 617, when Li Yuan, instigated by Li Shimin, rebelled against the tyrannical rule of Emperor Yang of Sui and attacked the capital Chang'an, Zhangsun Wuji went to meet Li Shimin, who was then serving as a major general. Zhangsun Wuji joined Li Shimin's staff, frequently accompanying him on various military campaigns, marking the beginning of a crucial political alliance.
2. Career during Emperor Gaozu's Reign
During the reign of Emperor Gaozu, Zhangsun Wuji played a significant role in the Tang dynasty's foundational military campaigns and the pivotal Xuanwu Gate Incident, which cemented Li Shimin's path to the throne.
2.1. Early Military and Political Service
In the winter of 617, Li Yuan captured Chang'an and declared Emperor Yang's grandson, Yang You, as the puppet Emperor Gong, while Li Yuan himself assumed power as regent. In the spring of 618, after receiving news of Emperor Yang's death in a coup led by General Yuwen Huaji, Li Yuan forced Yang You to abdicate, establishing the Tang dynasty with himself as Emperor Gaozu.
Li Shimin was created the Prince of Qin and became the primary general responsible for his father's campaigns to unify China under Tang rule. By 623, most of China was under Tang control, with the final major rival, Liu Heita, captured and killed by Li Shimin's older brother, Li Jiancheng the Crown Prince. For his substantial contributions to Li Shimin's campaigns, Zhangsun Wuji was honored with the title of Duke of Shangdang.
2.2. Incident at Xuanwu Gate
By 623, an intense rivalry had developed between Li Shimin and Li Jiancheng, who was supported by their younger brother, Li Yuanji the Prince of Qi. This rivalry escalated over the next few years. By 626, Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, fearing Li Shimin's growing influence, falsely accused Li Shimin's strategists Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, and military officer Yuchi Gong, leading to their removal from Li Shimin's staff. At this critical juncture, Zhangsun Wuji was reportedly one of Li Shimin's few remaining close confidants.
Zhangsun Wuji, along with his uncle Gao Shilian, Hou Junji, and Yuchi Gong, strongly advocated for Li Shimin to act first against Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji. They convinced Li Shimin to take decisive action. Li Shimin subsequently set up an ambush at Xuanwu Gate, where he personally killed both Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji. Following this incident, Li Shimin effectively compelled Emperor Gaozu to appoint him as Crown Prince. Zhangsun Wuji was then appointed Minister of Civil Service Affairs. Two months later, Emperor Gaozu abdicated the throne to Li Shimin, who became Emperor Taizong.
3. Career during Emperor Taizong's Reign
Under Emperor Taizong, Zhangsun Wuji rose to become one of the most influential figures in the Tang court, serving as a key advisor and chancellor, and playing a crucial role in legal reforms, military campaigns, and the imperial succession.
3.1. Key Advisor and Chancellor
In late 626, Emperor Taizong personally assessed the contributions of his generals and officials for granting fiefs. Zhangsun Wuji, along with Fang Xuanling, Du Ruhui, Yuchi Gong, and Hou Junji, were ranked as contributors of the highest grade, and Zhangsun was created the Duke of Qi. Due to his significant contributions to Taizong's victory and their close familial ties, Emperor Taizong held Zhangsun in high regard, granting him frequent access to the palace.
In spring 627, when Li Yi, an associate of Li Jiancheng, rebelled, Emperor Taizong dispatched Zhangsun to suppress the rebellion. However, Li Yi was defeated and killed by his own subordinates before Zhangsun's arrival. In fall 627, despite opposition from Empress Zhangsun, who worried that the Zhangsun clan was becoming overly powerful and might attract resentment, Emperor Taizong appointed Zhangsun Wuji as Puye (僕射), one of the heads of the executive bureau and a position equivalent to a chancellor. Later that year, when Emperor Taizong considered attacking the Eastern Tujue due to their internal problems, Zhangsun advised against breaching the existing peace treaty, a suggestion Emperor Taizong accepted.
Many officials criticized Zhangsun Wuji's rapid ascent to a chancellor post, with secret accusations of him monopolizing power reaching Emperor Taizong. While Emperor Taizong publicly expressed confidence in Zhangsun, Zhangsun himself feared becoming a target of resentment. He repeatedly offered to resign, both directly and through Empress Zhangsun. In spring 628, Emperor Taizong accepted his resignation, though he conferred on Zhangsun the honorific position of Kaifu Yitong Sansi (開府儀同三司) and continued to consult him on important state matters. In 633, Emperor Taizong bestowed upon Zhangsun the even greater honor of Sikong (司空), one of the Three Excellencies.
3.2. Legal Reforms and Contributions
In 637, a significant revision of the Sui penal laws was completed, primarily led by Fang Xuanling but with substantial assistance from Zhangsun Wuji. This comprehensive legal code comprised 500 sections, categorizing punishments into 20 grades. Additionally, approximately 1,600 sections of regulations were drafted to implement these laws effectively. Zhangsun Wuji is also historically recognized for his role in the compilation of the Tanglü Shuyi (唐律疏義), a detailed commentary on the Tang legal code, and the Suishu (隋書), the official history of the Sui dynasty.
3.3. Honors and Titles
In 637, as part of Emperor Taizong's plan to grant permanent prefectural domains to his relatives and meritorious officials, Zhangsun's title was changed to Duke of Zhao, and he was designated prefect of Zhao Prefecture (趙州, roughly modern Shijiazhuang, Hebei), with the title to be inherited by his descendants. This plan faced strong opposition from many officials, including Zhangsun himself, who even had his daughter-in-law, Princess Changle (Emperor Taizong's daughter), submit objections on his behalf. Emperor Taizong eventually canceled the scheme, though Zhangsun retained the title of Duke of Zhao. In 642, Emperor Taizong further changed Zhangsun's honorific from Sikong to Situ (司徒), another of the Three Excellencies.
In 643, Emperor Taizong commissioned the Portraits at Lingyan Pavilion to commemorate the 24 great contributors to Tang rule. Zhangsun Wuji's portrait was included, and notably, he was ranked first among them, signifying his paramount importance in the early Tang court.
| 1. Zhangsun Wuji | 2. Li Xiaogong | 3. Du Ruhui | 4. Wei Zheng | 5. Fang Xuanling | 6. Gao Shilian | 7. Yuchi Gong | 8. Li Jing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9. Xiao Yu | 10. Duan Zhixuan | 11. Liu Hongji | 12. Qutu Tong | 13. Yin Kaishan | 14. Shi Shao | 15. Zhangsun Shunde | 16. Zhang Liang |
| 17. Hou Junji | 18. Zhang Gongjin | 19. Cheng Zhijie | 20. Yu Shinan | 21. Liu Zhenghui | 22. Tang Jian | 23. Li Shiji | 24. Qin Shubao |
3.4. Succession Dispute and Support for Li Zhi
Later in 643, Li Chengqian, the Crown Prince (Emperor Taizong's eldest son by Empress Zhangsun, who had died in 636), was discovered to have plotted to overthrow Emperor Taizong. This plot stemmed from an intense rivalry with his younger brother, Li Tai the Prince of Wei, also a son of Empress Zhangsun and Emperor Taizong's favorite. Emperor Taizong entrusted Zhangsun Wuji, Fang Xuanling, Xiao Yu, Li Shiji, and other high-ranking officials with the investigation, which confirmed Li Chengqian's conspiracy. Li Chengqian was subsequently deposed, and his co-conspirators were executed.
The succession question immediately arose. Emperor Taizong initially favored Li Tai, promising him the crown prince title, an idea supported by chancellors Cen Wenben and Liu Ji. However, Zhangsun Wuji strongly disagreed and instead recommended Li Zhi, Emperor Taizong's ninth son and also a son of Empress Zhangsun, for the position. Zhangsun was supported in this by Chu Suiliang. Furthermore, during a personal interrogation, Li Chengqian blamed Li Tai's machinations for driving him to fear for his safety and thus plot rebellion. Emperor Taizong then resolved to make Li Zhi Crown Prince, a decision he initially shared only with Zhangsun, Fang, Li Shiji, Chu, and Li Zhi himself. Both Li Chengqian and Li Tai were exiled.
Subsequently, Zhangsun, along with Fang and Xiao, were appointed senior advisors to the new Crown Prince. However, Emperor Taizong later began to doubt Li Zhi's suitability, believing him to be kind but weak in personality. He discussed with Zhangsun the possibility of appointing Li Ke the Prince of Wu (a son by his concubine Consort Yang, a daughter of Sui's Emperor Yang), who was older than Li Zhi and considered more capable. Zhangsun strenuously opposed this idea, and Emperor Taizong did not pursue it. Zhangsun frequently praised Li Zhi's kindness, which fostered a deep enmity between Zhangsun and Li Ke.
3.5. Military Campaigns
In 644, Emperor Taizong launched a major attack against Goguryeo. He appointed Generals Li Shiji and Li Daozong to lead the vanguard, while he commanded the main forces, assisted by Zhangsun Wuji, Cen Wenben, and Yang Shidao. In summer 645, during a major battle against the main Goguryeo forces led by Generals Go Yeonsu (高延壽Chinese) and Go Hyezin (高惠真Chinese), Emperor Taizong ordered Li Shiji to lead 15,000 men as a decoy. When Goguryeo forces attacked Li Shiji, Zhangsun Wuji attacked them from behind with 11,000 men. This combined assault, also involving Emperor Taizong himself, decisively defeated the Goguryeo forces, forcing their surrender.
Emperor Taizong then considered a direct assault on Pyongyang, Goguryeo's capital. However, Li Shiji advised against it, arguing that if Ansi Fortress (安市Chinese, in modern Anshan, Liaoning) was not captured first, its capable commander (known in Korean legends as Yang Manchun) might attack the Tang forces from the rear. Emperor Taizong agreed and besieged Ansi. The Ansi commander proved to be a formidable defender, and the resolve of the city's inhabitants was strengthened when Li Shiji, in anger, threatened to slaughter all residents after the city's fall.
As the Tang forces remained bogged down at Ansi, some officials suggested bypassing Ansi to attack Ogol (烏骨Chinese, in modern Dandong, Liaoning) and then proceed to Pyongyang. Zhangsun Wuji opposed this, deeming the strategy too risky without first securing Ansi and Geonan (建安Chinese, in modern Yingkou, Liaoning). Emperor Taizong concurred and continued the siege of Ansi, but the city remained uncaptured. In fall 645, with winter approaching, Emperor Taizong was forced to withdraw. The Song dynasty historian Hu Sanxing, a commentator on the Zizhi Tongjian, later suggested that Emperor Taizong's overcautiousness cost him the victory, indirectly blaming Zhangsun for opposing the direct attack on Pyongyang. As the army retreated, Zhangsun was responsible for constructing a temporary bridge over the Liao River to facilitate the army's crossing.
3.6. Emperor Taizong's Assessment
In 644, at an imperial gathering, Emperor Taizong personally assessed the strengths and weaknesses of his key officials. Regarding Zhangsun Wuji, he stated: "Zhangsun Wuji is overly worried about the appearance of conflict of interest. He is dexterous and decisive beyond the wisdom of the ancients, but commanding an army in the battlefield is not his strength." This assessment highlighted Zhangsun's political acumen and strategic mind, while acknowledging his limitations in direct military command.
In 647, when Zhangsun's uncle Gao Shilian died, Emperor Taizong, who had recently recovered from an illness, intended to attend Gao's wake. However, Zhangsun lay down in the path of the Emperor's horse, blocking him and reasoning that it was inappropriate for Emperor Taizong to attend a wake so soon after his recovery. Emperor Taizong, respecting Zhangsun's opposition, relented. In spring 648, Emperor Taizong appointed Zhangsun as the acting head of the legislative bureau, another chancellor post, and further instructed that he also be in charge of the executive and examination bureaus, effectively placing Zhangsun in command of the entire government.
In summer 649, Emperor Taizong fell seriously ill at Cuiwei Palace (翠微宮Chinese). He summoned Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang to his bedside and entrusted Li Zhi to their care, entrusting them with the future of the dynasty. Emperor Taizong died shortly thereafter. By Zhangsun's orders, the Emperor's death was kept secret until his casket, accompanied by Li Zhi, was returned to Chang'an. Li Zhi then ascended the throne as Emperor Gaozong.
4. Career during Emperor Gaozong's Reign
During the early years of Emperor Gaozong's reign, Zhangsun Wuji continued to hold immense power, acting as a chief advisor and de facto regent. However, his influence would eventually lead to controversial purges and a fatal confrontation with the rising power of Empress Wu Zetian.
4.1. Chief Advisor and Regent
Upon Emperor Gaozong's ascension, he changed Zhangsun Wuji's honorific title to Taiwei (太尉), another of the Three Excellencies, and ordered him to remain in charge of all three bureaus of government, although Zhangsun declined responsibility over the executive bureau. Emperor Gaozong also granted him the de facto chancellor designation of Tong Zhongshu Menxia Sanpin (同中書門下三品). In the early years of Emperor Gaozong's reign, Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang effectively controlled the government, faithfully extending the efficient governance established during Emperor Taizong's "Reign of Zhen'guan."
Their authority was so significant that Songtsän Gampo, the king of Tufan, even wrote a letter to Zhangsun, stating, "The Son of Heaven has just taken the throne. If there are unfaithful subjects among the officials, I will lead an army to the capital to destroy them." Emperor Gaozong, however, greatly trusted both Zhangsun and Chu. In 650, when a commoner named Li Hongtai (李弘泰Chinese) falsely accused Zhangsun of treason, Emperor Gaozong immediately had Li Hongtai beheaded, demonstrating his unwavering faith in his uncle.
4.2. Legal Compilation
Zhangsun Wuji's involvement in legal matters continued into Emperor Gaozong's reign. In 651, another comprehensive revision of the laws, overseen by Zhangsun, was completed and subsequently promulgated by Emperor Gaozong. This further cemented his legacy as a key figure in the development of Tang legal codes.
4.3. Political Purges and Rivalries
In 652, a major dispute erupted between Fang Xuanling's eldest son and heir, Fang Yizhi (房遺直Chinese), and his younger brother, Fang Yi'ai (房遺愛Chinese), who was married to Emperor Taizong's daughter, Princess Gaoyang. Princess Gaoyang accused Fang Yizhi of assault, while Fang Yizhi retaliated by accusing Fang Yi'ai and Princess Gaoyang of treason. Emperor Gaozong ordered Zhangsun Wuji to investigate the case.
Zhangsun Wuji's investigation revealed that Fang Yi'ai, Princess Gaoyang, the general Xue Wanche (薛萬徹Chinese), and another of Emperor Gaozong's brothers-in-law, Chai Lingwu (柴令武Chinese), had considered supporting Emperor Taizong's younger brother, Li Yuanjing the Prince of Jing, as emperor. Fang Yi'ai, aware of Zhangsun's long-standing desire to eliminate Li Ke (whom Zhangsun viewed as a threat to Emperor Gaozong's throne), falsely implicated Li Ke in the plot, hoping to secure leniency for himself.
However, Zhangsun Wuji seized this opportunity to carry out a significant political purge. In spring 653, he persuaded Emperor Gaozong to issue an edict executing Fang Yi'ai, Xue Wanche, and Chai Lingwu. Additionally, Li Yuanjing, Li Ke, Princess Gaoyang, and Princess Baling (Chai's wife) were all compelled to commit suicide. Zhangsun further used this opportunity to eliminate other political rivals: the chancellor Yuwen Jie (a friend of Fang Yi'ai), Li Daozong (who had a long-standing rivalry with Zhangsun and Chu), General Zhishi Sili (執失思力Chinese), Xue's brother Xue Wanbei (薛萬備Chinese), as well as Li Ke's mother Consort Yang, and Consort Yang's younger son Li Yin (李胤Chinese), were all stripped of their rank and exiled.
These actions drew heavy criticism from historians like Liu Xu, the lead editor of the Old Book of Tang, who commented that Zhangsun's eventual false accusation and downfall might have been karmic retribution. Indeed, upon his death, Li Ke reportedly cursed Zhangsun, stating: "Zhangsun Wuji has stolen imperial power and falsely accused the faithful. The imperial ancestral spirits are watching. Soon your own clan will be slaughtered." This period highlights Zhangsun Wuji's ruthless consolidation of power and the human cost of his political maneuvers, which significantly impacted the stability and fairness of the court.
4.4. Opposition to Empress Wu Zetian
By 654, Emperor Gaozong had become deeply enamored with Consort Wu, whom he had controversially taken as a concubine despite her having been a concubine of his father, Emperor Taizong. Initially, Empress Wang, jealous of Emperor Gaozong's then-favorite concubine Consort Xiao, had suggested that he take Consort Wu as a concubine to divert the Emperor's affections. However, as Emperor Gaozong's favor became exclusively focused on Consort Wu, Empress Wang allied with Consort Xiao against Consort Wu, though to no avail.
In 654, after Consort Wu's infant daughter died (historians have suggested Consort Wu murdered her own daughter to frame Empress Wang, though definitive evidence is lacking), Emperor Gaozong began considering deposing Empress Wang and replacing her with Consort Wu. Gaozong, however, feared opposition from high-ranking officials. He visited Zhangsun Wuji's mansion with Consort Wu, bestowing lavish gifts upon Zhangsun and appointing his three sons to mid-level official positions. During this visit, he broached the topic of replacing Empress Wang with Consort Wu. Zhangsun Wuji feigned ignorance and took no action to endorse Consort Wu. He persisted in this stance despite later lobbying efforts by both Consort Wu's mother, Lady Yang, and fellow chancellor Xu Jingzong. Soon after, Xu Jingzong, Li Yifu (who became chancellor due to his overt support for Consort Wu), and other key officials such as Cui Yixuan (崔義玄Chinese) and Yuan Gongyu (袁公瑜Chinese), formed an alliance in support of Consort Wu.
In fall 655, after an imperial gathering, Emperor Gaozong summoned Zhangsun, Li Ji (formerly Li Shiji), Chu Suiliang, and Yu Zhining to the palace. Chu correctly surmised that the meeting was intended to persuade them to agree to replacing Empress Wang with Consort Wu. Li Ji declined to attend. When Zhangsun, Chu, and Yu met with the Emperor, Gaozong indeed proposed the replacement. Chu strenuously objected, while Zhangsun and Yu remained silent but clearly showed disapproval. Later, fellow chancellors Han Yuan and Lai Ji also expressed opposition. When Emperor Gaozong asked Li Ji, he responded, "This is your family matter, Your Imperial Majesty. Why ask anyone else?" Following this, Emperor Gaozong demoted Chu to a commandant post and deposed Empress Wang and Consort Xiao to commoner status, elevating Consort Wu to empress. (Soon after, by Empress Wu's orders, the former Empress Wang and Consort Xiao were tortured and killed.)
5. Downfall and Death
Zhangsun Wuji's steadfast opposition to Empress Wu Zetian's rise to power ultimately led to his tragic downfall, orchestrated by her allies through fabricated charges of treason.
5.1. Accusations and Exile
By early 657, Empress Wu and her allies had consolidated significant power and began to retaliate against those who had opposed her ascension. By 659, Empress Wu's position was secure, and she harbored resentment towards Zhangsun Wuji and Yu Zhining for their implicit disapproval of her becoming empress. Xu Jingzong, who had been repeatedly rebuked by Zhangsun over this matter, also resented Zhangsun.
Xu Jingzong then manufactured evidence that Zhangsun Wuji had plotted treason with low-level officials Wei Jifang (韋季方Chinese) and Li Chao (李巢Chinese) while investigating a report of factionalism. Emperor Gaozong initially wished to interrogate Zhangsun personally. However, at Xu Jingzong's suggestion-who argued that Zhangsun's long political experience would allow him to react quickly and manipulate the situation-Emperor Gaozong abruptly stripped Zhangsun of all his posts and fiefs in summer 659. While officially given the title of commandant at Yang Prefecture, Zhangsun was instead exiled to Qian Prefecture (黔州, modern southeastern Chongqing) under house arrest. His sons were also exiled.
5.2. Forced Suicide
In fall 659, Emperor Gaozong reopened the investigations into the alleged plot, placing Li Ji, Xu Jingzong, Xin Maojiang (辛茂將Chinese), Ren Yaxiang (任雅相Chinese), and Lu Chengqing (盧承慶Chinese) in charge. Xu Jingzong exploited this opportunity, sending Yuan Gongyu (袁公瑜Chinese) to Qian Prefecture, where Yuan, under Empress Wu's orders, forced Zhangsun Wuji to commit suicide. Zhangsun Wuji hanged himself in exile, reportedly after writing a final poem expressing his sorrow. His vast wealth was confiscated. As part of this brutal reprisal, Empress Wang's uncle, Liu Shi (柳奭Chinese), was also executed in exile. Members of the Zhangsun and Liu households, as well as those of Han Yuan's family, were subjected to forced labor, and several of Zhangsun's relatives were also executed.
6. Legacy and Evaluation
Zhangsun Wuji's historical significance is complex, marked by both his profound contributions to the early Tang dynasty and the controversial actions that led to his downfall.
6.1. Historical Assessment and Criticism
Zhangsun Wuji is widely praised for his political acumen, strategic mind, and significant contributions to the Tang dynasty's foundation and governance. His role in the Xuanwu Gate Incident was crucial for Li Shimin's ascension, and his efforts in legal reforms, such as the compilation of the Tanglü Shuyi and Suishu, laid important groundwork for the Tang legal system. He was recognized as the foremost contributor among Emperor Taizong's 24 meritorious officials at the Lingyan Pavilion, reflecting his high standing and influence.
However, Zhangsun Wuji also faced significant criticism, particularly for his involvement in political purges, most notably the "Fang Yi'ai mupan" case. Historians like Liu Xu of the Old Book of Tang condemned his actions, suggesting that his own downfall was a form of karmic retribution for his ruthless elimination of rivals. His use of fabricated accusations and the execution or exile of numerous individuals, including members of the imperial family and respected officials, underscore a period of intense power consolidation at a considerable human cost. Li Ke's dying curse against Zhangsun Wuji further highlights the deep resentment and moral condemnation his purges provoked. These actions demonstrate a willingness to use extreme measures to secure and maintain political power, casting a shadow over his otherwise distinguished career.
6.2. Posthumous Restoration
Despite his ignominious death, Zhangsun Wuji's legacy was eventually rehabilitated. Later in Emperor Gaozong's reign, in 674, Emperor Gaozong posthumously restored Zhangsun Wuji's titles and honors. His great-grandson, Zhangsun Yi (長孫翼Chinese), was permitted to inherit the title of Duke of Zhao. Furthermore, Zhangsun Wuji's casket was returned to Chang'an and reburied near Emperor Taizong's tomb, signifying a formal acknowledgment of his enduring importance to the Tang dynasty and a reversal of the disgrace that had marked his final years.