Chang He

Chang He (586 – 16 June 653), Courtesy name Dalai, formally the Count of Wushui (武水伯), was a Tang dynasty general and official. He was the head of the Xuanwu Gate's guard during the Xuanwu Gate Incident, playing an important role in it.

Background Chang He was born in 586 during the reign of Emperor Wen of Sui. Chang Cen (常岑), his grandfather, served under Northern Qi, and Chang Xu (常续), his father, was a minor official. His ancestral home was in Wen County, Henei Commandery (now Wen County, Henan).

Initially serving under Li Mi, Chang He served under Wang Shichong before surrendering to the Tang dynasty. He followed Crown Prince Li Jiancheng in suppressing Liu Heita's rebellion and was also involved in defeating Xu Yuanlang. His position then was General of the Courageous Guard (驍騎將軍). Soon after this, Li Shimin forced Emperor Gaozu, his father, to make him the Crown Prince and, about two months later, forced him to abdicate in favor of him, who would become known as Emperor Taizong. Soon after the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Chang He was made the Baron of Wushui (武水男).

Later life Chang He's title was changed to Count of Wushui (武水伯) in 632.

In 637, Chang He was made the Inspector of Jing Prefecture.

In 642, Chang He was ordered to oversee renovations of the Palace of Nine Perfections.

In 645, Chang He served as the deputy of Zhang Liang in Emperor Taizong's campaign against Goguryeo, attacking Goguryeo by sea.

Chang He died on 16 June, 653, during the reign of Emperor Gaozong of Tang. His epitaph, written by Li Yifu, is mostly extant and found among the Dunhuang manuscripts. He was reburied in his hometown in 655.

Notes and references

New Book of Tang, vol. 82, 84, 220. Zizhi Tongjian, vol. 191. Zhenguan Zhengyao, vol. 2.