Li Daoguang

Li Daoguang , courtesy name Taiqiu , formally Marquess Cheng of Jincheng , was an official of Wu Zetian's Zhou dynasty, serving as chancellor for about two years.

Background It is not known when Li Daoguang was born. His family was originally from what would become Hua Prefecture (, roughly modern Anyang, Henan), but by Li Daoguang's time had moved to the Tang dynasty capital Chang'an. The family claimed to be descended from the Han dynasty general Li Ling, who had surrendered to Xiongnu after being surrounded. According to their claims, an ancestor of theirs and descendant of Li Ling eventually became a subject of Northern Wei and, as he met the Northern Wei emperor at Bing Hall , was given the family name of Bing. Li Daoguang's great-grandfather Bing Ming served as a commandant during Sui dynasty and was created the Duke of Longju. Li Daoguang's grandfather Bing Can ) later became a subject of the Tang dynasty, as he was an acquaintance of Tang's founder Emperor Gaozu; Emperor Gaozu created him the Duke of Ying. In order to observe naming taboo for Emperor Gaozu's father Li Bing , Emperor Gaozu had the Bing family's name changed to Li. although it is known that he was given posthumous honors. His son Li Yuanhong later served as a chancellor during the reign of Wu Zetian's grandson Emperor Xuanzong.

Notes and references

Old Book of Tang, vol. 98. New Book of Tang, vol. 126. Zizhi Tongjian, vol. 205.