In the ancient history of China, the love story between Tang Xuanzong and Yang Guifei is widely circulated, but this relationship ended in tragedy. In 756 AD, during the An Lushan Rebellion, an event called the "Ma Wei Coup" changed the fate of the Tang Dynasty and led to the tragic death of Yang Guifei. This article will explore how Chen Xuanli launched the Ma Wei Coup and analyze its impact on the political situation at that time.

I. Background of Chen Xuanli and the Ma Wei Coup

Chen Xuanli was an eunuch during the reign of Tang Xuanzong, who held considerable power in the court. After the outbreak of the An Lushan Rebellion, as the rebel army approached Chang'an, the court fell into chaos. Chen Xuanli, along with other eunuchs and generals, advocated fleeing west to Sichuan to avoid the war. In this process, they used the soldiers and civilians' dissatisfaction with Yang Guifei's relative Yang Guozhong and his cronyism to launch a coup.

II. The Course of the Ma Wei Coup

The Ma Wei Coup occurred at Ma Wei Post (now Ma Wei Town, Xingping City, Xianyang City, Shaanxi Province) on Tang Xuanzong's westward escape route. Under Chen Xuanli's planning, the soldiers rebelled and demanded the execution of Yang Guozhong. After Yang Guozhong was killed, the soldiers further demanded the execution of Yang Guifei, believing that she was the root of the country's disaster. Facing strong pressure, Tang Xuanzong had no choice but to order Yang Guifei to commit suicide.

III. The Impact of the Ma Wei Coup

The death of Yang Guifei marked the decline of Tang Xuanzong's power. This coup not only ended a legendary love story but also exposed the contradictions and corruption within the Tang court. After the Ma Wei Coup, although Tang Xuanzong continued to be in exile, he had lost his true political influence. Chen Xuanli, on the other hand, played an important role in the subsequent power vacuum, supporting Tang Suzong to ascend the throne and becoming a close advisor to the new emperor.

Conclusion:

The Ma Wei Coup was a turning point in the history of the Tang Dynasty. It was not only a coup launched by eunuchs and soldiers but also a deep-level political purge. Chen Xuanli consolidated his power through this coup but also accelerated the historical process of the Tang Dynasty's decline from prosperity to decline. The tragic death of Yang Guifei became a victim of this history, and her story still evokes sighs of regret today. By reviewing the Ma Wei Coup, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexity of historical events and the multifaceted nature of human nature.

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