Li Cunxu, the founding emperor of the Later Tang Dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, led a legendary life. However, the mystery surrounding his original surname has perplexed historians for a long time. This article will reveal the mystery of why Li Cunxu's original surname was Zhuye.

I. Brief Introduction to Li Cunxu's Life

Li Cunxu (885-926), styled Jingzhuang, was the founding emperor of the Later Tang Dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period. He was born into the Shatuo tribe and originally surnamed Zhuye. Later, due to a series of historical reasons, he changed his surname to Li. During his reign, the country enjoyed stable politics and economic prosperity, known as the revival of the "Zhenguan Governance" era.

II. Relationship between the Zhuye and Li Families

1. Origin of the Zhuye Family

The Zhuye family originated from the early Tang Dynasty and was a branch of the Shatuo tribe. The Shatuo tribe was one of the ancient northern nomadic ethnic groups and had established remarkable military achievements during the Tang Dynasty. The Zhuye family held a prominent position in the Shatuo tribe and had generations of leaders.

2. Rise of the Li Family

The Li family was a descendant of the Tang royal family. They gradually rose to power during the tumultuous period at the end of the Tang Dynasty. Li Keyong, a representative figure of the Li family, helped the Tang Dynasty suppress rebellions and was sealed as the Prince of Pingxi.

3. Combination of the Zhuye and Li Families

A daughter of Li Keyong married into the Zhuye family, becoming the wife of a Zhuye member. This established a close tie between the Zhuye and Li families. Later, Li Cunxu, the son of Li Keyong, inherited his father's cause and continued to assist the Tang Dynasty in suppressing rebellions. During this process, Li Cunxu gradually emerged and ultimately became the founding emperor of the Later Tang Dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.

III. Reasons for Li Cunxu's Change of Surname

1. Political Needs

When establishing the Later Tang Dynasty, Li Cunxu decided to change his surname to Li to consolidate his ruling status. This was because at that time, the Li family had a high reputation and influence, and changing his surname to Li was beneficial for enhancing his political status.

2. Inheritance of the Throne

Li Cunxu's father, Li Keyong, was originally a descendant of the Tang royal family. Therefore, changing his surname to Li was also to inherit the throne. In addition, Li Cunxu's mother also came from the Li family, which further strengthened his determination to change his surname to Li.

IV. Conclusion: Interpretation of the Mystery of Surnames

In summary, Li Cunxu's original surname was Zhuye because he was a member of the Zhuye family of the Shatuo tribe. However, when establishing the Later Tang Dynasty, he decided to change his surname to Li to consolidate his ruling status and political needs. This move not only helped to enhance his political status but also facilitated the inheritance of the throne. Since then, Li Cunxu became the founding emperor of the Later Tang Dynasty during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, ushering in a new dynasty.

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