Li Cunxu, the founding emperor of the Later Tang Dynasty during the Five Dynasties period, led a legendary life. Among his political career, his marriage to Liu Yuniang marked an important turning point that had profound impacts on the development of the Later Tang Dynasty. This article will explore the timing, background, and historical significance of Li Cunxu's marriage to Liu Yuniang.

Regarding the timing of their marriage, historical records are not entirely consistent. However, according to the majority of historical sources, this union took place around 923 AD, shortly before Li Cunxu established the Later Tang Dynasty. This timeframe was a crucial stage in Li Cunxu's political career, as he was actively plotting to overthrow the Later Liang Dynasty and restore the rule of the Tang Dynasty.

The marriage between Li Cunxu and Liu Yuniang was not a mere personal union but carried significant political implications. Liu Yuniang hailed from an influential Khitan tribe, and her family enjoyed a high status within the Khitan community. In order to consolidate his rule and seek external support, Li Cunxu chose to ally himself with Liu Yuniang through marriage. This union not only strengthened Li Cunxu's ties with the Khitan but also provided crucial support for the establishment of the Later Tang Dynasty.

By uniting with Liu Yuniang, Li Cunxu successfully courted the Khitan as a powerful ally, adding an important advantage to his quest for power. The marriage between Li Cunxu and Liu Yuniang had profound impacts on the development of the Later Tang Dynasty. Firstly, it secured Khitan support for Li Cunxu, laying the foundation for his later overthrow of the Later Liang Dynasty and establishment of the Later Tang Dynasty.

Secondly, Liu Yuniang's arrival, as a member of the Khitan nobility, also facilitated cultural exchanges between the Central Plains and the Khitan, deepening mutual understanding and friendship. However, this union also brought some negative consequences. The power struggles within Liu Yuniang's family in the Khitan community often strained the relationship between the Later Tang Dynasty and the Khitan, leading to conflicts.

These conflicts drained the Later Tang's national strength and undermined domestic stability. In conclusion, the marriage between Li Cunxu and Liu Yuniang, which took place around 923 AD, was not only a turning point in Li Cunxu's personal life but also a significant milestone in the history of the Later Tang Dynasty. This union carried profound political significance, providing support for the establishment of the Later Tang Dynasty and exerting complex influences on the relationship between the Later Tang and the Khitan.

By studying this period of history, we can gain a deeper understanding of the crucial role played by marital alliances in ancient politics and their impact on historical processes.

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