Li Conghou

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Li Conghou (914–934) was an emperor of China’s Later Tang dynasty, known after his death as Emperor Min of Later Tang. He ruled for a short time, from late 933 to 934, and was overthrown by his adopted brother Li Congke.

Background
Li Conghou was born in 914 in Taiyuan. His father was Li Siyuan, who would later become Emperor Mingzong of Later Tang, and his mother was Lady Xia. He grew up in a court where his family held power and was described as respectful and willing to listen to others. His childhood name was Pusanu.

Rise to power under Li Siyuan
In 927, Li Conghou was named mayor of Henan Municipality (the Luoyang area) and was given an honorary chancellor title, along with command of the imperial guards. In 929 he was made the military governor of Hedong and the defender of Taiyuan, and in 930 he was given the title Prince of Song. By 932 he held the high title Zhongshu Ling. During Li Siyuan’s reign, Li Congrong (his adoptive brother) was a powerful rival at court, and the two brothers’ relationship was strained publicly, though Li Conghou was generally seen as humble.

Becoming emperor
Li Siyuan grew very ill toward the end of 933. Li Congrong tried to seize power but was defeated. Li Siyuan died, and Li Conghou arrived at Luoyang and took the throne. Zhu Hongzhao and Feng Yun then controlled the court, sidelining many of Li Conghou’s allies. Li Conghou honored his stepmother Empress Cao as empress dowager and his favored consort Wang as consort dowager, and he had plans regarding his wife Kong Xun’s daughter, though those plans were unsettled by court politics.

The fall of Li Conghou
Li Conghou’s rule faced constant threats from Li Congke, the powerful brother-in-law and former ally of Li Congrong, who commanded a large army. In spring 934, Li Congke moved against Luoyang. Li Conghou attempted to resist but lost support as his generals defected or surrendered. Zhu Hongzhao and Feng Yun were killed or forced to die in the collapse of Li Conghou’s regime. Li Conghou fled Luoyang with only a small escort toward Wei Prefecture. Shi Jingtang’s forces moved to support Li Conghou, but Li Congke’s rebellion prevailed. When Li Conghou reached Wei Prefecture, his guards were killed, and his fate was sealed.

Death and aftermath
Li Conghou was killed after being offered poisoned wine by Wang Luan, who had been sent to Wei to deal with him. Li Conghou was strangled to death when he declined the wine. His wife Empress Kong and his four sons were executed by Li Congke’s order. Li Conghou was buried with minimal ceremony.

Legacy
Li Conghou’s brief reign ended with Li Congke becoming emperor of Later Tang. Later, Shi Jingtang overthrew Li Congke and posthumously honored Li Conghou as an emperor again. Li Conghou’s life is noted for the short and troubled reign during a time of intense court intrigue and civil strife.

Personal details
- Father: Li Siyuan (Emperor Mingzong)
- Mother: Lady Xia
- Wife: Empress Kong (executed in 934)
- Children: Li Chongzhe and three other sons (all executed in 934)
- Posthumous name: Emperor Min of Later Tang
- Birth: 17 December 914, Taiyuan
- Death: 24 May 934, Anyang/Wei Prefecture area