User:HuangdiOfSongChina/Zhao Tingmei

Zhao Tingmei ( IPA: ; c. 947 – 984), was the fourth son of Zhao Hongyin. He was the brother of Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Kuangyi. His mother is generally to be believed as Empress Dowager Du, but the Wenxiantongkao and Emperor Taizong says that the mother of Tingmei is Lady Geng. He was officially the Prince of Fudao (涪悼王), Prince of Qi (齊王), and the Prince of Wei (魏王). His former names include Zhao Kuangmei (趙匡美) and Zhao Guangmei (趙光美), both of them changed due to name taboo.

Zhao Tingmei was born Zhao Kuangmei around 947 and when his elder brother Zhao Kuangyin became Emperor Taizu, he changed his name from Kuangmei to Guangmei due to naming taboo.

Empress Dowager Du said that after Emperor Taizu's death, Zhao Guangyi, his brother would inherit the throne and upon his death, would go to Zhao Guangmei where upon Guangmei's death, would go to Taizu's son.

Upon his brother Zhao Guangyi's accession to the throne, Zhao Guangmei changed his name to Zhao Tingmei due to name taboo and was given the post of Governor of Kaifeng appointing him Prince of Qi. However, when his two nephews Zhao Dezhao and Zhao Defang died, Tingmei felt threatened and began to plot against his brother.

Downfall


Zhao Tingmei was stripped of his title "Prince of Qi" and sent to the Western Capital in 981.

In March 982, Emperor Taizong, Tingmei's brother received reports that Tingmei was plotting against him with a few military officers. Emperor Taizong not wanting to punish his brother merely removed Tingmei from his position in Kaifeng. However, Zhao Pu, who returned to court spread rumors that Tingmei was planning to murder Emperor Taizong along with the minister of war Lu Duoxun (934 – 985) and others. Despite 74 ministers proposing all of the accused be executed, Taizong exiled Lu, and imprisoned Tingmei although 6 people were executed. All of Tingmei's offspring were demoted, including his sons-in-law.

Exile and Death
Tingmei was exiled to Hubei when he complained about his imprisonment. Tingmei's nephew Zhao Yuanzuo was the only one to defend Tingmei publicly since they were close. He fell ill shortly after his exile and died in 984 from sorrow and ailments. Taizong grieved his death and gave him posthumous honors although reportedly remained convinced of Tingmei's treason and lack of remorse. Zhao Yuanzuo, however, was driven to madness upon Tingmei's death.

It is not how serious the threat Zhao Pu reported though, and it might just be him removing any threats of power. Emperor Taizong might have gotten rid of Tingmei though, as he claims that Tingmei was a son born with a maid and that Tingmei was plotting a rebellion.

Family

 * Parents:
 * Zhao Hongyin, Xuanzu (宣祖 趙弘殷; 899 – 956)
 * Empress Dowager Zhaoxian, of the Du clan (昭憲皇太后 杜氏; 902 – 961)
 * Consorts and Issue:
 * Zhang Lingduo (张令铎; 911 – 970)
 * Zhao Degong, Prince Mijun of Gao (高密郡王 趙德恭; 962 – 1006), first son
 * Zhao Delong, Prince Pingjun of Guang (廣平郡王 趙德隆; 964 – 13 February 986), second son
 * Zhao Deyi, Prince Chuanjun of Ying (潁川郡王 趙德彝; 968 – 9 May 1015), third son
 * Zhao Deyong, Prince Lingjun of Guang (廣陵郡王 趙德雍; 968 – 1017), fourth son
 * Zhao Dejun, Duke Yun (鄖國公 趙德鈞; 968 – 27 January 1007), fifth son
 * Zhao Dewen, Prince Shen, (申王 趙德文; 975 – 1046), eighth son
 * Zhao Deyuan, Marquis Guzang, (姑臧侯 趙德願; 976 – 25 April 999), ninth son
 * Zhao Decun, Duke Ji (紀國公 趙德存; 982 – 7 July 1017), tenth son
 * Unknown
 * Zhao Deqin, Duke Jiang, (江國公 趙德欽; 974 – 7 July 1004), sixth son
 * Zhao Derun, Duke Yuan, (原國公 趙德潤; c. 974 – 3 April 1003), seventh son
 * Princess Chengqing (承慶郡主)
 * Princess Xingping (興平郡主)
 * Married Cao Xu (曹珝)
 * Princess Yunyang (雲陽公主)
 * Married Han Chongye (韓崇業)