Reign
By the time Li Siyuan had assumed the throne of the Later Tang Dynasty, relations with the powerful Khitan to the north had deteriorated. In accordance with custom, an ambassador was sent to the Khitan Supreme Capital to inform Abaoji of the death of the emperor. However, Abaoji used the occasion to try to gain territory from the Later Tang Dynasty, especially the strategic Sixteen Prefectures, and even briefly imprisoned the envoy.
Though Abaoji soon died, the enmity that had been developing between the two did not fade. However, the major challenges to his rule came from the south and from within, particularly the Former Shu territory that Li Cunxu had annexed. The death knell of the dynasty would come from within with Khitan help. In 936, Shi Jingtang, the son-in-law of Li Siyuan himself, launched a rebellion against his rule. With Khitan help, he overthrew the last Later Tang Emperor and established his own dynasty, the Later Jin.
Mingzong's counselor and minister was An Chonghui.
Read more about this topic: Emperor Mingzong Of Later Tang
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