Overview
Li Yu, Emperor Daizong, ended the An Lushan Rebellion in 763 and ruled a weakened Tang that relied on the Uyghurs. He is the last emperor for whom the sources record the title Heavenly Qaghan.
Rise to Power
He succeeded his father Suzong in 762, after commanding the armies that retook the capitals.
Rule and Achievements
- Ended the An Lushan Rebellion in 763 with Uyghur help
- Faced the revolt of the general Pugu Huai'en, who in 765 led Uyghur and Tibetan armies against the Tang; the Uyghur leaders later said Pugu had told them the Heavenly Qaghan was dead
- Saw Guo Ziyi meet the Uyghur chiefs in 765 and win them back to the alliance
- Lost the western regions and the Hexi Corridor to the Tibetan Empire
Legacy
He died in 779. The modern view that Tang emperors used the title until 779 rests on his reign; no later emperor is recorded with it.