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The Fall of a Reformer and the Spark of Rebellion Upon ascending the throne, Emperor Dezong of Tang initially displayed great vigor but lacked political acumen, often relying on biased advice. He appointed Yang Yan as Prime Minister, who harbored a deep grudge against the capable financial reformer Liu Yan for past disciplinary actions.…
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Yan Zhenqing (709–784 CE) was a renowned calligrapher, statesman, and loyalist of the Tang dynasty. His courtesy name was Qingchen, and he was a native of Wannian, Jingzhao (modern-day Xi’an, Shaanxi), though his ancestral home was Langye Linyi (in present-day Shandong Province).