Li Yong

Li Yong (; 674–747), courtesy name Taihe, also known as Li Beihai, was a Chinese politician, writer, and calligrapher active during the Tang dynasty. Early life Li Yong was born in Guangling (; present-day Yangzhou) in 674. He was the son of scholar Li Shan (; 630–689), who had written a commentary on the Wen Xuan. Career Li entered the civil service during the Wu Zhou dynasty, when he was appointed by Empress Wu Zetian as a "Zuoshiyi" (; "Reminder to the Left") who would review mistakes in court papers. Following a palace coup in 705, which resulted in the restoration of the Tang dynasty and allowed Wu's son Zhongzong to reclaim the throne, Li Yong was promoted to the minor rank of District Magistrate of Nanhe. A few months later, however, he was demoted to Adjutant to the Revenue Manager of Fuzhou. In 710, Li joined a coup led by Li Longzi against Empress Wei, who had poisoned her spouse Zhongzong. Empress Wei was executed, and the throne was returned to Li Longzi's father, Li Ruizong. Li Yong was first promoted to the major office of Left Imperial Censor, before becoming the Ministry of Revenue's vice-director. However, after Li Longzi ascended to the throne, his chancellor Cui Shi advised the new emperor to exile Cui's predecessor, Cui Riyong. Being part of Cui Ruiyong's faction, Li Yong was likewise exiled and demoted to Assistant to the District Magistrate of Shecheng. He was summoned back to the capital in 715 and became a supervisor in the Ministry of Revenue. Li also briefly served as the chief censor's palace aid.