Li Linfu

Li Linfu (Chinese: 李林甫; pinyin: Lǐ Línfǔ) (died January 3, 753^[1]), nickname Genu (Chinese: 哥奴), formally the Duke of Jin (Chinese: 晉公), was a Chinese historian, musician, and politician during the Tang dynasty, serving as a chancellor for 18 years (734–752), during the reign of Emperor Xuanzong—one of the longest terms of service for a chancellor in Tang history, and the longest during Xuanzong's reign.^[2]

As chancellor, he had, among other things, the authority to appoint and dismiss military and civil personnel, and cutting off the free communication of ministers and others to give reports and opinions to the emperor and to settle all things that should come to the emperor, which gave him enormous power. Li was known for his flattery of the Emperor and skill in the political scene, which enabled him to remain powerful throughout his lengthy duration as chancellor. His treachery in cutting off all routes for all potential political challengers, including false accusations against other officials and the granting of key military commands to non-Han commanders, were blamed for the deterioration of Emperor Xuanzong's reign,^[3] which culminated in the An-Shi Rebellion after Li Linfu's death. Xuanzong himself admitted after the An Lushan Rebellion broke out (when Li had died) that Li was most adept at removing political rivals and being jealous of any potential challengers, a factor which resulted in the Tang administration lacking seriously competent officials during the Tianbao era.