唐玄宗

His early reign, the Kaiyuan era (713–741), is remembered as the high point of the Tang. In later years he left the government to his ministers and doted on 杨贵妃. When 安禄山 rebelled in 755 he fled toward Sichuan; at 马嵬坡 his troops forced him to have her killed, and he soon gave up the throne to his son. 白居易's 《长恨歌》 tells the story.

He is also called 唐明皇 'the Brilliant Emperor of Tang'. He trained musicians and actors himself in the 梨园 'Pear Garden' of his palace, so Chinese opera performers long honored him as the founder of their art.