ABSTRACT
Li Yuan, the father of the future Princess Pingyang, was a military commander in Taiyuan. He led a large army and held several key military positions, so he was viewed as influential and, at the same time, threatening. The Sui Emperor Yangdi ordered that Li Yuan be imprisoned to neutralize his forces, but when the capital came under siege in 617 a .d ., the emperor rescinded the order. Li Yuan now realized that if he did not rebel publicly he would soon become a target. He secretly sent his messengers to Hedong, summoned his son Li Shimin to his side, and sent emissaries to Chang’an to recall Cai Shao, Ping yang’s husband, who was living at the Sui court as the leader of the palace guards protecting the crown prince. Cai Shao in formed his wife of his plans, worrying that she would be in danger and persecuted once his abandonment of the Sui court became known. She counseled him that she could take care of herself and escape. Cai Shao then left to join Li Yuan’s rebel forces in Taiyuan.
