Emperor Li Longji (r. 712–756), also known as Tang Xuanzong and the Brilliant Emperor (Minghuang), ruled over China at the height of her political, military, and cultural dominance. While his Tang dynasty reached the zenith of its power under his reign, his fascination with women and religion, coupled with his neglect of government, sowed the seeds of decline. The empire ultimately collapsed in a nationwide rebellion. Emerging from the crisis greatly weakened and deprived of power, Longji lived day by day, hoping for a reunion with his beloved woman, who had been murdered and was now in heaven.