Shi Siming

Shi Siming (史思明; 703 – 761) was a Turk general and member of the Yeluohe. He originally served as an officer in the Tang military until his childhood friend, the jiedushi An Lushan, revolted in 755 over a power struggle with Prime Minister Yang Guozhong for leadership of the Golden Turtles, the secret organization where their true allegiances had lain. He would later reign as the third emperor of the Great Yan established by An Lushan.

Biography

At the onset of war, Siming was the Grand Protector of Beiping Commandery (北平郡) and the Great General of the Lulong Army (盧龍軍). He was present at Lushan's declaration of war before the gates of Fanyang in late 755 where he was entrusted with safeguarding their home base while Lushan marched south to conquer the imperial capital of Chang'an.

When Grand Protector Yan Gaoqing of Changshan organized a counter-revolt in the region, Siming led his army to besiege Changshan. Erstwhile, Lushan had taken the secondary Tang capital of Luoyang in early 756 and proclaimed the founding of a new state, the Great Yan. His triumph did not last as he was assassinated by the Hidden One Li E in 757.

According to the official histories, the assassination was enacted by a group of Lushan's followers, including his own son and heir, An Qingxu, who then succeeded him as Emperor of Yan. Subsequently, Siming took revenge by baiting Qingxu to him through treachery and executing him, whereupon he seized for himself the title of Emperor of Yan. Ironically, Siming was then murdered by his own son, Shi Chaoyi, who would be the last Emperor of Yan. Because the conflict with the Tang continued under Siming and his son, he and Lushan collectively lent their names to the war: the An-Shi Rebellion (安史之亂).

Gallery

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  Shi Siming close-up

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Dynasty