Why did Gaozu abdicate in favor of Taizong?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Taizong The Taizong emperor, detail of a portrait; in the National Palace Museum, Taipei.

Emperor Gaozu did not abdicate voluntarily; rather, he was forced to step down following a violent power struggle between his sons.12

The succession rivalry between the crown prince, Li Jiancheng, and his younger brother, Li Shimin (the future Taizong), reached a critical point in 626. Fearing for his life due to plots orchestrated by his brothers, Li Shimin launched a military coup at the Xuanwu Gate, where he ambushed and killed Li Jiancheng and another brother, Li Yuanji.12

Following this decisive and bloody elimination of his rivals, Li Shimin informed his father of the events. Two months later, Gaozu abdicated the throne in favor of Li Shimin, who then assumed power as the Taizong emperor.32