Emperor Gaozu of Tang China (566 - June 25, 635), born Li Yuan, was the founder of the Tang Dynasty of China, and the first emperor of this dynasty from 618 to 626. Under the shortlived Sui dynasty, Li Yuan was the governor in charge of Shanxi province, and was homebased in Taiyuan. With the disintergration of the Sui dynasty in 617, Li Yuan- urged on by his second son Li Shi Min (later Taizong emperor)- rose in rebellion. Li Yuan installed a puppet child emperor Gong Emperor, but eventually removed him altogether and established the Tang dynasty in 618. Li Yuan abdicated in 626 in favour of his second son, Li Shi Min (Taizong emperor) after the infamous (Xuan Wu Men )(玄武门之变) incident where Taizong murdered both his brothers. Li Yuan lived on as grand emperor and died in 635.