Zong Ai

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Zong Ai was a eunuch who rose to power in the Northern Wei dynasty in 452 after killing Emperor Taiwu and making Taiwu’s son Tuoba Yu emperor. Before 451, little is known about him, except that he had been castrated for unspecified crimes and then served in the palace.

In 451, Taiwu gave Zong the title Duke of Qing Commandery, though the reasons are unclear. Later that year, Zong clashed with crown prince Tuoba Huang, who trusted the wrong people. Zong accused Huang’s associates of crimes, and they were executed along with many of Huang’s followers. Huang died of sadness, and Taiwu regretted his actions when he learned Huang was innocent.

To avoid punishment, Zong murdered Taiwu in spring 452 and seized power. Officials debated who should be emperor, but Zong secretly summoned Taiwu’s youngest son Tuoba Yu and, using a forged edict, brought in several officials who entered the palace unawares. Zong’s 30 eunuchs arrested and executed the officials and Tuoba Han, then Zong installed Tuoba Yu as emperor and became the real ruler, the military commander and power behind the throne.

In fall 452, Tuoba Yu planned to strip Zong of his authority. Zong learned of this and, while Yu was at a sacrifice, had his ally Jia Zhou kill Yu. Zong then considered who to put on the throne next, but a plot led by Dugu Ni and others rose up and installed Tuoba Jun as emperor. Zong and Jia Zhou were executed, and their clans were slaughtered.

Historians note the unusual nature of Zong’s crimes—having killed two emperors—yet the coup leaders accused him only of killing Tuoba Yu, not Taiwu. Some think Zong acted with others, but there isn’t enough information to know for sure.