Meng Zhixiang
Chinese Emperor of Later Shu
Years: 874 - 934
Meng Zhixiang (May 10, 874 –September 7, 934), courtesy name Baoyin, formally Emperor Gaozu of (Later) Shu, is the founder of the Chinese Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period state Later Shu.
Initially a Later Tang Dynasty general, he marries the eldest daughter of Later Tang's founding emperor Emperor Zhuangzong of Later Tang and serves as the military governor (Jiedushi) of Xichuan Circuit (headquartered in modern Chengdu, Sichuan) after Emperor Zhuang's conquest of Former Shu, but after Emperor Zhuangzong's death becomes distant from Emperor Zhuangzong's adoptive brother and successor Emperor Mingzong.
Later, fearing accusations by Emperor Mingzong's chief advisor An Chonghui, he rebels in alliance with Dong Zhang the military governor of neighboring Dongchuan Circuit (headquartered in modern Mianyang, Sichuan).
The Meng-Dong alliance is able to repel the subsequent Later Tang attempts to suppress them.
Meng later defeats Dong and takes Dong's domain under his control.
After being a titular vassal to Emperor Mingzong for the rest of Emperor Mingzong's reign, he declares his own domain an independent state in 934, forming Later Shu.
