He surrounded himself by a brilliant court, welcoming men of genius in literature and art; at first for their talents alone, but finally for their readiness to participate in scenes of revelry and dissipation provided for the amusement of a favourite concubine, the ever-famous Yang Kuei-fei (pronounced _Kway-fay_).

Eunuchs were appointed to official posts, and the grossest forms of religious superstition were encouraged.

Women ceased to veil themselves, as of old.

At length, in 755, a serious rebellion broke out, and a year later the emperor, now an old man of seventy-one, fled before the storm.

He had not proceeded far before his soldiery revolted and demanded vengeance upon the whole family of the favourite, several unworthy members of which had been raised to high positions and loaded with honours.