by Emperor Gaozong. Further, Lady Yang, the mother of Emperor Gaozong's powerful wife Empress Wu (later known as Wu Zetian), the Lady of Rong, was also named Yang, and therefore praised and recommended Yang Hongwu. He was therefore soon promoted to be Xi Tai Shilang (西臺侍郎), the deputy head of the examination bureau of government (西臺, Xi Tai). On one occasion, when Emperor Gaozong asked him, "When you were at the ministry of defense, it appeared that the people you recommended were not talented. How could this happen?" Yang responded, "My wife is fierce, and I was only following her will." In doing so, he was satirizing Emperor Gaozong for often following the will of Empress Wu, and Emperor Gaozong realized this, but laughed it off. In 667, Yang was given the designation of Tong Dong Xi Tai Sanpin (同東西臺三品), making him a chancellor de facto. It was said that Yang Hongwu was not talented as a chancellor, but was known for being humble and careful, as well as being simple in his actions. He died in summer 668 and was buried with honor, with the posthumous name of Gong (恭, "respectful"). Notes and references Old Book of Tang, vol. 77. New Book of Tang, vol. 106. Zizhi Tongjian, vol. 201. Sui dynasty people Chancellors under Emperor Gaozong of Tang 668 deaths Year of birth unknown