The assassination of Emperor Zhaozong by Zhu Quanzhong occurred during a tumultuous period in the Tang dynasty, characterized by political instability and the rise of powerful warlords. Zhu Quanzhong had been a prominent military governor, commanding a strong army and wielding significant influence. The late Tang dynasty faced internal struggles, with regional warlords gaining power over a weakened central government, leading to widespread corruption and factional conflicts. Emperor Zhaozong struggled to maintain authority, as he found himself increasingly surrounded by powerful military leaders who often disregarded imperial commands.

Zhu Quanzhong's discontent with the emperor's rule culminated in a calculated coup. Initially operating under the guise of loyalty, he manipulated the political landscape to his advantage. Zhaozong, who had been captured and later released during Zhu's rise, later expressed intentions to assert more control, prompting Zhu to act decisively. On the fateful day, Zhu's forces confronted Zhaozong, leading to the emperor's assassination. The event was pivotal, as it culminated in Zhu taking over the imperial government, marking a turning point in the disintegration of the Tang dynasty.

Following the assassination, Zhu Quanzhong established himself as the de facto ruler. His actions not only eliminated the emperor but also signaled the collapse of imperial authority, paving the way for the eventual disintegration of the Tang dynasty into a period of fragmentation and warlordism. The rise of Zhu Quanzhong heralded a new era in Chinese history, leading to the formation of the Later Liang dynasty and a shift in political power that would last for centuries. This episode is a critical illustration of the challenges faced by the Tang dynasty as it struggled against internal dissent and the increasing power of regional warlords, ultimately a precursor to the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period.