Is “Fang Guan rushed to Pu'an to have an audience with Emperor Xuanzong and was sent to Lingwu to install Emperor Suzong” true?
The Old Book of Tang, Biography of Fang Guan, records that when Xuanzong fled to Shu to avoid the rebellion, Fang Guan 'alone galloped on the road to Shu. In the seventh month, he arrived at Pu'an Commandery and had an audience. Xuanzong was greatly pleased and on that very day appointed him Minister of Culture and Grand Councilor.' Subsequently, he was sent to Lingwu to install Emperor Suzong. In chapter 99 of the Sui and Tang Romance, it is written that when Xuanzong arrived at Pu'an, 'Fang Guan rushed to the temporary residence to see the emperor,' and later Xuanzong ordered Fang Guan, Wei Jiansu, and others to carry the jade seal and the book of investiture to Lingwu to abdicate the throne. The plot matches the official history.
In the official history, Fang Guan braved difficulties to flee to Shu, was appointed prime minister, and was sent with the imperial seal and the book of investiture to Lingwu to install Emperor Suzong. The novel truthfully records his deeds.
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