Is “Yao Chong's appointment as prime minister initiated the Kaiyuan era and he recommended Song Jing to replace himself” true?
The Old Book of Tang, Biographies of Yao Chong and Song Jing, records that 'Yao Chong, originally named Yuan Chong,' after Emperor Xuanzong ascended the throne, was appointed as Minister of War and Tong Ping Zhang Shi, and he rectified court politics. In Chapter 78 of Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties, it is detailed that Emperor Xuanzong issued an edict 'appointing Yao Chong as Zhongshu Ling,' and at the beginning of the Kaiyuan era, government affairs were renewed; it also writes that 'Yao Chong served as prime minister for several years, then retired due to old age, and specifically recommended Song Jing to replace himself,' all following historical facts.
In the official history, Yao Chong assisted in the governance of the Kaiyuan era and recommended Song Jing to replace himself; the novel faithfully records his auxiliary achievements.
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