Yao Chong (650 – September 28, 721), né
Yao Yuanchong (姚元崇), known 700s-713 by the
courtesy name of
Yuanzhi (元之), formally
Duke Wenxian of Liang (梁文獻公), was an official of the
Chinese dynasty
Tang Dynasty and
Wu Zetian's Zhou Dynasty, serving as
chancellor under four sovereigns—Wu Zetian, her sons
Emperor Zhongzong and
Emperor Ruizong, and her grandson
Emperor Xuanzong. After his resignation in 716, he still had great influence inside the imperial government, and his opinions often influenced the decisions of Emperor Xuanzong and the succeeding chancellors.