This chapter provides an introduction to the four surviving imperial commentaries to the Laozi, an aspect of the commentarial tradition that has very little representation within English language scholarship. Written by emperors from the Tang, Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties, these commentaries offer readings of the text from the very political role the text addresses; the ruler. Key themes such as politics and spirituality, strategy and cultivation, along with central topics like Dao, wuwei, guarding frugality, nurturing life, and spiritual exercise are uniquely extrapolated upon through the lens of those intimately involved in the practical affairs of governance at the highest level. Moreover, these imperial commentaries reflect the historical, intellectual, and cultural shifts spanning nearly a millennium, particularly insofar as they legitimated the syncretic fusion of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, or “the unification of the three doctrines.” The emperor’s interpretations of the Laozi offers a distinctive and important layer of nuance to both the text itself as well as its historical reception and function.