Classic Historical Legends: Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties (Complete in Five Volumes)

The Romance of the Sui and Tang is a novel that combines heroic legend with historical fiction. Set against the peasant uprisings at the end of the Sui dynasty, it recounts the fall of the Sui and the founding of the Tang. It was later adapted into storytelling performances and a television series of the same name, making it a classic no history enthusiast should miss.

The Romance of the Sui and Tang is both a vernacular novel from ancient China and a classic tale that brings the upheavals of history to life and celebrates its heroes. Its overall structure uses historical events as its framework and characters and incidents as its threads, with the “two lifetimes of marriage” between Emperor Yang of Sui, Zhu Guier, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, and Yang Yuhuan as its broad narrative frame. Beginning with Emperor Wen of Sui’s campaign against Chen and ending with Emperor Xuanzong’s return from Sichuan to the capital and his death, it recounts more than 170 years of Sui and Tang history.

The story begins in the final years of the Sui dynasty. Emperor Yang’s debauchery and tyranny, along with his persecution of loyal officials, leave the court in disarray and the people in misery, plunging the realm into chaos as heroes rise in rebellion. Led by the heroes of Wagang Stronghold, rebel forces uphold justice and resist tyranny, overthrowing the Sui. The tale continues through the founding of the Tang dynasty, Li Shimin’s accession to the throne, Wu Zetian’s rule, and the An Lushan Rebellion. It brings to life an age of upheaval, filled with legendary figures.