Legend of Hugangtai

In the ninth year of Wude, Emperor Gaozu of Tang, Li Yuan, was gravely ill. Li Jiancheng hurried to ascend the throne, but fearing Qin Prince Li Shimin, he used his authority as Crown Prince to send troops after him. Li Shimin sought refuge at Shaolin, bringing disaster upon the temple. Master Gangshi was killed, and with his dying words, he urged Qin Prince Li Shimin to go to Hugangtai in Jiangnan and seek out the leaders of Shaolin’s first thirty-six houses, then plan to lead an army north.

Li Shimin and his Wagang brothers went south to Jiangnan. Just as they found the leaders of Shaolin’s first fifteen houses, Emperor Gaozu fell gravely ill and the Crown Prince staged a coup. Qin Prince Li Shimin decisively headed north and, together with the heroes, prevailed at Xuanwu Gate. With Emperor Gaozu gravely ill, Qin Prince Li Shimin ascended the throne, ushering in the Zhenguan era.