The Sequel to the Tang Dynasty

This book is a vernacular historical novel from the Ming dynasty.

The story mainly consists of three parts. The first, from the opening five chapters through the first two chapters of Volume One, recounts Xue Rengui leading an army west, defeating the Liao, and protecting the emperor. The second, from Chapter Three of Volume One through Chapter Ten of Volume Three, tells of Wu Zetian's ascension to the throne and Empress Wei's attempt to stir up turmoil in the palace. The third, from Chapter Eleven of Volume Three to the end, follows Yang Yuhuan's rise to favor, An Lushan's rebellion, the upheaval at Mawei, Guo Ziyi's suppression of the revolt, and Consort Jiang's return to the palace. The narrative is sprawling and spans a broad sweep of history, blending the supernatural and martial arts into its historical drama. Its twists and turns are compelling, its descriptions vivid and moving, and its prose clear, with images that soar.