Heaven has forsaken the Tang. The late emperor died suddenly, leaving the imperial authority in disarray and the realm in chaos. The wicked empress seized the opportunity to take power and appoint cruel officials. The court is rotten to the core, and the people suffer beyond measure. As the rightful heir of the Li Tang, I should have inherited the throne and protected the realm, yet I was harmed by treacherous villains and forcibly sent by that wicked empress to marry into the Turkic tribes, in an attempt to cast me out of the center of political power.
Though I have suffered this terrible humiliation, I have never forgotten my ancestors’ teachings or my duty to the realm. I have followed in the footsteps of Chong’er of the Spring and Autumn period. Though I have endured countless hardships and lived in exile abroad, I have never abandoned my resolve to reclaim the throne. Thanks to my ancestors’ protection, I have made allies among heroes on the grasslands, ruling with both kindness and authority. At last, I have brought the tribes of the grasslands under my command, with a mighty army at my disposal.
Now I lead a righteous army to demand justice from that traitor in the name of Heaven’s punishment. We shall strike straight at the enemy’s heart, slay the wicked empress, restore order, revive the Tang realm, reclaim the rightful rule of the Li Tang, and bring peace and justice to all under Heaven!
