Early Tang: Crown Prince Li Chengqian

The prosperous Tang Dynasty.

In Chang’an, the vermilion gates of noble estates stood solemn and imposing. Red lanterns hung high, illuminating the entire compound. Noblewomen wore high-waisted ruqun dresses with low necklines that revealed their fair skin. Their floor-length skirts, trailing from the waist, were embroidered with exquisite flowers and butterflies in gold and silver thread. Golden hairpins swayed with their steps, chiming like celestial music. What a picture of peace and prosperity.

Outside Chang’an, low, dark thatched huts stood in stark contrast. A clay pot sat over a fire as a gaunt father stirred it gently with a wooden spoon. At the bottom of the pot lay only a meager handful of gray millet and some nameless wild greens. His children, hungry after a whole day without food, could only press their lips together, wanting to eat but not daring to ask. What a picture of peace and prosperity.

Who cares about the starving people, freezing and crying out for food? I, Li Chengqian, Crown Prince of Tang, will never let the people become mere background to an age of prosperity.