During the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, after the fall of the Tang dynasty, the Central Plains descended into chaos. Factions carved up the land, and ambitious warlords rose on all sides. Later Tang was one of the strongest regimes of the Five Dynasties. Though it appeared stable, danger lurked beneath the surface. Powerful ministers and generals schemed against one another, while emperors came and went in rapid succession. The people were impoverished and displaced, and the realm was in turmoil.
