At Xuanwu Gate in my previous life, an arrow pierced my heart, and kin turned against kin.
Reborn in the tenth year of the Zhenguan era, Li Chengqian drags along the leg his father once despised. There is no trace of weakness in his eyes now, only a blazing fire that could consume the heavens.
He knows that his "dear little brother," Li Tai, who once pushed him into the abyss, covets the Eastern Palace. He knows that the court is full of schemes and treacherous undercurrents. And he knows all too well the imperial arts hidden in the heart of the father seated upon the dragon throne, the Son of Heaven who rules the world, as well as his disappointment in his eldest legitimate son.
This time, he will no longer crave his father's love!
This time, he will no longer endure and yield!
"Father, the glorious Zhenguan era you created will be protected by your son... with my own hands!" Li Chengqian grips the saber at his waist. His gaze pierces the towering palace halls and fixes on the supreme throne.
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The Eastern Palace is unstable? Then I will secure it with blood and iron!
"Kin turn against kin? Then I will wipe out every demon and fiend!"
"The realm doubts me? Then I will shatter mountains and rivers with glorious achievements!"
From deposed crown prince to a mighty ruler, he treads upon the bones of his enemies and rides the iron cavalry of the Western Regions through the smoke of war. With thunderous measures, he sets the court in order and expands the empire's borders! Beneath the radiance of the Buddha's relics lie cold calculations; the blades of the old Tiance troops will ultimately serve him!
When he dons the imperial robes, he stands before Xuanwu Gate, reborn. Looking at the emperor he once admired and who once brought him to despair, he speaks in a voice that resounds through the heavens:
"Father, this time, let your son teach you." (This is an alternate world line that differs in some ways from real Tang history.)
