Poetry and the Sword: A Flourishing Tang Poet's Rise to Glory

Li Chang'an, a modern student of Chinese literature, transmigrates to the prosperous Tang dynasty and uses poetry from the Tang and Song eras to rise through the imperial examinations. He wins over the gentry of Jiangnan with “Bring in the Wine,” moves an emperor with “Crossing the Lingding Ocean,” and befriends a chivalrous woman of the martial world with “The Gallant Swordsman.” He outwits powerful ministers at court, quells rebellions on the frontier, and surrounds himself with talented women, martial heroines, and princesses in the imperial harem... When he writes, “The Son of Heaven summons him, but he will not board the boat,” the entire prosperous Tang trembles!