Reborn in the Zhenguan Era: Li Chengqian’s New Policies

In the tenth year of the Zhenguan era, Empress Zhangsun dies. Li Chengqian suffers from a debilitating leg ailment and has become volatile, leaving his position as heir in grave danger. Prince Li Tai watches like a tiger poised to pounce, while powerful clans are entrenched throughout the realm. Only seven years remain before Li Chengqian is deposed for treason. At this desperate moment, a modern policy researcher from the grassroots sector awakens in Li Chengqian’s body.

With no supernatural powers, he relies on modern principles of governance, foreknowledge of history, and a broad background in science, engineering, agriculture, and economics. He sends away the Hu slaves, puts a stop to false accusations, and begins to mend the rift between father and son. Then he recruits talented men from humble families, allies with celebrated military commanders, and takes control of technological workshops, securing his position as heir and building a loyal power base.

Putting the people first, he breaks the deadlock with agricultural reforms, land and household surveys, and tax changes that strengthen the foundations of the state, dismantling the great clans’ economic monopoly. He promotes education, reforms the imperial examinations, puts the court in order, and strengthens the military, shattering the clans’ stranglehold on power and overturning the fate of treason.

He secures the northern frontier, opens routes to the Western Regions, brings Tibet into submission, and pacifies Liaodong, expanding the empire’s reach to the seas and reshaping the order of East Asia. At home, he ascends the throne, establishes the Yongxi era, institutes new laws, and advances science and technology, creating a prosperous, unified empire of many peoples.

From doomed heir to Heavenly Qaghan, watch Li Chengqian use gradual reform to break the thousand-year shackles of the great clans and build a Tang realm to which all nations submit willingly. This is the extraordinary legend of Yongxi, surpassing even the Zhenguan era!