"Ode to the Tang Dynasty" is a classical novel based on the history of China's Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It integrates real historical events, folklore and artistic fiction to vividly show the rise and fall of the Tang Dynasty and the legend of heroes. Its content is grand, including court intrigues, wars and conquests, as well as chivalry and love stories. It usually revolves around the following core themes:
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Story background and main line
1. The troubled times of the late Sui Dynasty and the founding of the Tang Dynasty
· The novel usually begins with the tyranny of Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty and the chaos in the world. It describes the process of Li Yuan and Li Shimin and their sons raising troops in Jinyang, uniting with other heroes (such as Cheng Yaojin, Qin Qiong, Xu Maogong, etc.) To overthrow the Sui Dynasty and establish the Tang Dynasty. This may include the rise and fall of the "Wagangzhai Rebels" and the power struggle of Li Shimin's accession to the throne through the "Xuanwumen Incident".
2. The rule of Zhenguan and the border expeditions
· During the reign of Emperor Taizong Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty, the Tang Dynasty had a strong national power. The novel will depict the virtuous ministers and generals (such as Wei Zheng, Fang Xuanling, and Du Ruhui) assisting the government, as well as border wars such as pacifying the Turks and conquering Goguryeo, highlighting Li Shimin's literary and martial arts.
3. Empress Wu Zetian and court affairs
· Some versions will involve Wu Zetian's legendary experience from entering the palace to becoming emperor, including harem battles, power changes, and the confrontation between Li Tang's clan and Wu Zhou's forces.
4. The prosperous age of Kaiyuan and the Anshi Rebellion
· In the early period of the reign of Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and Li Longji, the Tang Dynasty reached its peak. However, in the later period, the "Anshi Rebellion" broke out because of his doting on Concubine Yang and the reuse of treacherous ministers (such as Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong).