In the twelfth year of the Zhenguan era, the Tang dynasty’s power continued to grow, but hidden concerns remained. Aristocratic clans monopolized advanced handicraft techniques, while the skills of common artisans varied widely. Trade routes to the Western Regions had only just opened, and the crude craftsmanship of goods from the Central Plains made it difficult for them to compete. At court, undercurrents swirled between the Guanzhong faction represented by Changsun Wuji and the faction of officials from humble backgrounds led by Fang Xuanling. Li Shimin had also begun to sound out his sons about the succession.
