Half the Empire: Li Xiaogong, a Famous General of the Imperial House

At the turning point between the Sui and Tang dynasties, Li Xiaogong, a member of the imperial clan, joined Gaozu’s uprising. He could have lived in comfort and wealth, but was gradually thrust into the role of commander of the southern campaigns.

He first pacified Jing and Shu, then defeated Xiao Xian, and went on to crush Fu Gongshi in Jiangdong. The Tang imperial army marched down from Guanzhong all the way to the coast. With every city captured, Li gained not only territory, but also a deeper measure of trust from the court, and warier suspicion.

As the realm gradually settled, his former comrades either died in battle or fell in political struggles. He alone learned, after earning his place among the heroes of Lingyan Pavilion, to slowly withdraw from the snare of power. In the end, he became one of the rare ministers of the early Tang to achieve great things and meet a good end.