Twilight Clouds over the Great Tang

The earliest reason for writing this book was that a screenwriter friend of the author wanted to make a TV series about the mid-Tang Dynasty. Because the author had a deep understanding of Tang Dynasty history, he asked the author to write about it and also to gather reader feedback.

I finally finished the whole book, and it was absolutely fantastic. The last chapter, in particular, was truly breathtaking, abruptly ending at the very climax of the entire story (three points omitted here, you know what I mean), leaving the reader with much to ponder.

The historical truth behind the Jingyuan Rebellion is quite peculiar. There are very few military coups in history that are so full of chance. Emperor Dezong of Tang encountered the An Lushan Rebellion at the age of fourteen. He served as the Grand Marshal of the Armed Forces and ultimately quelled the rebellion.

Despite his many childhood experiences, Li Shi aspired to be a useful emperor. After ascending the throne, he recruited many talented individuals, reduced the power of eunuchs, and weakened the influence of regional military governors. However, he was unable to reverse the decline of the Tang Dynasty. The tide had turned, and the magnificent sunset was about to darken... I am very much looking forward to the TV series adaptation of "Twilight of the Tang Dynasty".

Throughout the history of the Tang Dynasty, the most famous talented woman was Shangguan Wan'er. She was exceptionally talented and led the literary style of her time. In the mid-to-late Tang Dynasty, no one could rival Shangguan Wan'er in talent except Song Ruozhao and her four sisters, who were known as the Five Song Sisters.

This book will certainly need to make some changes to the literary settings of certain historical figures. For example, Yao Lingyan was a native of Hezhong Prefecture in history, not a native of Anxi Beiting Army. Therefore, in history, when the Jingyuan Mutiny rushed into Danfeng Gate without informing him, it was not because the soldiers were deceived, but because they simply did not regard him…

The inscription on the title page comes from Xue Tao's poem "Sending Off a Friend": "In the water country, reeds are frosted at night, the moon is cold and the mountain colors are all gray. Who says that a thousand miles begins tonight? My dreams of parting are as long as the frontier." This is one of my favorite Tang poems.

"When I read Acton in the past, I was left with a strong impression. A significant difference from many modern historians is that his writing always leaves an unshakeable place for religious faith. He believed that history is not merely pure fact, but rather permeated by moral and religious principles.

The book begins with the Jingyuan Incident. Just last week, I took my child to Xi'an for a trip. On the afternoon of our arrival, we visited the Forest of Steles and rode bicycles on the city wall. As dusk approached, bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, and looking at the mixed old and new buildings below the city, I couldn't help but think of the title of this book: The Twilight Clouds…

I got to know Kong Gu through reading Mo Yu's books, and discovered he's a rare gem among Qidian authors. I just started following his first book, read a few chapters, and have already subscribed to the whole thing—it suits my taste perfectly.