Tang Bricks: Extra Stories

In a dream of Chang'an, blood stained Xuanwu Gate, and the depths of Taiji Palace held nothing but endless sorrow. The ringing words, “The people are water, and the ruler is a boat,” still echoed across Chang'an, yet foreign hooves once again trampled through Yumen Pass. How could such a grievance be avenged?

From his tomb, Li Shimin watched his people suffer. What kind of furious roar should he give? He could only pound the railing and watch the realm sink into ruin!

My heart, too, is filled with frustration. I wish I could cross the river of history, pluck the flying stars, gather the sun and moon, and turn the world upside down.

So be it. With ghostly cries outside the window and autumn rain falling in sheets, I'll take up my worn-out brush and add another chapter to the glory of the Li Tang dynasty. I'll cut away the darkness. In my Tang Dynasty, there is no sorrow, only the spirit of warhorses and weapons, emperors whose ambition swallows the sun and moon, fierce generals tempered in a hundred battles, men of learning in lofty robes, and gracious, virtuous empresses. Fathers will be kind, sons filial, and an age of prosperity will endure. This is my Tang Dynasty, my Tang Brick.