The Great Upheaval Between the Late Tang and Early Song

Looking back over the history of ancient China's feudal society, the realm unites after a long period of division, then divides after a long period of unity. History keeps circling back, repeating itself in uncanny ways. In the final years of every major feudal dynasty, corruption and incompetence ran rampant, leaving the common people in dire misery. Warlords carved up the land, and peasant uprisings erupted in wave after wave. After years of civil war, a dynasty would fall, and a new one would rise.

The prosperous Tang Dynasty was a landmark in ancient Chinese history. It saw the Reign of Zhenguan under Emperor Taizong and the Kaiyuan Era of Prosperity under Emperor Xuanzong. But in the middle and later years of the Tang, corruption and disorder took hold. After the An Lushan Rebellion and the Huang Chao Rebellion, the dynasty ultimately collapsed, plunging the land into the chaos of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms. From Later Liang, Later Tang, Later Jin, Later Han, and Later Zhou, the cycle continued until Zhao Kuangyin launched the Chenqiao Mutiny, donned the imperial yellow robe, accepted the abdication of Emperor Gong of Zhou, and founded the Northern Song, uniting the realm once more. Countless legendary figures and thrilling tales emerged during this period. This book will gradually unfold these true stories…