The prosperous Tang Dynasty is as resplendent as a sea of flowers, yet a world-shaking upheaval is imminent.

In the fifth year of Tianbao, he opened his eyes and beheld the grandeur of “Radiant is the Tang, Heaven’s mandate over all nations”—a golden age of mighty generals in abundance and vast territories; capable ministers as plentiful as rain, granaries overflowing; poetry dazzling, culture brilliant; beauties captivating, music and dance flourishing.

He also saw a court lost in intoxication, arrogance, and extravagance, endlessly vying for power; the nation teetering, corruption rampant; barbarian rebellions, people treated as mere grass.

The war drums of Yuyang thundered across the land, yet he was determined that this Tang would not lose its splendor.