Tian Can Han Era - Political History of the Tang Dynasty Empire

Author: Xu Lei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: The Tang Dynasty, a longed-for era, an unattainable peak, the pride and dreams of all Chinese people. From its early days, the Tang Dynasty possessed the strength to conquer the four directions and defeated one powerful adversary after another, being acclaimed by the rulers of the four barbarian regions as the "Heavenly Khan," gaining supreme authority. Compared to other dynasties in Chinese history, the people of the Tang Dynasty had a stronger sense of confidence, were more willing to open their hearts to the world, and were able to embrace and absorb foreign cultures. All of this stemmed from the Tang Empire's openness, confidence, and self-reliance. The reign of Emperor Taizong and the Golden Age of Emperor Kailuan brought a period of physical and mental comfort to the people under their rule, a harmonious and loving atmosphere that still lingers in the hearts of the Chinese today. Ink and paper flew, with poetry filling the rivers, and heroes shining like jewels across the land. Following fate, they entered a maze of delusions, returning once again in dreams to the Tang Dynasty. The turmoil of the Qin and Han dynasties, the chaos of the Wei and Jin periods—all became clouds that flew away. After centuries of disorder, the path to unification was finally settled. May the future be a peaceful and prosperous era. How pity the short lifespans of the Qin and Sui dynasties, while the Han and Tang lasted long. When the news of the capture of the Tujue Khagan Xielì arrived, the rulers of the four barbarian regionsrequested Emperor Taizong to be their "Heavenly Khan," and Emperor Taizong readily accepted. Thereafter, the emperors of the Tang Dynasty were also referred to by this title. "Granting imperial decrees to the rulers of the northwest, all were called Heavenly Khan"—this was no mere title; it was the supreme authority over the rulers of the four barbarian regions. This era belonged to the Heavenly Khan, it was an "Age of the Heavenly Khan."