Tang Taizong's in governing the world

Author: Annotation: Zhang Kai of Yulin
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-01-01
Features: The Zheng Shi period truly achieved "[China maintains peace, the four barbarians submit voluntarily]," with both cultural governance and military prowess reaching unprecedented heights. Emperor Taizong became an emperor of unparalleled success. — Renowned historian Fan Wenlan In the eyes of later generations, the [cultural and military prosperity of the Taizong era] was both unprecedented and unparalleled. — Cambridge History of China: Sui and T'ang
To use bronze as a mirror can correct one's attire; to use the past as a mirror can understand the rise and fall; to use people as a mirror can clarify right and wrong. The governance and reforms of Emperor Taizong, the Martial and Cultural Emperor, since ancient times have never been as magnificent as they were. Even the sages Yao, Shun, Yu, Tang, the cultural and martial emperors of Zhou, and the cultural and scenic emperors of Han were all surpassed. As for the excellence of using virtuous men and accepting advice, the establishment of rules for future generations, which can broaden great principles and elevate the highest path, all shine as the national model, serving as a mirror for future generations. — Tang: Wu Jing
When we sing the immortal poems of the Tang Dynasty, when we stroll through the Chinatowns around the world, and when we stand in the vast Qin plain, our hearts cannot help but tremble: Li Shimin, an emperor who ascended the throne without full legitimacy, an emperor who died prematurely after seeking immortality and misusing elixirs. Why did he exert such a profound influence on China and the world? This is the original intention behind compiling Emperor Taizong's Rigidity and Flexibility in Ruling the World.
Like water, Li Shimin endured and restrained himself before the Emperor Yang of Sui, suppressed his anger under the pressure of Crown Prince Li Chengjiang and others, and when his power accumulated to a certain point, like a mountain flood, he seized the throne. After seizing the world, he yearned for virtuous men, accepted advice readily, and put the hearts of the people first, ultimately achieving great peace in the empire. The thoughts and actions of Li Shimin are a precious legacy, worthy of careful reflection for later generations. Emperor Taizong's Rigidity and Flexibility in Ruling the World follows this line of thinking, clearly describing the trajectory of Li Shimin's path to success. Any attentive reader can gain much from it.
To learn from history is not just to know what historical figures did, but more importantly, to understand why they did it and what we can learn from it. By thoroughly reading Emperor Taizong's Rigidity and Flexibility in Ruling the World, you will surely benefit greatly!