Lend Me Half a Lifetime of Prosperous Tang

In the third year of the Kaiyuan era of the Great Tang, twenty years had passed since Xu Jingye had raised arms in rebellion against the dynasty. After enduring the ravages of war, the city of Yangzhou had once again returned to tranquility. The city walls still bore the scars and remnants of past flames, yet within the city itself, life flourished in a haze of decadence—songs, dances, and revelry filled the air.

Dusk was falling when, from the ancient and weathered city gates, an old man and a young man walked out together. The elder, just past sixty, was dressed immaculately and moved with measured, steady steps—not fast, but with the urgency of a meteor chasing the moon. The younger man, not yet thirty, wore simple, close-fitting clothing and had a clean, crisp look about him. Even with a heavy bundle strapped to his back, he moved with the energy of youth, following closely behind.

After they hurried along for some time, ensuring no one else was near, the old man turned back with a smile. “It’s been nearly ten years since we last entered Yangzhou, and the city is even more prosperous than before. Who would have thought that Li Dan would have such a worthy son? Li Longji in his youth hid his brilliance and endured in silence, then joined forces with Princess Taiping to slay Empress Wei and seize power. With his claws and fangs sharpened, he struck with thunderous force, eliminating Princess Taiping and taking control for himself. Now, he governs the empire with unmatched skill—his mind and methods are as formidable as Li Shimin’s ever were.”

Li Longj