Chinese historical television series based on events in a period in Chinese history known as the Transition from the Sui dynasty to the Tang dynasty. The story revolves almost entirely around the figure of Li Shimin, the future Taizong Emperor of the Tang. Li is represented as the perfect ruler: his sense of morality and righteous conduct are unsullied. He is courageous and, when occasion demands, he fearlessly risks his life for the sake of the empire.