Yeon: Twilight of Goguryeo, 645-668

Historical Background

Tang Dynasty In 618, the Tang Dynasty unified China after the collapse of the Sui, which had left the empire in turmoil. Unlike the Sui, the Tang initially pursued peace with neighboring states. However, one of Emperor Gaozu’s sons, the ambitious Li Shimin, harbored other ambitions. Though he had played a decisive role in unify war, when his father refused to name him heir, he staged the Xuanwu Gate Incident, killing his brothers and forcing his father to abdicate. Upon ascending the throne as Emperor Taizong, Li Shimin consolidated power, crushed the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, and emerged as the dominant force in East Asia.

Goguryeo A new king, Yeongryu sought reconciliation with Tang and wished to heal the scars of past wars with the Sui. Yet, many nobles saw this as humiliating for a kingdom that had once defeated the Sui’s million army. At the center of this political rift stood Yeon Gaesomun. When the king attempted to eliminate him, Yeon struck first—leading a coup, purging the monarch and his allies, and installing a new ruler under his control.

Goguryeo-Tang War For Emperor Taizong, Goguryeo was the final obstacle after his victories against the Turks. In 645, despite opposition within his court, he personally led a massive invasion of Goguryeo, commanding hundreds of thousands of Tang soldiers in what would become one of the most legendary wars of East Asia.

Whether this was the pride of a hero or the hubris of a tyrant—history alone holds the answer.

—description from the publisher