The dynasty’s greatness owes much to its second emperor, Taizong, who helped his father, Gaozu, consolidate the new dynasty and led new conquests to the north and west. A brilliant general and a ...

Manchu North-east China Manchu They conquered China and founded the Qing dynasty. Han China Chinese They are the largest ethnic group in China. The previous Ming dynasty emperors were Han.

Wu Zhao - noble, beautiful and well-educated - became the concubine of the elderly Emperor Taizong at the age of 14. She soon attracted the attention of the Emperor's heir, Li Zhi, who made her ...