The late-Sui large-scale warfare set back social economy by decades, ruined popular life, and weakened the state. The newly ascended Emperor Taizong of Tang grasped the ancient truth that the ruler is the boat and the people the water, and sought benign governance vigorously.
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Epochal Overview
Emperor Taizong practiced recuperation, vigorously cut taxes and corvee, opened wide the channels of remonstrance, and humbly heard the stern criticism of remonstrance officials like . He restrained royal power in law and institution and pursued tolerant governance.
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Civilizational Impact
The self-restrained governance of Zhenguan opened the paramount golden template of civil-official politics in classical society, achieving economic recovery and northern frontier stability. It is called the prosperity-template of Huaxia civilization.
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Key Figures
Emperor Taizong was a model emperor of the ages with high self-cultivation, reflective will, and far vision. was the model worthy minister who wrote and spoke truth to the throne with frank remonstrance.
