Li Shimin (599-649), the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty, was Emperor Taizong of Tang. His ancestral home was Chengji, Longxi (now northwest of Qin’an County, Gansu Province). He was the second son of Emperor Gaozu of Tang, Li Yuan. When he was young, he fought in all directions and conquered the Sui Dynasty and conquered the world. He made outstanding contributions. In the first year of Wude (618), he was the Minister of the Chancellery and was granted the title of King of Qin. In the ninth year (626), he launched a coup at Xuanwu Gate and became the crown prince. He ascended the throne and reigned for 23 years. His achievements in civil and military affairs were unprecedented, and he was praised as the “Zhenguan Reign”. After his death, he was given the temple name Taizong. He attached great importance to literature and art, established the Literary Museum and the Hongwen Museum, and recruited and encouraged scholars. He personally compiled history and wrote diligently, and made achievements in poetry and prose. The “Old Book of Tang·Jingjizhixia” records the “Collection of Emperor Taizong of Tang” in 30 volumes, the “New Book of Tang·Yiwenzhi IV” records it in 40 volumes, and the “Complete Tang Prose” records his prose in 7 volumes, including five fu.
李世民（599年—649年），即唐朝的第二位皇帝唐太宗，祖籍陇西成纪（今甘肃秦安县西北），唐高祖皇帝李渊次子。少年征战四方，灭隋取天下，功勋卓著。武德元年（618年），为尚书令，封秦王。九年（626年）于玄武门发动兵变，得太子位。旋登基，在位二十三年，文治武功，帝业空前，史誉“贞观之治”。卒，庙号太宗。重视文艺，设文学馆、弘文馆，招延奖掖文士。亲自修史，勤奋执笔，诗文均有成绩。《旧唐书·经籍志下》著录《唐太宗集》三十卷，《新唐书·艺文志四》著录四十卷，《全唐文》录其文七卷，其中赋五篇。
《芳兰》 李世民
春晖开紫苑，淑景媚兰场。
映庭含浅色，凝露泫浮光。
日丽参差影，风传轻重香。
会须君子折，佩里作芬芳。
Aromatic Orchid
Li Shimin
In the imperial garden the flower effloresces with vernal glory,
And the charming scene presents itself in the orchid nursery.
Shining on the courtyard with her light hue.
She is moistened with glittering dew.
Her umbrages are cast in an uneven form on fair day.
And the breeze wafts her delicate and refreshing perfume in a gentle way.
It behooves the gentleman to pluck a spray wherewith to fragrantly bedeck his array.
