The Rise of the Tang Dynasty

"Crown Prince, Crown Prince..." Several clear voices rang out, bright and crisp, yet tinged with the accent of the Hakka dialect.

Li Wei startled awake.

"Crown Prince, you nearly frightened this servant to death."

Crown Prince? Li Wei gazed blankly at the scene before him. The first thing that caught his eye was the layers of pristine white gauze curtains, overlapping one another, with peony motifs delicately woven into the fabric. The curtains had been drawn up, and at the bedside stood a young maiden with refined features, dressed in a palace gown with a red undergarment. Half her snow-white bosom was exposed—not voluptuous, but just enough to fill a hand. Paired with her gentle countenance, she exuded the fresh charm of a girl-next-door.

Behind the maiden were elegant and luxurious furnishings, though their style was somewhat peculiar. For example, there were low, wide stools—if he remembered correctly, these were called "barbarian beds." A finely crafted, not overly tall table stood nearby, upon which sat some unusual porcelain: a white-glazed vase with twin dragon handles. It was not pure white—an untrained eye might call it yellow-glazed. Two slender handles arched to the mouth of the vase, ending in simple dragon heads.

Ancient times? Was he acting in a film? Li Wei's mind reeled with confusion.

"The Crown Prince has only caught a chill," said the imperial physician. "Take care not to be caught in the rain next time."

Li Wei then noticed an elderly man with snowy hair