Li Shimin (598-649), the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), was a politician, strategist and poet. 

He joined the army as a young man and went to Yanmen Pass to rescue emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty (581-618).

He is regarded as a co-founder of the Tang Dynasty for his role in encouraging his father Li Yuan to rebel against the brutal reign of emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty in Jinyang (now known as Taiyuan) in 617.

After the establishment of the Tang Dynasty, he led his troops to pacify various separatist forces, and established and unified the Tang Dynasty.

At the beginning of his reign from 626 to 649, Li accepted advice from his ministers with an open mind. He governed the country with culture and education, implemented a strict economy, achieved national peace and public security, and created the "Reign of Zhenguan", which laid an important foundation for the prosperity of the dynasty for more than 100 years.

Li loved literature and calligraphy, and some of his works of art were passed down through generations.