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After the Korean kingdoms, it’s China’s turn. « Sword & Silence »revealed the five figures from the Tang Dynasty who will play a decisive role in the unification of the Three Kingdoms. Among them is an extraordinary figure: Wu Zetian, the only woman to have ruled China in her own right, portrayed by Choi Ye-bin.".
The Tang Dynasty: A Key Player in Unification
After Silla And with Jang Hyuk’s *Yeon Gae-somun* set in Goguryeo, the series completes its lineup. For the unification of the Korean Peninsula was not decided solely among the three kingdoms: the powerful Chinese Tang dynasty was, in turn, an enemy, an ally, and then once again an adversary to Silla.
The five characters revealed will face off over two issues: the conquest of Goguryeo and the power struggles within the imperial court.
Li Shimin, the Conquering Emperor
Yang Hyun-min, who will also appear in «Gift» this December» [link], plays Li Shimin, better known by his reign name, Emperor Taizong. A ruthless ruler, he seized power after eliminating his own brothers. But he also knows how to recruit talented men, even if they once served his enemies.
Determined to subdue Goguryeo, he launches a massive military campaign… only to encounter fierce resistance. It is precisely against him that Jang Hyuk’s Yeon Gae-somun will stand.
Alongside him, Park Myung-hoon plays Xu Jingzong, a cunning advisor who always knows how to side with those in power. After the emperor’s death, he will finally reveal the ambitions he has long kept hidden.
Wu Zetian: From Concubine to Empress
She is undoubtedly the most anticipated character. Choi Ye-bin, who rose to fame in «The Penthouse,» plays Wu Zetian. Originally a concubine of Li Shimin, she demonstrates exceptional political acumen and ambition.
Upon the emperor’s death, she won the favor of his son and successor, Li Zhi, and became empress. She then did not hesitate to remove the high-ranking officials who opposed her. History will remember that she eventually seized the throne for herself.
Park Kang-sub plays Li Zhi, the future Emperor Gaozong. Deeply in love with Wu Zetian, he supports her ambitions. And as his health declines, he entrusts her more and more with the reins of the empire.
Xue Rengui, the Providential General
Lee Ji-hoon rounds out the cast in the role of Xue Rengui. This general earned Li Shimin’s trust by saving his life during a battle against Goguryeo, before going on to become one of the Tang dynasty’s greatest military leaders, serving under Li Zhi and Wu Zetian.
According to the production, the conflict stemming from Li Shimin’s ambitions for conquest will continue during the reigns of Li Zhi and Wu Zetian, eventually leading to tensions with Silla. This is a recurring theme that runs throughout the series.
«Sword & Silence» will air starting November 14, 2026, at 9:20 p.m. (Korean time)—which is 1:20 p.m. in France—on KBS 2TV. An international streaming platform is still to be announced.
