Xingqing Palace

Xingqing Palace at night

Xingqing Palace was a palace complex located in the eastern part of the Imperial city of Tang dynasty Chang'an, China. The Flower and Calyx Pavilion and the Agarwood Gazebo were two of the structures that composed the complex. The Pavilion was frequently used by Emperor Xuanzong to host banquets and parties.

History

In 754, the annual Flower Banquet once again had the Palace as its focal point. From the palace gates, a procession with elephants and entertainers emerged to delight the civilians awaiting outside. Yang Guifei, from the top floor balcony of Pavilion, indicated the indicated the winning team by sending a butterfly in their direction. Once the victors had been announced, they were invited into the pavilion alongside other eminent guests, such as representatives from local Taoist temples and the Tibetan Empire's ambassador. Inside, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang held a party of his own for his court officials and these guests.

The winning team for the contest was led towards the Agarwwood Gazebo, where they should await for their rewards until Right Chancellor Yang Guozhong was free to meet with them. The delegates arrived at the small building to find a hooded man awaiting them with a bloody peony in hands. The man, Li E, told the group he was there to seek retribution for their massacre at Duling village before attacking and killing all of them. Meanwhile, at the pavilion, jiedushi An Lushan entertained the Emperor with his signature dance, the Sogdian Whirl. A short while later, one of Guozhong's servants was informed that the delegates' corpses had been found and hidden by the palace guards so as to not create a panic. Reporting the news to his master, he was ordered to have the Feathered Forest seek the assassin discreetly, though Li E managed to escape the palace.

Gallery

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  Xingqing Palace's gate

Appearances

• Assassin's Creed: Dynasty