During the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty, Empress Wu Zetian gradually assumed control of state affairs. Her ambition was considerable, and her methods were often quite severe.

She replaced Crown Prince Li Zhong with Li Hong. Later, Li Hong was poisoned, and Li Xian was made the new Crown Prince.

Living in constant anxiety, Li Xian composed the poem known as the 'Song of the Yellow Terrace Melon' (黄台瓜辞).

The poem read: 'Melons grown beneath the yellow terrace, many ripe fruits hanging. One pick makes the melon good, another pick makes them sparse. A third pick might still be acceptable, but picking them all leads to embracing the vine and departing.'

This poem metaphorically conveyed his fear of being entirely eliminated, much like picking all the melons until even the vine is taken, symbolizing a complete and ruthless removal.