### Clue: Dynasty's clout beginning to grow (4)
### Answer: TANG 
 ### Explanation: Definition: Dynasty
  TAN(to beat,clout someone) + G(initial letter of,beginning to "grow"). 
Answer: The dynasty in China from 618 AD to 907 AD, except 690 – 705 AD.  Edit.note re comment#1: ~~I hope I'm right about this as there is no indication like a "?","perhaps","maybe","say" that it is an example of a dynasty.~~