Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty had three sons. Empress Xiao gave birth to Crown Prince Yuande Yang Zhao and Prince Qi Yang Jian, while Consort Xiao gave birth to Prince Zhao Yang Gao. Crown Prince Yuande Yang Zhao was the eldest son of Emperor Yang. He was taken into the palace by Emperor Yang Jian right after his birth. At the age of three, he was playing with stone lions at Xuanwu Gate when Emperor Yang Jian and Empress Wenxian visited him. At that time, Emperor Yang Jian had a backache and reached out to hold Empress Wenxian, but Yang Zhao quickly sidestepped, doing this several times. Emperor Yang Jian exclaimed, "He was born with a sense of courtesy; who could possibly teach him!" Therefore, he was quite amazed by Yang Zhao. Emperor Yang Jian once said, "One day, I’ll find you a wife." Hearing this, Yang Zhao started to cry. When Emperor Yang Jian asked what was wrong, Yang Zhao replied, "When the Han Prince got married, he always stayed by the emperor's side, but once he got married, he moved out. I’m afraid I’ll leave you too one day, and that’s why I cried." Emperor Yang Jian praised him for his deep feelings and the special affection he showed him.
At the age of twelve, he was named Prince of Henan. In the early years of the Renshou era, he was renamed Prince of Jin, appointed as the Minister of Internal Affairs, and concurrently served as the Grand General of the Left Guard. Three years later, he was transferred to be the Governor of Yongzhou. After Emperor Yang of Sui ascended the throne, he went to the Luoyang Palace, while Yang Zhao stayed behind in the capital. In the first year of the Daye era, Emperor Yang sent envoys to appoint him as the Crown Prince. Yang Zhao was skilled at drawing a strong bow and using powerful crossbows. He was humble and gentle, with a mild attitude in speech and actions, never getting angry. Even if others made serious mistakes, he would simply say, "that's a big mistake." He lived a simple and frugal life. Whenever he visited elderly ministers and officials, he would personally inquire about their well-being and would give them gifts during holidays. He was well-known for his kindness. The following year, he went to Luoyang to see Emperor Yang. A few months later, when he was about to return to the capital, he requested to stay a few more days, but Emperor Yang did not agree. Despite being already overweight and extremely fatigued, he fell ill. The court sorcerer diagnosed it as the work of Prince Fangling. Shortly after, he passed away. Yu Shiji, the Minister of Internal Affairs, was ordered to write a eulogy for him, which stated:
"On the first day of the seventh month in the second year of the Daye era, which corresponds to the twenty-third day of the seventh month in the year of Guichou, His Highness the Crown Prince passed away in the palace. Alas, it is indeed a tragic loss.
Three years later, on the sixth day of the fifth month, the Crown Prince's body will be taken to Zhuangling for burial, in accordance with the proper rites. Look, the funeral procession is slowly making its way, leaving at night and reaching Heguan by dawn. All the ceremonial items are laid out neatly, and the procession is just as dignified and orderly as ever."
The emperor was deeply saddened by the crown prince's death, as if dark clouds had obscured the sunlight, and the palace had lost its former splendor. The emperor longed for the crown prince dearly, always thinking of him, especially during the sacrificial rites. Earlier, he had decided on how to bury the crown prince, and everything was unfolding as planned. The sacrificial offerings for the ancestors were all prepared, and the hearse moved steadily forward. The lofty banners led the procession, the wheels rolling slowly, solemn and dignified.
Based on the crown prince's conduct and achievements, the emperor gave him a posthumous title and ordered the historians to record everything, following ancient customs. He hoped that the crown prince's virtues and esteemed name would endure through the ages and be remembered in history.
The official text reads: (original text retained here, not translated)
The emperor ascended to the throne, the country prospered, inheriting the ancestral foundation, bringing honor to the ancestors. He was intelligent, eloquent, well-read, and possessed great foresight. Naturally wise, exceptionally intelligent, diligent in state affairs, managing countless affairs daily. He ordered the construction of palaces, established vassals, reformed the court system, and enforced rewards and punishments. The palaces were magnificent, akin to the splendor of Liang Garden. The empress was virtuous, the couple shared a loving bond, and the country was prosperous and vast. The emperor was humble and careful in handling state affairs, with a vast territory and magnificent palaces, ensuring peace, prosperity, and a strong military. Diligent in state affairs, close to wise ministers, organized in governance, outstanding in literary talent and creativity. He accumulated virtue, leading to the prosperity of the country, benefiting generations to come. The emperor was served by the palace concubines with utmost respect and reverence, with music and rituals flourishing. The emperor cultivated himself, was humble and courteous, recruited talents widely, and respected teachers and traditions. He had noble character, was modest, disciplined himself strictly, diligent in governance and loved the people. He studied the teachings of the sages diligently, working day and night for the country and the people. He was destined to enjoy a long life and become a wise ruler of his era.
However, fate is unpredictable, and life is impermanent. The emperor's passing was like a mountain collapse, leaving us in immense grief. This great sorrow pervades the world, and the courtiers are also deeply saddened. Alas, how heartbreaking it is! As time flies, everything changes in the blink of an eye, and both inside and outside the palace are shrouded in grief. Late at night, the palace lies empty and silent, only the moonlight casts a cold glow. Alas, how heartbreaking it is! The emperor has forever left us, left this bustling world, and gone to the depths below. The setting sun, the desolate landscape, the sounds of mourning, all are heart-wrenching. The funeral procession moves slowly; everyone is consumed by grief. Alas, how heartbreaking it is! Although the emperor has passed away, his virtues will be remembered forever, and we will always keep him in our hearts.
The emperor is very sad. He had three sons: Wei Fei gave birth to Emperor Gong, Da Liu Liangdi gave birth to Prince Yan Tong, and Xiao Liu Liangdi gave birth to Prince Yue Dong.
Prince Yan Tong, courtesy name Ren'an, was intelligent and agile, handsome, and the most beloved among Emperor Yang of Sui's many grandchildren, often brought along. He enjoyed reading, particularly valuing the Confucian classics, and his demeanor was more adult than childlike. His mother Liangdi passed away early, and on her death anniversary, he always wept inconsolably. This made the emperor love him all the more.
During Yuwen Huaji's rebellion, Prince Yan Tan realized that something was wrong and wanted to enter the palace to report to the emperor, but was afraid of revealing his whereabouts. So he, along with Duke Xiao Ju of Liang and General Yuwen Xi of Qian Niu, sneaked into the palace through a water cave located next to Fanglin Gate. When they reached the Xuanwu Gate, he pretended to say, "I suddenly have a severe stomach ache and fear I may not have much longer to live. I request to see the emperor one last time, to die with my eyes closed." He hoped to see the emperor but was stopped by the palace guards and ultimately failed to see the emperor. Before long, the rebellion erupted, and Prince Yan Tan was killed by the rebels. He was only sixteen at the time.
Prince Yang Tong of Yue, whose courtesy name was Renjin, was handsome and had a kind personality. In the second year of Emperor Yang Guang's reign, he was appointed as Prince of Yue. Whenever the emperor went on inspection tours, Yang Tong stayed in the eastern capital of Luoyang. When Yang Xuangan rebelled, he resisted together with the Minister of Civil Affairs, Fan Zigai. After Yang Xuangan was pacified, Yang Tong was summoned to Gaoyang and appointed as the Prefect of Gaoyang. Shortly after, he returned to the eastern capital to continue his duties. In the thirteenth year of Emperor Yang Guang's reign, during his journey to Jiangdu, Yang Tong was once again responsible for the eastern capital's affairs, alongside Grand Master Duan Da, Minister Yuan Wendo, Acting Minister Wei Jin, and General Huangfu Wuyi.
After Yuwen Huaji killed Emperor Yang of Sui, Yuan Wendu and others held a discussion. Yang Dong, the son of Crown Prince Yuan De (Yang Zhao), was the closest in lineage to the emperor. Therefore, they all rallied behind him to become emperor, proclaimed amnesty across the realm, and changed the era name to *Huangtai*. Emperor Yang of Sui was posthumously honored as Emperor Ming, with the temple name Shizu; Crown Prince Yuan De was honored as Emperor Xiaocheng, with the temple name Shizong; his mother Liu Liangdi was honored as Empress Dowager. At the same time, Duan Da was appointed as the Minister of the Interior, Grand General of the Right Guard, acting Minister of Rites; Wang Shichong also served as the Minister of the Interior, Grand General of the Left Guard, acting Minister of Personnel; Yuan Wendu was appointed as the Minister of the Interior, Grand General of the Left Guard; Lu Chu also served as the Minister of the Interior; Huangfu Wuyi was appointed as the Minister of War, Grand General of the Right Guard; Guo Wenyi was appointed as the Deputy Minister of the Interior; Zhao Changwen was appointed as the Yellow Gate Attendant. They were entrusted with all these important matters, and special gold and iron certificates were created and stored in the palace. At that time, the people of Luoyang called Duan Da and others the "Seven Nobles."
Not long after, Yuwen Huaji declared Prince Qin Yang Hao as emperor and then led his troops to Pengcheng. Many cities along the way surrendered to him. Yang Dong was filled with fear, so he sent envoys Gai Cong and Ma Gongzheng to reach out to the leader of the Wagang Army, Li Mi. Li Mi then sent envoys to request surrender, which delighted Yang Dong, and he was very polite to Li Mi's envoys. Li Mi was promptly appointed as Grand Commandant, Minister of the Interior, and Duke of Wei, and was sent to resist Yuwen Huaji. Yang Dong also wrote a letter to Li Mi:
"Our Great Sui Dynasty has been ruling the world for thirty-eight years. Emperor Gaozu Wenhuan had literary and martial achievements, creating a prosperous age. Emperor Shizu Ming followed the ways of heaven and earth, unifying the Han people and the minority ethnic groups at the borders. From Panmu Mountain in the east to Xiliu in the west, from Danjiao in the north to Youdu in the south, wherever the sun shines and the rain falls, all people, no matter what they look like, are subject to the rule of the Great Sui Dynasty."
Moreover, all the treasures of the world have converged at the court, with a continuous stream of auspicious signs. We have established a system of rites and music, transforming social customs. Our rule extends throughout the world, benefiting the common people, even if they are unaware. The Emperor, who was the founding emperor, previously toured the south before ascending to the throne in the palace. This visit was meant to reassure everyone. Therefore, in the previous years, he toured various places, received tributes, paused the imperial procession, cleared the roads, and all ceremonies remained unchanged.
Who could have imagined that such a tragedy would occur, chaos would engulf the palace, and disaster would swiftly threaten the Emperor himself? On the day of the Emperor's passing, we were all plunged into deep grief, crying out in anguish, unable to endure this devastating loss.
I heard that since ancient times, there have been those greedy and cruel courtiers and disrespectful sons. Which dynasty has not encountered such things? Take Yuwen Huaji for example; people say he is a good-for-nothing. His father, Yuwen Huashu, was favored by the emperor from a young age, given a marriage, appointed to high office, with a high position and great power, a generous salary, and lavish treatment that was unmatched, enjoying imperial favor. But he never showed gratitude to the emperor. Yuwen Huaji, despite his mediocrity, was always favored by the emperor, entering the court and serving by the emperor's side. He was sent to the frontier before, later commanded the imperial guards, and even participated in the succession of the throne, rising to a high official position. But his true nature was cruel and greedy, associating with evil parties, robbing, and committing numerous crimes, with a mountain of charges against him. The emperor forgave him repeatedly, pardoning him many times; even when he committed serious crimes, he always managed to evade punishment. Dismissed three times, reinstated three times, even exiled to remote areas, only to be recalled later. The emperor's favor for him was immense; such rewards and promotions were unheard of. Yet he was treacherous and worse than a beast, actually raising troops in rebellion and capturing the palace. Members of the royal family and siblings were all cruelly killed by him, the scene was too horrific to put into words. The
Now, all the princes and ministers, officials, believe that the country cannot be overthrown, and the principal villain must be swiftly eradicated. Everyone should support me together and inherit the throne. I recognize my limitations and know I may not be up to the task, but now I am ready for battle, leading the army personally, swearing to eliminate harm for the people and quell the rebellion. We will soon mobilize to quell the rebellion. Moreover, Yuwen Huaji actually falsely enthroned the son of the King of Qin as the emperor, imprisoned other members of the royal family, and declared himself a ruler, behaving as if he were the emperor. He occupied the imperial palace, acting with brazen arrogance and shamelessness. Although the court ministers are afraid of his power on the surface, they are full of anger inside. Our righteous army, by the will of heaven, will definitely eliminate these evildoers and achieve victory soon!
Lao Wei, he truly and sincerely considers the country, has a particularly broad strategic vision, and is very skilled in leading troops into battle! Leading the loyal forces to suppress the rebels. The soldiers are all brave and eager to be the first to charge, like bears charging into battle, with drums and horns sounding together, the momentum is huge, just like a fierce fire, swords swinging, invincible in all directions, as quick as hot water melting snow.
Lao Wei is wholeheartedly trying to save the country, leading the charge, and I personally lead the six armies closely behind. This battle is progressing remarkably well; it's akin to flattening dry leaves and moving mountains. Moreover, our army is all loyal, the guards in the capital long for their hometowns, and the people of Jiangnan are also looking forward to returning home soon. During this time, reports and letters are constantly being exchanged, everyone is in contact with each other; the moment the royal army arrives, those rebels will surely surrender, like melting ice and falling leaves.
As for those rebels, now people's spirits are broken; even the heavens can't stand by. They randomly kill innocent people and oppress the people. When people encounter them on the road, they are too scared to look directly at them, only able to cry bitterly, filled with grievances. I am now seeking to avenge the people by eliminating the mastermind and rescuing those who are suffering. I hope that the heavens bless our nation with peace, so that everyone can feel my resolve and unite with me. When we kill the traitors, rewards will be given based on merit; we'll celebrate in style. By then, the world will be at peace, and I will be satisfied. As for all matters of the army, follow General Wei's command.
The secret envoy found Yang Dong, who was overjoyed and quickly knelt facing north, in a show of great respect. Then Yang Dong refused Li Mi's request for help. The "Seven Lords" were very dissatisfied with this and secretly planned to deal with Yang Dong. Not long after, Yuan Wendu, Lu Chu, Guo Wenyi, and Zhao Changwen were killed by Wang Shichong, and Huangfu Wuyi escaped back to Chang'an. Wang Shichong went to see Yang Dong, apologized to him, and appeared genuinely sincere. Yang Dong thought he was quite sincere, so he let him into the court, and the two of them, in front of everyone, let their hair down and swore an oath to never go back on their word. From then on, Yang Dong no longer meddled in Wang Shichong's affairs.
But Yang Dong felt quite uneasy. He consulted his secretary Lu Shiji on how to deal with Wang Shichong, but their plans were unsuccessful. After Wang Shichong defeated Li Mi, he gained even more support. He declared himself King of Zheng, took control of the court, received the Nine Bestowments, and enjoyed various imperial privileges. Yang Dong felt powerless to stop it. Duan Da, Yun Dingxing, and ten others approached Yang Dong and said, "The will of heaven is unpredictable. King Zheng has great achievements; you should abdicate in his favor, following the example of Tang Yao and Yu Shun." Yang Dong was furious upon hearing this, responding, "The realm was established by the founding emperor, and the Eastern Capital belongs to the founding emperor. If the Sui Dynasty's fortunes had not declined, you wouldn't even think to say such things! Even if heaven's will is truly changing, it's not for you to suggest abdication! Some of you were officials of the previous dynasty, serving faithfully, while some were diligent in royal affairs. Now you speak such words; what do you expect me to think of you!" Yang Dong's expression turned serious, intimidating the guards. After the court session, Yang Dong wept before his consort. Wang Shichong dispatched a messenger to Yang Dong, saying, "The realm is still unsettled; it needs a long-term ruler. When the realm is at peace, I will return the throne to you. I will not break our pact." Yang Dong had no option but to cede the throne to Wang Shichong and was subsequently confined to Hanliang Palace. Wang Shichong usurped the throne and proclaimed himself emperor, bestowing the title Duke of Lugu upon Yang Dong, along with a fief of five thousand households.
One month later, Yu Wenrutong, Pei Renji, and others conspired to kill Wang Shichong and reinstall Yang Tong as emperor. The conspiracy was exposed, and they were all killed. Wang Shichong's brother, Wang Shiyun, advised him to kill Yang Tong to prevent future troubles. Wang Shichong sent his nephew, Wang Xingben, with poisoned wine to meet Yang Tong, saying, "Please drink a cup, Your Majesty." Yang Tong knew he could not escape, requested to see his mother but was denied. Yang Tong then laid out a mat, burned incense, worshipped the Buddha, and chanted: "From now on, I hope not to be born in the royal family again." He then drank the poisoned wine. He did not die quickly; he was later strangled with a silk cord. Wang Shichong hypocritically gave him the posthumous title "Emperor Gong."
Prince Qi Yang Jian, styled Shiju, nicknamed Ahai, was strikingly handsome, with exceptionally well-defined eyebrows and eyes, and was cherished by his grandfather, Yang Jian (Emperor Gaozu), from an early age. During the Kaihuang era, he was titled Prince of Yuzhang, with a fiefdom of one thousand households. As he grew up, he read extensively and excelled in horseback riding and archery. Initially serving as the Minister of the Interior, during the Renshou era, he was appointed as the Governor-General of Yangzhou, in charge of military affairs in the region south of the Huai River.
After Yang Guang ascended the throne as Emperor (Emperor Yang), Yang Jian was promoted to Prince of Qi, with his fiefdom increased to five thousand households. In the second year of Daye, when Yang Guang first went to the Eastern Capital Luoyang, the spectacle was grand, and Yang Jian was responsible for leading the troops to maintain order. Shortly after, he was transferred to be the Governor of Yuzhou. Following the death of Crown Prince Yuande, everyone in the court and the people were focused on who would inherit the throne, and many believed Yang Jian was the most suitable candidate. Yang Guang even instructed the Minister of Personnel, Niu Hong, to meticulously select officials, resulting in many sons of high-ranking officials being promoted.
In the second year, Yang Yan was transferred to Yongzhou and soon after to Henan, and was also appointed to the official title of "Kaifu Yitong Sansi." Yang Yan now commanded over 20,000 subordinates of Prince Yuande. His status and treatment continued to rise; even Princess Le Ping and other royal relatives began to curry favor with him, and officials rushed to visit him as the streets were bustling with people.
As for the Prince of Qi, this kid was especially arrogant and overbearing, mixing with bad people and engaging in all sorts of misdeeds. He had Qiao Lingze, Liu Qian'an, Pei Gai, Huang Fuchen, Kudi Zhongqi, and Chen Zhiwei find him some beautiful women, good horses, and hunting dogs. With their backing, he grew increasingly reckless. Whenever they spotted a beautiful girl, they would falsely claim to be acting on behalf of the Prince of Qi, bring the girl to the prince's mansion, secretly indulge in sordid acts, and then let the girl go. Kudi Zhongqi and Chen Zhiwei even went to Longxi to harass the ethnic minorities, forcibly seizing their prized horses and then presenting a few of the stolen horses to the Prince of Qi. They told the Prince of Qi that these were rewards from the emperor, but then secretly kept them for themselves, and the Prince of Qi had no idea.
As for Princess Le Ping, she once told the emperor about a beautiful girl from the Liu family, and the emperor didn't say anything at the time. Later, the princess later gifted this Liu family girl to the Prince of Qi. Naturally, the Prince of Qi was thrilled and took her as a concubine. Later, the emperor asked the princess where that Liu family girl was, and the princess said, "She's with the Prince of Qi." The emperor was displeased to learn of this. In the Prince of Qi's mansion in the eastern capital, the main gate suddenly collapsed under mysterious circumstances, and the beams in the office area broke. Those in the know felt this was an ominous sign.
Later, the emperor went to Yulin to hunt, with the Prince of Qi leading fifty thousand infantry and cavalry in tow, always staying several dozen miles behind the emperor. The emperor was hunting in the Fenyang Palace grounds and ordered the Prince of Qi to bring a thousand cavalry to help surround the prey. The Prince of Qi caught a lot of elk to present to the emperor, but the emperor didn't catch a thing, which made him furious. The ministers around him all said that it was the Prince of Qi's men deliberately keeping the wild animals away from the emperor. The emperor was completely furious this time, starting to investigate the Prince of Qi's responsibility and punishing him.
It was stipulated at the time that county magistrates could not leave the city casually, but the county magistrate of Yi Que, Huang Fu Jian, sneaked out to have some fun outside Luoyang city, violating the regulations. There was a guy from Jingzhao named Da Xi Tong, whose concubine Wang Shi sang particularly well, and those high-ranking officials liked to invite her to sing at gatherings, so Da Xi Tong also often visited the Wang family. The censor Wei Deyu found out about Huang Fu Jian's situation and secretly told the emperor. The emperor was livid and dispatched thousands of soldiers to search Huang Fu Jian's house, investigating everything about him.
Huang Fu Jian's wife was the daughter of the Minister of Civil Affairs, Wei Chong, who had died early. Later, Huang Fu Jian actually had an affair with his deceased wife's sister and even had a daughter, something no one knew about. He privately invited Qiao Lingze to his mansion for drinks and a good time, and Qiao Lingze happily took off Huang Fu Jian's hat to celebrate. He even called in a fortune teller to check out the backyard, and the fortune teller pointed to Huang Fu Jian's younger sister-in-law and said, "The child she’ll have one day will be an empress and live in great wealth!" At that time, the country had no crown prince, so Huang Fu Jian thought it was his time to become emperor. He was feeling anxious since Crown Prince Yuande had three sons, so he secretly dabbled in witchcraft, trying to curse them.
These matters were later revealed, the emperor was furious, and Qiao Lingze and others were beheaded. Huangfu Wei's sister-in-law was also executed, and officials in Huangfu Wei's household were all exiled to the border. At that time, Prince Zhao Gao was still young; the emperor told his ministers, "Huangfu Wei is my only son. If not for this, I would have had him dragged out and executed as a warning to others!" Since then, Huangfu Wei's favor gradually declined; though he remained the mayor of Jingzhao, he no longer involved himself in political matters. The emperor also sent a military officer to watch him all day, reporting to the emperor immediately if Huangfu Wei seemed suspicious. The emperor was always worried that Huangfu Wei would rebel, so the guards assigned to him were all old and infirm, merely for show. Huangfu Wei lived in a state of perpetual fear and anxiety every day. Once, when the emperor was celebrating at Jiangdu Palace, Huangfu Wei wore court dress to attend court, and mysteriously, blood appeared on his pants. Another time, he was in the fasting room and saw dozens of rats run in front of him; then all died, each missing its head. Huangfu Wei felt particularly scared. Not long after, Xue Wanche staged a rebellion, and his forces stormed the palace. Upon hearing this, the emperor asked Empress Xiao, "Is it Huangfu Wei's doing?" This illustrates the depth of the emperor's suspicion of Huangfu Wei. Xue Wanche sent men to capture Huangfu Wei, who was still asleep a
Zhengdao, this boy, is a posthumous child. Later, he went to the Turks with Queen Xiao. The Turkic Khan appointed him as the King of Sui, and he was put in charge of all the captured Chinese people in the north, where he lived in Dingxiang City. After the fall of the Turks, Zhengdao returned to the Tang Dynasty and was appointed as an official in the Office of the Imperial Clan.
Prince Zhao Gao, whose nickname was Jizi, was made the Prince of Zhao at just seven years old during the ninth year of the Daye era of the Sui Dynasty. He later became a Grand Minister of Public Works and served as the Prefect of Henan. He followed Yang Guang to Huainan and was temporarily appointed as the Prefect of Jiangdu by Yang Guang. Gao was smart and handsome, and he could recite all the poems and verses composed by Yang Guang. He was very filial, and once, because of the windy weather, when Yang Guang lost his appetite, Gao also didn't eat anything all day. Another time, when Queen Xiao wanted to undergo moxibustion therapy, Gao requested to test the temperature of the moxa stick first, but Queen Xiao did not agree. Gao cried and pleaded, "I have already tried all the medicines the Queen takes. Now, please let me test the temperature of the moxa stick first!" He cried so sadly that Queen Xiao, moved by his filial piety, canceled the moxibustion therapy and showed him more love. Later, when Yang Guang was murdered, Gao was by his side, crying bitterly. Pei Qiantong killed Gao in front of Yang Guang, and his blood sprayed onto Yang Guang's clothes. At that time, Gao was only twelve years old.
Historical records say: Prince Yuande was cautious and steady, with the demeanor of an emperor, but unfortunately died young, which is truly a tragedy! Although Prince Qi was smart and clever, his ambitions were not grand enough, and he was somewhat proud and arrogant, so Yang Guang kept his distance and was cautious around him. There was a lack of affection between father and son, but they maintained the formalities of monarch and subject. By failing to accumulate virtue and perform good deeds, the country faced calamities. As a result, Prince Zhao, Prince Yan, and Prince Yue all met tragic ends, which is truly tragic!
