Yang Jian, the founding emperor of the Sui Dynasty, was originally from Huayin in Hongnong Commandery, and his surname is Yang. His family can trace its ancestry back eight generations to a man named Yang Zhen, who served as the Grand Marshal during the Han Dynasty—pretty impressive, huh? His descendant, Yang Xuan, was the Governor of Beiping in Yan. Yang Yuanshou's son, Yang Huigao, was the Governor of Taiyuan; Yang Huigao had a son named Yang Lie, who was also the Governor of Taiyuan; Yang Lie had a son named Yang Zhen, who served as the General of Ningyuan; Yang Zhen had a son named Yang Zhong, who is our emperor's father. His father joined the uprising with Emperor Wu of Zhou, fighting in Guanshi, and was granted the surname Puliru. He rose to the ranks of Duke of Zhu, Grand Minister, and Duke of Sui, eventually passing away and posthumously honored as Grand Protector and given the title Duke Huan.
His mother was of the Lü clan, and on the night of Gui Chou in June, during the seventh year of the Daxing era of Western Wei, she gave birth to Yang Jian at the Banna Temple in Fengyi. That night, a purple aura filled the sky—it was quite miraculous! A nun from Hedong came and told Yang Jian's mother, "This child has a remarkable destiny and cannot be raised in an ordinary family." The nun then took Yang Jian to a separate residence and personally cared for him. One time, while holding Yang Jian, his mother suddenly noticed horns growing on his head and scales on his body, which startled her so much that she dropped him. The nun came in and said, "You scared him, which is why he’ll only become emperor later." Yang Jian had quite distinctive features; his chin was like that of a dragon, with five bony ridges on his forehead leading to the top of his head, bright and piercing eyes, and even a "king" character on his hand! He had a narrow upper body and a wide lower body, with a serious look that commanded authority. When he attended the Taixue to study as a child, even his closest friends didn’t dare to joke around with him.
At the age of fourteen, Xue Shan, the magistrate of Jingzhao, recognized his talent and appointed him as a court clerk. At the age of fifteen, due to the achievements of his father Yang Zhong, he was granted the titles of Cavalier Attendant-in-Ordinary, General of Chariots and Cavalry, and Duke of Chengji County. At sixteen, he was promoted to General of the Cavalry and was also appointed as Director of the Palace. Emperor Wu saw him and exclaimed, "The demeanor and bearing of this child are unmatched by ordinary people."
Later, when Emperor Ming ascended the throne, Yang Jian was appointed as Right Minor Palace Attendant and further ennobled as Duke of Daxing Commandery. Emperor Ming once sent the famous physiognomist Zhao Zhao to assess his fortune, and Zhao Zhao deliberately said, "At most, he will only reach the rank of General-in-Chief." Then privately to Emperor Wu, he said, "You will become the ruler of the world in the future, but you must go through great bloodshed to stabilize the world. Remember my words."
After Emperor Wu ascended the throne, Yang Jian was promoted to Left Minor Palace Attendant. He was then sent as an inspector to Sui Prefecture, and his rank rose to General. Later, he was summoned back to the court, coinciding with his mother's illness. For three whole years, he did not leave his mother's side night and day, and people praised his filial piety at the time. When Yuwen Hu was in power, he was particularly wary of Yang Jian and tried several times to harm him. Fortunately, with the protection of General Hou Fu and Hou Shou, he managed to avoid harm. After that, Yang Jian inherited the title of Duke of Sui.
Emperor Wu married Yang Jian's eldest daughter to the crown prince as a consort, further valuing Yang Jian. Prince Qi Yuwen Xian once said to Emperor Wu, "Yang Jian has a remarkable appearance. Every time I see him, I feel uneasy. I'm afraid he is not an ordinary person. Your Majesty, please make early arrangements." Emperor Wu said, "At most, he is just a military commander." The Minister of the Interior, Wang Gui, hurriedly advised Emperor Wu, "The crown prince is not cut out to govern the world. Yang Jian's appearance has ominous signs." Emperor Wu was somewhat displeased and said, "If this is the destiny ordained by Heaven, then what can be done!" Yang Jian was very afraid, so he began to act low-key and tried not to attract attention.
During the Jian De period, he led thirty thousand naval troops and defeated the Qi army at the river bridge. The following year, he assisted the emperor in pacifying the Qi state and was promoted to the title of Zhu Guo. Later, he teamed up with Yu Wenxian in Jizhou and defeated the King of Rencheng from Qi, Gao Zhen, and was appointed as the governor of Dingzhou. Earlier, the west gate of Dingzhou had long been closed. During the reign of Emperor Wenxuan of Qi, someone suggested opening it for easier passage, but the emperor refused, saying, "A sage will come in the future to open it." As a result, when Gaozu arrived, the west gate opened, and everyone found it quite miraculous. Shortly after, he was reassigned as governor of Bozhou. After Emperor Xuan ascended the throne, thanks to his father-in-law's influence, he was bestowed the titles of Shang Zhu Guo and Da Sima.
During the Daxiang period, he was promoted to Da Hou Cheng and You Si Wu, and soon after was reassigned as Da Qian Yi. Each time the emperor went on an inspection tour, he would leave him in charge of guarding the capital. At that time, the emperor was compiling the "Xing Jing Sheng Zhi," which contained very strict legal provisions. Gaozu believed that the laws were too numerous and not helpful for educating the populace, and he advised the emperor multiple times, but the emperor did not listen. Gaozu's power grew increasingly larger, and the emperor started to feel uneasy around him. The emperor had four favored concubines, all of whom held the title of empress. Each household vied for favor, often scheming against each other and frequently backstabbing one another. Whenever the emperor got angry, he would tell the empress, "I will definitely destroy your entire family!" He would then summon Gaozu and instruct those around him, "If his expression changes, kill him immediately!" When Gaozu showed up, he stayed calm as always, so the emperor did not take any action against him.
In the second year of the Daxiang era, in May, Emperor Gaozu was appointed as the governor of Yangzhou. Just as he was preparing to depart, he suddenly fell ill with a foot disease and was unable to go. A few days later, the emperor died. At that time, Emperor Jing was still young and unable to manage state affairs. Grand Historian Zheng Yi and Imperial Secretary Liu Fang, seeing that Gaozu was the father of the empress and widely supported by the people, falsely claimed to have a decree from the emperor and invited Gaozu to the palace to oversee state affairs and command the military nationwide. The princes of the Zhou dynasty were in their respective fiefs, and Gaozu worried that they might cause trouble, so he used the pretext of the Zhao prince seeking a marriage alliance with the Turks to summon them all to the capital. After the emperor's burial, the Zhou emperor appointed Gaozu as the acting commander with the yellow decree and as Left Chancellor, and all officials obeyed his orders. Zhengyang Palace was established as the Chancellor's residence, appointing Zheng Yi as the Chief Historian and Liu Fang as the General, along with other officials. During the reign of Emperor Xuan, the laws were harsh, leaving the people anxious and restless. However, now, Emperor Gaozu was vigorously promoting benevolent governance, the laws were simple, and he practiced frugality, which made the people very happy.
In June, the Zhao prince, Prince Chun of Chen, Prince Sheng of Yue, Prince Da of Dai, and Prince You of Teng all arrived in Chang'an. As a result, the governor of Xiangzhou, Wei Chi Qiong, an old-timer who saw himself as an important court minister and was disgruntled due to his seniority, led a rebellion in Dongxia. Troops from Zhao and Wei states rallied to him, and within a few days, his forces swelled to over one hundred thousand. Additionally, Yuwen Zhou brought troops from Xingzhou, Shi Shen brought troops from Jianzhou, and Xi Bi brought troops from Pei County, while Xi Bi's brother Cha Luo brought troops from Yanzhou, all rallied to Wei Chi Qiong. Wei Chi Qiong even sent his son to Chen state for help. Emperor Gaozu ordered Grand Duke Shang, Duke Wei Xiaokuan of Yun, to lead an expedition against him.
At this time, Bi Wangxian, the Governor of Yongzhou, along with the Zhao King, Chen King, and five other princes, had initially looked forward to the reign of Emperor Gaozu, but they secretly conspired to rebel. Emperor Gaozu directly captured and killed Bi Wangxian, while the offenses of the other princes were recorded but not pursued. Then Emperor Gaozu ordered that these five princes could enter the palace in their court attire and not have to pay respects during court sessions, all to appease them.
In July, the generals of Chen State, Chen Ji and Xiao Mohe, led troops to attack Guangling, but Yu Yi, the governor of Wuzhou, counterattacked and defeated them. In Guangling, a man named Du Qiaosheng led a rebellion, but the Inspector, Yuan Yi, put down his rebellion. Wei Xiaokuan defeated Yuchi Jiong in Xiangzhou, beheaded him, and sent his head to Chang'an, while the other rebels were also suppressed. Initially, when Yuchi Jiong rebelled, Sima Xiaonan, the governor of Yuzhou, also joined him, and many states and counties in Huainan followed suit. Emperor Gaozu sent the governor of Xiangzhou, Wang Yi, to suppress them, and Sima Xiaonan fled to Chen State. The tribes in Jingzhou and Yingzhou seized the opportunity to revolt, so Emperor Gaozu sent the governor of Bozhou, He Ruoyi, to pacify them.
Previously, Wang Qian, the Grand Minister, served as the governor of Yizhou. Seeing the young emperor in power while Emperor Gaozu wielded the real authority, he raised troops from Bashu to rebel, claiming he was restoring the state. At that time, Emperor Gaozu was busy dealing with the rebellions in Dongxia and Shannan and had no time to deal with him. Wang Qian stationed his troops at Jian Gate and even took Shizhou. Only then did Emperor Gaozu send the Marshal of the Army and Grand Minister Liang Rui to campaign against him, beheading Wang Qian and sending his head to Chang'an, thereby quelling the rebellion in Bashu. Due to the treacherous terrain in Bashu and the people's tendency to rebel, Emperor Gaozu repaired the roads and dismantled the road at Jian Gate, and erected a monument to caution future generations.
The conspiracy secretly plotted by these five princes became increasingly serious, so Emperor Gaozu brought wine and food to the Zhao Wang's residence as a guest to see what they were really plotting. As a result, the Zhao Wang had soldiers ambushed in the residence and planned to attack during the banquet he was hosting for Emperor Gaozu. Emperor Gaozu was nearly in danger, but fortunately, Yuan Zhao saved him, and the details are recorded in Yuan Zhao's biography. Ultimately, Emperor Gaozu executed Zhao Wang Zhao and Yue Wang Sheng.
In September, the Crown Prince Yong was appointed as the Chief Administrator of Luozhou and the Deputy Minister of the Tokyo Palace. This is excellent news!
On the day of Renzi, Emperor Zhou Wu issued an edict, which stated roughly: "I hereby appoint Huang Yao, who holds the imperial seal, as the Left Chancellor, overseeing military affairs both domestically and abroad, and as the Grand Chancellor, Duke of Sui, Yuwen Hu. You are truly a rare talent bestowed by heaven and favored by the divine! Your noble virtue is renowned throughout the realm. Since you entered the court as an official, everyone has held you in high regard. You have made many contributions to the country, and your influence is felt throughout the court and the people. You assisted the late emperor and helped me, this lonely one, govern the country, just as heaven and earth nurture all things and yin and yang harmonize the universe. Recently, the country has faced internal troubles and external threats. With your ambition and exceptional strategy, you have quelled the rebellion and removed the sources of instability within the country, restoring peace to the realm. This is all your achievement! Across the nation, many officials should learn your way of governing. Now that the country is stable and the great cause has been achieved, you are the pillar of the nation! Therefore, I have decided to appoint you as the Grand Chancellor, and the positions of Left and Right Chancellors will be abolished, while all other official positions will remain unchanged."
On the day of Ren Shen in the tenth month of the lunar calendar, the emperor issued another edict, posthumously conferring titles upon Gaozu's ancestor Lie as Pillar of the Nation, Grand Protector, and Governor of military affairs in ten provinces, including Xu and Yan, as well as the title of Duke of Sui, with the posthumous title of Kang; posthumously conferring titles upon Zu Zhen as Pillar of the Nation, Grand Tutor, and Governor of military affairs in thirteen provinces, including Shan and Pu, as well as the title of Duke of Sui, with the posthumous title of Xian; posthumously conferring titles upon his father Yuwen Zhong as Senior Pillar of the Nation, Grand Master, Grand Chancellor, and Governor of military affairs in thirteen provinces, including Ji and Ding, as well as the title of Governor of Yongzhou. Sadly, on this day, King Chen Chun was also executed. On the day of Gui You, Wei Xiaokuan, Senior Pillar of the Nation and Duke of Yun, passed away. On the day of Xin Wei in November, King Dai Da and King Teng You were also executed.
On the day of Jia Zi in December, Emperor Wu of Zhou issued another edict:
Heaven is so vast that only a sage can achieve harmony between heaven, earth, and humanity; only the supreme ruler can maintain the balance of yin and yang to govern the workings of heaven and earth. Therefore, he was entrusted with great responsibilities, to benefit the people and accomplish great undertakings. He held important positions such as the Yellow Seal, holding the edict, Grand Chancellor, Governor of military affairs both internally and externally, Senior Pillar of the Nation, Grand Chancellor, and Duke of Sui, coinciding with the best of times, bearing the heavy responsibilities of generations to come, with his family flourishing and his household prominent. His ambitions mirrored those of Yi Yin, as he dedicated himself to realizing the prosperous era of Yao and Shun; his character resembled that of Confucius, governing the realm through cultural and martial virtue.
When he first entered government service, he was charming and talented, renowned far and wide, and the court ministers looked up to him as a model, while scholars and gentlemen viewed him as a teacher. Whether serving in the court or as a local official, he achieved remarkable political accomplishments and gained even greater renown. He once pacified the Eastern Xia, at a time when the people's hearts were still unsettled; the areas south of Yan and north of Zhao were the nation's treasure. He held the edict staff, commanded the army, won people over with virtue, and taught them through proper conduct, earning the respect of the populace, who respected him like a deity or the sun. His achievements and virtues are still celebrated today.
The Huaihai region has been desolate for many years. He was sent to guard the southern border and select only capable individuals. His reputation struck fear across the land and educated the populace. He held important positions, responsible for national affairs, and handled all major state matters. When the emperor went on a tour, he stayed behind to manage government affairs. Even Zhou Gong's position in Shaanxi pales in comparison to his; the responsibilities of the ministers of the Han Dynasty in the Guannei region were far from being comparable to his.
It is said that the world is in chaos, the previous emperor passed away, and at a young age, I faced the hardships of war. I was entrusted with the heavy responsibility of defending the country by the late emperor. Traitors took advantage of the situation, plotting to seize power; their intentions were evident, but the time was not yet ripe. I quietly built up strength, biding my time and exploring every avenue to save the country, stabilize the people, and ensure that those criminals received the punishment they deserved. Chaos reigned along the banks of the Yellow River, the Three Wei regions were at war, the world was restless and unstable, the situation was precarious, the ancestral heritage was facing collapse, and the lives of the people were in imminent danger. The Anlu region rose up first, and the flames of war spread to the Wu and Yue regions in Jiangnan. Rebel forces swarmed in, causing chaos in the Jianghan region, and the Bashu region was also restless, attempting to compete for dominance. The roads in Qin were blocked, and the Han Dynasty's borders faced immense pressure.
Therefore, I summoned generals, formulated a military plan, the generals understood my strategic intent, and the soldiers were greatly motivated, fulfilling their mission by quickly quelling the rebellion. After considerable effort, stability was restored, governance was effective, officials performed their duties, and the court was orderly. Under my rule, the country was peaceful, the seas were calm, there was success in both civil and military affairs, unity at home and abroad, and submission from near and far. I inherited the late emperor's aspirations, worked hard to govern, my reputation spread far and wide, and my governance philosophy gained widespread recognition. Thinking of Yi Yin assisting Shang Tang, Huo Guang assisting Emperor Wu of Han, my achievements are no less impressive than theirs.
In ancient times, the region around Yingqiu and Qufu was a place with many vassal states, and both Chong'er and Xiaobai, two rulers, received different honors. Xiao He established a comprehensive ceremony for appointing officials, and the titles of the vassal states' fiefs were also strictly ranked. Since the time of the Ji and Liu dynasties, there have been wise monarchs and good governance strategies in all generations, so we should follow the system of our ancestors and inherit the fine traditions. Now, I have decided to appoint you as the Prime Minister, commanding all officials, abolishing the titles of military governors of the internal and external forces and the Grand Chancellor, elevating your title to that of a king, and granting you the twenty counties, including Chongye County in Sui State, Anlu County, Chengyang County in Yunzhou, Yiren County in Wenzhou, Pingjing County and Shangming County in Yingzhou, Huainan County in Shunzhou, Yongchuan County in Shizhou, Guangchang County and Anchang County in Changzhou, Yiyang County and Huai'an County in Shenzhou, Xincai County and Jian'an County in Xizhou, Runan County, Linying County, Guangning County, and Chu'an County in Yuzhou, Caiyang County in Caizhou, and Handong County in Yingzhou. You will enjoy privileges such as wearing your sword and shoes when entering the court, not having to bow when attending court, and not having to kneel when paying respects. You will also be granted the Nine Rites, as well as the seal, distant travel cap, Prime Minister's seal, and green silk ribbon. Your status will be higher than that of other vassal kings. The official positions under the Prime Minister of Sui State will continue to adhere to the original system. Lao Gaozu declined once more, but everyone insisted. In the end, he only accepted the title of king and the jurisdiction of ten counties. Then, the emperor ordered that Gaozu's ancestors and father be posthumously granted the title of king, and Gaozu's wife was also appointed as queen. On the Xinsi day, Sima Xiaonan led troops to attack Jiangzhou, but the Governor of Jiangzhou, Cheng Xiuning, successfully repelled them.
In the first year of Dading, on the Renzi day of the second month, the emperor issued an order saying, "The surnames previously bestowed are to be restored to their original surnames." On the same day, the emperor issued another decree saying, "Yi Yin and Zhou Gong assisted the emperors, not rejecting special rewards; Duke Huan and Duke Wen dominated the feudal lords, also accepting special rewards. This is to commend their achievements and illuminate their immortal undertakings. Prince Sui, you have already received the imperial edict before, which was indeed a grand ceremony, but you have been modestly declining, without uttering a word. It is now time to formally announce your title, as before. Your merits come first, but the rewards come later, and you have repeatedly declined, which truly goes against my wishes! All officials should be ordered to persuade you to accept at the palace. As long as everyone works together, you will definitely accept it. If there are any memorials against it, do not let me know." The next day, on the Guichou day, civil and military officials alike went to the palace to persuade Gaozu to accept the title of king. Only then did Gaozu accept it. On the Jiayin day, the ceremony of enthronement began, and the emperor read the edict: "Hear ye, the appointed bearer of the Yellow Axe, the envoys holding the command, the Grand Chancellor, the commander of all military affairs inside and outside, the chief pillar of the country, the Grand Prime Minister, Prince Sui: The operation of heaven and earth relies on the efforts of the people to succeed; the sun and moon's movements also depend on the royal way for their cycles. All kinds of materials in the world are produced by the changes of yin and yang and the five elements. Who can create all things as the heavens do? Only a great sage can do so. Your ancestors have long served the imperial dynasty, accumulated virtues, and your father was an outstanding prime minister. Your family's esteemed qualities have been passed down from generation to generation, and your talents are also extraordinary. You have restored the nation, stabilized the realm, and quelled uprisings, and are beloved by officials and the people. Yi Yin relied on foresight to educate the people, while Zhou Gong promoted the royal way throughout the world. You stand on equal footing with them. Now I officially appoint you as king, please listen carefully to my orders."
I've had my share of bad luck, inheriting the throne at a young age. Disasters have befallen me, and I have experienced much misfortune since childhood. Villains and traitors are scheming in the shadows, filling the palace with constant worry and fear. You, entrusted by the late emperor, have been assisting me wholeheartedly, reconciling internal and external conflicts, strategizing in secret, and thwarting the schemes of the treacherous. Thanks to your guidance, the dynasty has been revitalized, laying the groundwork for our future prosperity!
For generations, my ancestors have placed great trust in you. You commanded the imperial army and oversaw border affairs, renowned for your military strategy and political acumen. Leading the troops into battle, you conquered Jinzhou and Weizhou with ease, demonstrating the might of a lion in Pingyang and the courage of a leopard in Jizhou. After pacifying the East Xia, you ensured stability from Congtai in the north to Yishui in the south, from Jingxing in the west to the sea in the east. Under your leadership, the troops became disciplined and the people obedient, like imprints in soft clay and grass bending in the breeze. Your contributions are invaluable!
The rebellious states of Wu and Yue resisted for many years, stretching beyond the Huaihai region. You reorganized the army and stationed it in Bozhou, using force to deter enemies while employing kindness to win over distant territories. Thieves scattered, and homes stayed open, as the people admired your benevolence and flocked to you for refuge with their families. Your positive influence from the north reached the south, thanks to your efforts!
During Emperor Xuan's reign, you bore significant responsibilities, overseeing the Eight Tuns Guards in the palace and commanding nine campaigns outside. You were diligent in patrolling and guarding, strictly enforcing the military's hunting regulations. This is also to your credit! The emperor frequently traveled to various regions, often leaving you behind in the capital, managing the affairs of civil and military officials alike, as well as consulting and reporting on state matters. Everything was handled in an orderly manner, allowing the emperor to rest easy. This is also to your credit!
In my youth and ignorance, everything relied on your management. Although the royal foundation was strong, there were many treacherous scoundrels who colluded with rogues and plotted against the state. The country had just experienced decline, and they began to scheme again, plotting against the state for decades, eventually revealing their true colors. You dealt decisively with those treacherous ministers and rebels, thus stabilizing the ancestral temple. This is also to your credit!
Wei Jiong was arrogant and tyrannical, raising an army in Ye City, intending to direct his spear at the northern gate and surround the Southern Dipper with his crossbows, wanting to conquer the Three Wei regions, shaking the very foundations of the realm. He gathered an army of a million, like snakes, insects, rats, and ants, drying up the Qi and Huan rivers. The fate of the common people rested in the hands of these vicious bandits, and their lifespans were no longer determined by fate. You swiftly rallied the troops, trained the soldiers, took an oath in the He Shuo region, and prepared for battle in Shandong. You personally explained military strategies, teaching them formations step by step, crafting tactics based on the enemy's movements, and quickly set the stage for victory. The soldiers followed your orders, and the warriors were moved by your noble actions, not fearing sacrifice, fighting valiantly, and marching thousands of miles. The Yellow River was stained black, and the piled corpses resembled towering altars. The chaos in a hundred cities was swiftly quelled. This is also to your credit!
Qingtu Lian occupied Eastern Qin, relying on abundant resources and strategic terrain. They sought to invade the Sanfu region, vie for control of the world, and even annex the Six States. They exploited the harsh weather to further their tyranny. You uprooted their foundation, causing their power to naturally collapse. Your benevolence and integrity won them over. This is also your credit!
The remnants in the Shenbu region, having taken over a territory, swarmed like flies and ants, attacking cities and seizing land. Your generosity guided them back to the right path, submitting to the court without wasting a single arrow. This is also your credit!
Yuwen Zhou, a royal family member stationed at a vital border post, influenced by rebels in Ye City, rebelled, intimidating officials and betraying cities. You sent troops to capture him, imprisoning him in Wulao, just like any common prisoner, ultimately bringing him to justice. This is also your credit!
Tan Rang and Xi Pi amassed a large army north of the Yellow River, transforming villages in Chen, Han, Liang, Zheng, Song, Wei, Zou, and Lu into dens of wolves and tigers, while the people became prey. The strong preyed upon the weak, with doors in cities closed during the day and no one in the streets. You commanded the troops to swiftly quell the rebellion, beheading Tan Rang and executing Xi Pi. This is also your credit!
Sima Xiaonan, who had marital ties to the royal family, stationed in Anlu, was notoriously greedy and oppressive, seizing wealth and plundering the people's children and belongings. He arbitrarily executed court envoys and officials, fearing retribution, he fled south upon hearing of the imperial army's approach. Even the punishments meted out during the times of Tang, Yao, and Shun pale in comparison to what he received, nearly the same as the punishment of the Han Dynasty. He fled into the dense mountains and forests, and only then did Jingzhou and Yingzhou achieve stability. This is also your credit!
Wang Qian stirred up trouble in Shu, closing the Jian Gate and Ling Pass, fancying himself as the reincarnation of the Five Ding Warriors, thinking no one could take him down. You led your troops to battle, swiftly suppressing the rebellion and capturing and executing Wang Qian, completely restoring order in Shu. This is also your merit!
Chen Xu inherited the legacy of the false dynasty, occupying Jinling, and repeatedly sent troops to harass the northern regions of the Yangtze River. You led the local troops and wiped them out entirely. What you did went beyond just comforting the troops; it also helped stabilize the border. This is also your merit!
This esteemed elder really dedicated himself to the country! Not only is he highly respected, but he's also been humble and careful since he took office, working hard for the court. His talents and reputation are well-known both within and outside the court, drawing up ambitious plans that have a big impact. He keeps the officials in harmony and the gates secure, never looking to benefit himself. He respects the worthy and appreciates accomplishments, promoting old officials, commending good deeds, and continuing the interrupted accomplishments. He can be both generous to others and strict in law enforcement, keeping order in the court and preserving the dignity of the royal family. It seems like fate is especially kind to him, with good weather and lots of good omens, as if an ancient wise king were right here with us. His achievements and virtues will be remembered for generations, and his influence will spread far and wide, delving into the mysteries of the universe.
I have heard that in ancient times, wise rulers would grant corresponding land and titles to officials upon their appointment to show their favor. They could recruit talented individuals and bestow treasures to consolidate their rule and appease the people. Therefore, the state could be stable, and the ruler could enjoy peace without having to attend to every detail personally. This old minister has made remarkable contributions, yet he has only received meager rewards, which is a real disservice to his contributions. As the Son of Heaven, I must depend on the common people; just thinking about this fills me with anxiety. In the past, I adhered to the traditions of my ancestors, acted cautiously, and even declined court visits. A year has passed, and people are murmuring, unsure of what to think of me. Now, I have decided to appoint him as Chancellor, overseeing all officials, and grant him twenty prefectures as fiefs to establish the Sui State. I have ordered the envoy to present the Chancellor's seal to Duke Qigong Chuan and Duke Jincheng Zhao Xuan. The Chancellor holds a high and powerful position, overseeing all officials, and past duties and regulations should adapt to the new circumstances.
Consider this: in ancient times, Emperor Yao's chief minister held the title of Grand Commander, Emperor Shun's assistant was the Minister of Works, Ji Dan assisted the Zhou king, and Huo Guang assisted the emperor of the Han dynasty. None of them ruled over their fiefs as kings; instead, they assisted the ruler in the court. Therefore, this old minister will oversee all officials as Chancellor and will no longer hold other official positions. I will grant him the seals of the Grand Chancellor and the Grand Minister of State.
The emperor has rewarded you with nine precious treasures again, hoping you will listen carefully to the following decree: You are upright, self-disciplined, meticulous in handling cases, compassionate towards the people, setting a model for future generations, leading the people to goodness. Therefore, I bestow upon you a grand carriage and a military carriage, each with two black steeds. You are diligent in governance, benefiting the people, valuing agricultural production, making both the public and private sectors prosperous. Therefore, I bestow upon you court ceremonial robes paired with red socks. You educate the people with traditional music of Xuanxuan and change customs with the traditional dance of Liuyi, bringing joy near and far, harmonizing heaven and earth. Therefore, I bestow upon you the music of Xuanxuan and the dance of Liuyi. Your benevolent influence and education spread to the ends of the earth; even the remote and desolate places feel your grace. Therefore, I bestow upon you a vermilion gate as your residence. You are like a mirror, reflecting human relations, selecting officials fairly, discovering and promoting talents. Therefore, I bestow upon you the steps used for court attendance. You wield great power in the court, lead by example, rectify governance, showing no mercy to lawbreakers and dismissing them without hesitation. Therefore, I bestow upon you three hundred warriors... (original text missing)... Therefore, I bestow upon you an axe and a battle-axe. You are as majestic as the summer sun, as shrewd and resolute as autumn frost, suppressing rebellion, clearing out treachery, unstoppable in your actions. Therefore, I bestow upon you a red bow, one hundred red arrows, ten Lu bows, one thousand Lu arrows. You are filial to your parents, impressing the heavens and earth, reverently carrying out sacrificial rites, showing them the same respect as if they were still living. Therefore, I bestow upon you a vessel of libation and a jade cup. The official positions below the prime minister in the Sui dynasty continue to follow the old system. Take heed! Follow the previous strategies diligently, uphold the grand ceremonies, show compassion to the people, inherit the will of the Emperor Taizu. Thus, steps were constructed, and official positions were instituted.
On the day of Bingchen, the Emperor issued an edict to crown Wang Mian with the twelve-crest diadem, erect the imperial banners, and conduct a ceremonial procession during his tours, with an escort clearing the way for the procession, riding in a golden carriage drawn by six horses, equipped with a secondary carriage for various ceremonies, erecting flagpoles and canopies, performing the eight-ritual dance (the Bayue dance), and installing bells, drums, and palace decorations. The princess was conferred the title of queen, and the eldest son was conferred the title of crown prince. Wang Mian declined the title three times before finally accepting it.
It is said that later, the Emperor of the Zhou Dynasty, in response to the people's support, issued an edict saying: "Since the beginning of heaven and earth, there have been rulers; the mandate of heaven is neither eternal nor unchanging; only virtue can long assist it. Both heaven and the human world emphasize the selection of virtuous and capable individuals, and the people of the world joyfully support him, rather than one person monopolizing the world. Now, the Zhou Dynasty's fate is waning, as demons and monsters emerge one after another, brothers suspicious of each other, and vassal lords attacking one another, leading to great chaos in the world. Many places have people wanting to declare themselves emperor or king, which threatens the foundation of my ancestors, like a fragile thread that could break at any moment. Yet you, Wang of Sui, are a wise and benevolent ruler bestowed by heaven, distinguished in both literary and martial prowess, governing with a focus on both law and ceremony, caring for the people as if they were your own, sharing the sorrows of the people as if they were your own. You personally lead your soldiers to quell rebellions, eliminate treachery, and bring peace to the world; your reputation has spread far and wide. Compared to the achievements of Yu and Shun over twenty years, or the accomplishments of Ji Fa over decades of rule, your accomplishments far exceed them. Moreover, the virtue of wood has waned, while the virtue of fire has ascended, and signs of dynastic change have appeared in the He and Luo regions, with the stars indicating signs of a dynastic transition. Now that the world is peaceful and the people live and work in contentment, this is all the will of heaven. Although I am unintelligent and cannot see the situation clearly, the will of heaven is clear, and I grasp it well. Therefore, I obey the mandate of heaven, will abdicate to a different palace, and pass the throne to you, following the precedents set by Tang, Yao, Shun, Han, and Wei."
Gaozu (Sui Wendi, Yang Jian) declined three times, refusing to accept. So the emperor of the Zhou Dynasty sent Yang Chun, who held the titles of Grand Tutor, Upper Pillar of State, and Duke of Qi, to bring the edict to him...
Ah, Sui Emperor, listen! In the beginning, when heaven and earth were first created, heaven decreed the selection of a sage to govern the world. A ruler must respect heaven, manage the common people well, live in harmony and ensure that all beings benefit. It is not because of a large territory or high status that one becomes a ruler.
Take the Daiting clan (大庭氏), the Xuanyuan clan, and even further back to the Lian clan and the Hexu clan; they were all tranquil and non-contentious, not competing for power. While we can't specify the details right now, it's all recorded in historical texts that you can refer to. When it comes to sages, none are more remarkable than Yao and Shun. When Yao held the position of Grand Commandant, he wrote essays on governing the world; when Shun held the position of Minister of Works, he summarized the experiences of ruling the state and ensuring peace. In their time, officials set aside their airs and shared meals together, united in assisting Yu in governing the world, just like in ancient times. This was all because they followed heaven's will and accepted it!
When Shang Tang overthrew Xia and Zhou Wuwang overthrew Shang, although their methods were different, both were in accordance with heaven's will, seeking benefits for the people; the reasoning is the same. From the Han Dynasty to the Jin Dynasty, and then to the Wei and Zhou Dynasties, the rise and fall of each dynasty were determined by heaven's will. Those with high virtue and prestige could become emperors, while those who only sought personal enjoyment could not. This reasoning aligns with what we previously discussed regarding Wenzu and Shenzong.
The virtue and fortune of the Zhou Dynasty were nearing their end, disasters continued to occur, and treacherous individuals among the royal family and relatives were stirring, wanting to seize power. I looked around the palace, thinking of preserving the state, as the feudal lords and vassals rebelled one after another, plunging the world into chaos. The various regions were in turmoil, clashing like blades, writhing like snakes, and competing like birds, making it difficult to move an inch.
And I, graced by heaven, with virtuous conduct, am here to save the declining state, restore the fallen state, rescue the people submerged by floods, extinguish the spreading fires, eradicate evildoers both within and beyond the city, and disperse the dark clouds of evil looming on the distant borders. My conduct is in line with the natural order, and the divine power fills the heavens and the earth. In the farthest corners of the world, within the four seas, all nations, large and small, cheerfully rally behind me. In recent years, shooting stars have crossed the night sky, visible even during the day; the winds from all directions are blowing like in the prosperous days of the Xia dynasty, and the five stars aligning like during the Han dynasty are signs of a dynastic change, evident for all to witness. Lately, a vermilion bird heralded auspicious signs, a mysterious turtle appeared, strange sounds resonated from the stone bells, a dragon emerged from its cave, and the signs of a new era are unmistakable. The world is united in spirit, all creatures lend their support, both mortals and deities eagerly await this day; I am not alone in this understanding.
I follow the will of heaven and heed the people's wishes, and today I respectfully abdicate the imperial throne to you. Heaven's blessings will soon wane, and the emperor's fortune will also come to an end. "Alas! You must earnestly uphold the path of harmony, use laws and regulations as your guide, ascend the round altar to worship the heavens, govern the imperial court and the populace, shoulder the responsibility of ruling the realm, and establish a lasting legacy; isn't this a momentous occasion!"
I dispatched the Grand Preceptor, the Grand Marshal, and Duke Zhao Ji of Jincheng to present the emperor's seal and court attire, and all the officials urged my decision. Therefore, Gaozu accepted the imperial throne.
In the first year of the Kaihuang era, on the first few days of the second month, the Emperor, in plain clothes, entered the palace from the Prime Minister's residence and officially ascended the throne in the Lingguang Hall. A platform was set up in the southern suburbs to worship the heavens, and people were dispatched to conduct sacrificial ceremonies to report to the heavens. On that day, offerings were also made to the ancestral temple, a general amnesty was granted, and the era name was officially changed. Auspicious clouds appeared over the capital. The Sui Dynasty's official system continued the traditions of the Han and Wei dynasties. Gao Kang was appointed as the Left Chancellor of the Ministry of Personnel and concurrently as a counselor, Yu Qingze as the Supervisor of the Inner History and concurrently the Minister of Personnel, Li Delin as the Minister of Inner History, Wei Shikang as the Minister of Rites, Yuan Hui as the Minister of the Capital, Yuan Yan as the Minister of War, Changsun Pi as the Minister of Works, Yang Shangxi as the Minister of Revenue, and Yang Hui as the Grand General of the Left Guard.
The next day, the Emperor posthumously honored his father as Emperor Wu Yuan, with the temple name of Taizu, and his mother as Empress Yuanming. He then sent eight envoys to various regions to observe local customs and conditions. The day after that, the ancestral temple and the state altar were restored. The Dugu clan was named Empress, and Crown Prince Yang Yong was designated as the Crown Prince. Another day later, Zhao Xuan was appointed as the Right Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Yi Louyan Gong as the Grand General of the Left Guard. Afterward, the Emperor of the Zhou Dynasty was bestowed the title of Duke of Jieguo, with a fief of five thousand households, recognized as a guest of the Sui Dynasty. The ceremonial practices of the Zhou Dynasty remained intact. The memorials of the Sui Dynasty did not have to be written in tabular form, and the Emperor's replies did not need to be called edicts. The princes of the Zhou Dynasty were all reduced to dukes.
Subsequently, the Emperor's younger brother Yang Shuang was appointed as the Governor of Yongzhou. Yang Hui was appointed as the King of Teng, Yang Shuang the King of Wei; Yang Guang the King of Jin, Yang Jun the King of Qin, Yang Xiu the King of Yue, and Yang Liang the King of Han. Li Mu was appointed as the Grand Preceptor, Dou Chi as the Grand Tutor, Yu Yi as the Grand General, Tian Rengong as the Grand Preceptor of the Crown Prince, Liu Min as the Guardian of the Crown Prince, Sun Shu as the Junior Preceptor of the Crown Prince, and Su Wei as the Junior Guardian of the Crown Prince. Afterwards, Yang Guang was appointed as the Governor of Bingzhou, Yang Zhiji as the King of Cai, and Yang Jing as the King of Dao. Then, five thousand official cattle were distributed to the poor.
One day in March, a red bird, a black bird, and a white bird appeared in Gaoping, Taiyuan, and Chang'an respectively. The locust tree in front of Xuanren Gate displayed intertwined branches. The White Wolf Kingdom presented gifts. The planet Tai Bai was visible during the day for two consecutive days. Yuan Jingshan was appointed as the governor of Anzhou. It was forbidden to offer dogs, horses, toys, and exotic animals as tribute. The ban on offerings from mountains and marshes was lifted. He Ruobi was appointed as the governor of Chuzhou, and Han Qinhua was appointed as the governor of Luzhou. Zhouchi County presented an intertwined tree, which was planted in the palace. Dou Yi was appointed as the governor of Dingzhou. Su Wei concurrently served as the Minister of Rites and the Minister of Personnel, while other officials remained unchanged.
The emperor issued a decree stating: "Since ancient times, the change of emperors and the granting of titles and fiefs have mostly been related to changes in fortune. I ascended the throne by divine mandate and unified the world, considering the development and changes of things. The handling of certain matters may differ. However, the emperors of the past all worked towards governing the world; those who have made contributions will continue to receive rewards and titles as usual. As long as it is beneficial to the country, there should be a unified standard; why distinguish between the past and the present? The title system of the past can still be used." Emperor Xiao Kui of the Liang Dynasty sent Xiao Yan and Liu Yi to congratulate. One day in April, a general amnesty was declared. Tai Bai and the planet Suixing appeared during the day. The orchestra of the Taichang Temple was disbanded, and the instruments were distributed to the people. All kinds of acrobatics and performances were prohibited. Envoys from the Chen Dynasty, Wei Ding and Wang Cai, arrived just in time for the Sui Dynasty's abdication ceremony, and they paid their respects to Duke Jieguo. This month, the Sui Dynasty summoned the Xiongnu to construct the Great Wall, but work was halted twenty days later.
On a certain day in May, Yang Xiong was appointed as the King of Guangping, and Yang Hong as the King of Hejian. The Duke of Jie passed away, and the emperor held a mourning ceremony at court, with his relatives inheriting the title. On a certain day in June, the emperor issued an edict, stating that because he had just received the mandate of heaven, the red sparrow descended as an auspicious omen, and the five virtues were mutually generated. Red represents the virtue of fire, so during the sacrificial rites and ancestral worship, red ceremonial robes should be worn, and the clothing, banners, and sacrificial animals for court meetings should all be red, while military uniforms should be yellow. On a certain day in July, the emperor began to wear yellow clothing, and all officials came to congratulate him. The Mohe chieftain presented gifts. On a certain day in August, the government offices in Dongjing were disbanded. The Turkic Khagan Apokhan presented gifts. Yuan Xie was dispatched to Qinghai to attack Tuyuhun, defeating them, and Tuyuhun surrendered. On a certain day in September, relief was provided to the families of those who died in the war. The general Zhou Luohou captured Hushu, and Xiao Mohe invaded north of the Yangtze River. Yang Xiu was appointed as the Governor of Yizhou and was reappointed as the King of Shu. Changsun Lan and Yuan Jingshan were appointed as the commanding generals to campaign against the Chen dynasty, and Gao Jiang was appointed as the commander of all armies. The Turkic Khagan Shaboluo presented gifts. This month, the issuance of the five-zhu coins began. On a certain day in October, King Gao Yang of Baekje sent envoys to offer congratulations, and the Sui dynasty appointed him as the Grand Minister, equivalent to the Three Excellencies, and Duke of Fang County. New legal codes were enacted. The emperor inspected Qizhou. On a certain day in November, Dou Rongding was appointed as the Grand General of the Right Martial Guard. Zheng Huai was sent as an envoy to the Chen dynasty. A meteor appeared, and the sound was like a collapsing city wall, illuminating the ground. On a certain day in December, Er Zhu Chang was appointed as the Governor of Jinzhu. Wei Shikang was appointed as the Minister of Personnel. Yuan Gun was appointed as the Kuo Prefecture Governor, and Wei Xuan as the Huai Prefecture Governor. The emperor returned from Qizhou. King Gao Yang of Goryeo sent envoys to pay tribute, and the Sui dynasty appointed him as the Grand General and Duke of Liaodong. Liu Min passed away.
In the beginning of the first month, the emperor visited the home of Wang Yi, the Pillar of the Nation, and a few days later went to the home of Princess Chang of Ancheng. The emperor of the Chen Dynasty died, and his son Shu Bao ascended the throne. Afterwards, the court set up the Ministry of Personnel Affairs in Hebei Province in Bingzhou, appointing Prince Jin Yang Guang as the Minister of Personnel Affairs; in Luozhou, the Ministry of Personnel Affairs was established in Henan Province, appointing Prince Qin Yang Jun as the Minister of Personnel Affairs; in Yizhou, the Ministry of Personnel Affairs was established in the Southwest Province, appointing Prince Shu Yang Xiu as the Minister of Personnel Affairs. The Chen Kingdom sent envoys to seek peace and returned Husu to us. Goguryeo and Baekje also sent envoys to pay tribute. The emperor ordered the selection of virtuous and capable people.
In the beginning of the second month, the emperor commanded Gao Feng and others to return to the capital. Afterwards, Prince Jin Yang Guang was appointed as the Grand General of the Left Guard, and Prince Qin Yang Jun was appointed as the Grand General of the Right Guard, while the positions of other officials remained unchanged. The emperor also visited the home of Duke Dugu Tuo of the Zhao Kingdom. On that day, the capital had a muddy rain. On a certain day in the third month, the emperor ordered the opening of a canal to channel the Du Yang River to Sanchu Plain. On a certain day in the fourth month, Dou Rongding was appointed as the Grand General of the Left Guard. Grand General Han Sengshou triumphed over the Turks at Jitou Mountain, while the Pillar of the Nation, Li Chong, also triumphed over the Turks at Hebei Mountain. On a certain day in the fifth month, Chang Sunping was appointed as the Minister of Revenue. On that day, a serious drought hit, and the emperor personally visited the prisoners, and then it rained heavily. Gao Baoning led a rebellion in Pingzhou, and the Turks invaded along the Great Wall. Huangfu Ji was named the Minister of Justice. Yu Yi passed away. The emperor renamed the Imperial Seal as the "Seal of Mandate."
One day in June, Su Xiaoci was appointed Minister of War, and Prince Wei Yang Shuang was appointed Governor of Yuanzhou. The emperor sent envoys to offer condolences to the State of Chen. Li Chong defeated the Turkic forces at Mayi. Chi Li Chang was appointed Governor of Lanzhou, and Erzhu Chang was appointed Governor of Xuzhou. The emperor proclaimed, "I have been blessed by heaven to rule over all nations, but the palace where I currently reside is an old building left by the previous dynasty. I have always felt that while the builders of the palace worked hard, those who reside here live in comfort, so I never thought about rebuilding. However, the ministers in the court have all advised me to rebuild. They argue that from the times of Yao and Shun through the Xia, Shang, Zhou, and Han dynasties, emperors have moved their capitals multiple times, and there has never been a dynasty that did not move its capital. After the Cao Wei and Western Jin dynasties, successive dynasties have stuck to the old ways, which reflects the complacency of the last generation, rather than the lofty ambitions of the sages. This city has existed since the Han dynasty and has suffered years of neglect, enduring countless wars and chaos. The current palace is merely a stopgap, not a location selected through divination or astrological observation, and is not suitable as the imperial capital to gather subjects from across the realm. After deliberation, all agreed that the capital should be relocated. The region surrounding Longshou Mountain boasts stunning landscapes and abundant resources, which will serve as the enduring foundation of the nation. Regarding the scale of the new capital's palaces and residences, construction costs, and other matters, feel free to report back at any time." The emperor then assigned Gao Feng, Liu Long, Helou Zigang, Gao Longcha, and others to oversee the construction of the new capital.
On a day in August, Dou Rongding was appointed Governor of Qinzhou. On a day in October, Crown Prince Yang Yong stationed troops in Xianyang to defend against the Turks. The Emperor recovered from illness, held a banquet for the officials in Guande Hall, rewarded them with money, allowing them to take what they wanted, and the officials all did their best. He Louzigang was appointed Minister of Works. In November, Goryeo sent tribute. On a day in December, the Emperor reviewed the troops in the rear garden. Dou Yi passed away. The Emperor renamed the new capital to Daxing City. Yu Qingze stationed troops in Honghua to guard against the Turks. The Turks attacked Zhou Pan, resulting in Da Xi Changru's defeat. The Emperor rewarded the learned students. The Emperor made personal visits to the prisoners. In January of the year 607 AD, as they were about to move to the new capital, the Emperor issued a general amnesty and prohibited large swords and spears. On Guihai, Goryeo sent envoys to pay their respects. On the first day of February, there was a solar eclipse. Afterwards, the Emperor hosted a banquet for the meritorious soldiers from the north. Then, Chen Guo sent envoys He Che and Xiao Bao to congratulate. But a few days later, the Turks invaded the border, causing a headache. On the day of Jiaxu, a large turtle was caught in Jingyang, its significance unclear. On the day of Guiwei, Li Licheng was promoted to Grand General of the Right Wuwei. On Dingwei in March, Xie Qing'en passed away, a significant figure, a noble and county lord. On the day of Jixu, Da Xi Changru was appointed Governor of Lanzhou. On Bingchen, it rained all over the country, and the Emperor moved into the new capital dressed casually. It is said that a spring also emerged in Liquei, the capital. On Dingsi, the Emperor ordered the nationwide collection of lost books. On Gengshen, the Emperor hosted a banquet for the officials, rewarding each differently. On Guihai, the city walls of Yuguang were repaired.
On the Jisi day in April, Yi died; he was also a Grand Minister and the Duke of Jianping. On the Gengwu day, Tuyuhun attacked Lintao again, and Pi Zixin, the Governor of Taozhou, was killed in battle. On the Xinwei day, Goryeo sent envoys again. On the Renshen day, Zhao Xuan concurrently took the position of Neishi Ling. On the Dingchou day, Teng Wangzan became the Governor of Yongzhou. On the Jimao day, King Wei Shuang defeated the Turks at Baidao. On the Gengchen day, Yin Shou also won a victory, defeating Gao Baoning at Huanglong. On the Jiashen day, there was a severe drought, and the emperor personally went to the southwest of the capital city to pray for rain. On the Bingxu day, the emperor called on the entire nation to study hard and observe etiquette. Liang Yuan was promoted to Governor of Wenzhou. On the Jichou day, Zhang Ziji, the lord of Yingzhou in Chen State, sent someone to seek surrender; the emperor, in a gesture of goodwill, did not agree. On the Xinmao day, Xue Shu and Wang Shao were sent as envoys to Chen State. On the Guisi day, the emperor again personally went to pray for rain. On the Jiwu day, the Turks sent envoys as well, which was a bittersweet development.
On the Guimao day in May, Li Huang defeated the Turks at the Mo Na ferry. On the Jiachen day, Goryeo's envoys came again. On the Yisi day, Xiao Cong, the Crown Prince of Liang, came to congratulate the emperor on the capital's relocation. On the Dingwei day, the Mohe paid tribute with some items. On the Wushen day, Yin Shou, the Governor of Youzhou, passed away. On the Xinyou day, the emperor conducted a sacrificial ceremony at Fangze. On the Renshu day, Dou Rongding defeated the Turks and Tuyuhun in Liangzhou. On the Bingyin day, the emperor pardoned the death sentences of prisoners from Huanglong and below.
On the Gengwu day in June, the son of King Wei Shuang was officially titled Prince of Suian. On the Wuyin day, the Turks came to seek peace. On the Gengchen day, Liang Yuan defeated Tuyuhun at Erhan Mountain and also killed one of their notable kings. On the Renshen day, Yan Rong was promoted to Governor of Qingzhou. On the Jichou day, Wang Hong of Hejian was appointed Governor of Ningzhou. On the Yuwei day, the emperor visited Princess An Chang's residence.
On the Xin Chou day in July, Zhou Yao was promoted to Governor of You Prefecture. On the Ren Xu day, the Emperor issued an edict commending Du You and Fan Tai Mei for their loyalty and righteousness, and granted them special rewards. The edict reads as follows: "Those who act with benevolence and uphold righteousness, lead moral teachings, and promote customs and virtues should be recognized and rewarded. Previously, the Shandong River region was beset by chaos, leaving many isolated cities unable to defend themselves. Du You, the Governor of Jiyin, was trapped by bandits, his life hanging in the balance, while Fan Tai Mei, the provincial administrator, risked his resources to protect him, sparing him from humiliation. Their sincere actions and integrity are truly commendable and deserve rewards beyond the usual measures to inspire others. Tai Mei may be appointed as the Grand General and given the title of Acting Governor of Xiangzhou." On the Ding Mao day, there was another solar eclipse. On the Ding Chou day in August, the Mohe people presented tribute once more. On the Ji Mao day, Li Li Cheng was promoted to Governor of Xiang Prefecture. On the Ren Wu day, Gao Qiang and Yu Qingze led their forces in a campaign against the Hu. On the Wu Zi day, the Emperor performed a sacrifice to the Great God of the Land.
On Renzi day in September, the emperor went to the east of the city to inspect the crops. On Guichou day, the emperor issued a general amnesty across the realm. On Jiaxu day in October, the Henan Dao Provincial Office was abolished, and Prince Qin Jun was appointed as the governor of Qin Province. On Jiyou day in November, the emperor sent people to inspect the customs of various places and issued a decree saying: "As the ruler of the realm, I deeply consider governance techniques, intending to make people follow civilization, replace punishment with virtue, seek the goodness of the land and the well-being of the people in the villages. The people's true feelings all deserve to be heard. I have already ordered relief efforts to be implemented wherever needed, and they must serve as my eyes and ears. If there are talents in civil and military affairs who have not yet been recognized, they should be sent out with courtesy, and I will promote them. Those with lofty aspirations and exceptional virtues, who stand out from the rest, should also be sent to receive commendations, so that they may do good deeds and encourage others. The matters of officials far and wide, as well as the customs of distant lands, both great and small, must be documented and reported daily. This will ensure that we can know what is happening thousands of miles away without leaving our homes." On Gengchen day, envoys Zhou Fen and Yuan Yan from the Chen Kingdom came to pay respects, and the emperor of Chen Kingdom heard of the emperor's extraordinary appearance, so he had Yuan Yan paint a portrait of the emperor to take back. On Jiawu day, all counties in the realm were dissolved. On Yimao day in the leap twelfth month, Cao Lingze and Wei Dan, two envoys, were sent to the Chen Kingdom. On Wuwu day, Dou Rongding was promoted to the position of Right Martial Guard General, and Su Wei was promoted to the position of Minister of Civil Affairs. On the first day of the first month in the fourth year of the reign, there was a solar eclipse. A few days later, the emperor visited the ancestral temple to conduct sacrifices. Subsequently, Emperor Xiao Kui of the Liang Dynasty came to pay his respects. Later, a grand archery competition took place in the Beiyuan, lasting ten days. During this period, Qizhou experienced a significant flood. Reports also emerged from Yuzhou of a creature resembling a deer with a single horn growing from its hoof that was captured. Finally, a new calendar was officially announced.
In early February, the emperor hosted a banquet for the emperor of the Liang Dynasty at his palace. A few days later, the Mohe people brought various tributes. At the same time, over ten thousand men, women, and children from the Turkic Sunni tribe surrendered. The emperor also went on a secret visit to Longzhou. Even the Turkic Khan Ashina Dan came to surrender with his followers, which was quite a significant event! One day in April, the emperor issued an order stating that all parents and children over the age of fifteen of governors and inspectors could no longer accompany them to their official posts. After that, the emperor promoted Yu Qingze to Right Minister of Personnel, Yang Shangxi to Minister of War, and Liu Ren'en to Minister of Justice. He also appointed Chali Changcha as the governor of Xinzhu. Subsequently, the emperor hosted a banquet at the Daxing Hall for the envoys from the Turkic, Goryeo, and Tuyuhun states. Then, he appointed Helou Zigang as the governor of Yuguan.
One day in May, the Khitan leader Mohefu sent someone to request surrender and was appointed as a general. After that, Feng Yu was appointed as the governor of Fenzhou, and Lü Zhongquan was appointed as the governor of Yanzhou. One day in June, the emperor ordered a pardon for a group of prisoners. After that, Yifu Shi was appointed as the governor of Jizhou, and Dou Luji was appointed as the governor of Xiazhou. During this time, the emperor also ordered the digging of a channel from the Wei River to the Yellow River to ease grain transportation. King Li Jun of Qin came to pay his respects. One day in July, the State of Chen sent Xie Quan and He Deji to pay a visit. One day in August, the emperor sent ten envoys to inspect the country. King Wei Shuang came to pay his respects. On the same day, King Li Jun of Qin married a concubine, and the emperor hosted a banquet for the officials, giving gifts to everyone, though the amounts varied. After that, Dou Chi passed away. The emperor then hosted a banquet for King Qin's subordinates and gave them gifts. After that, the emperor hosted a banquet for the envoys of the State of Chen. Xiahou Miao, the general of Chen State, requested to surrender, but the emperor declined to accept it in order to maintain peace.
One day in September, the emperor visited Princess Xiangguo's residence. Afterwards, the emperor traveled to Ba Shui to inspect the canal and rewarded those involved in the project. The emperor personally heard cases against the prisoners. The Khitan officially submitted. The emperor went to Luoyang, and the Guannei region experienced a famine. During this time, the Tai Bai star was seen during the day. One day in November, the emperor sent Xue Daoheng and Dou Lushi as envoys to the Chen Kingdom. Helou Zigang was appointed governor of Yunzhou.
In the spring of the fifth year AD, on the Wuchen day of the first month, the emperor ordered the implementation of a new ceremonial system. On the Wuwu day of the third month, the Left Minister Shangshu Gao Feng was appointed Grand General of the Left, and the Right Minister was appointed Grand General of the Right. These were all significant court events, arranging the national affairs properly.
By summer, on the Jia Wu day of the fourth month, the Khitan leader Duomi sent envoys bearing various tributes. On the Ren Yin day, Grand General Wang Yi conspired to rebel and was executed. Alas, what a shame. On the Yi Si day, the emperor summoned six Confucian scholars from Shandong to the capital. On the Wu Shen day, the emperor's entourage returned from Luoyang. On the Jia Shen day in May, the emperor ordered the establishment of a granary for emergencies, which was beneficial for the country and its people. Emperor Xiao Kui of the Liang Dynasty passed away, and his son Xiao Cong succeeded to the throne. Simultaneously, the court sent Grand General Yuan Qi as an envoy to the Turks to meet the Khagan.
In autumn, on the seventh day of the seventh month in the Gengshen year, Chen Guo sent Wang Huahe, the Grand Master of Ceremonies and Cavalry Supervisor, as well as Ruan Zhuo, the Cavalry Supervisor, to pay their respects. On the day of Dingchou, Yu Wenqing, the Senior Pillar of State, was appointed to the position of Governor-General of Liangzhou. On the day of Renwu, the Tujue Shabolue Khan presented a tribute to declare allegiance to the Great Sui. On the thirteenth day of the eighth month, the Shabolue Khan sent his son Kuhe Zhenteqin to pay respects to the Emperor. On the day of Jiachen, several states in Henan were flooded, and the Emperor sent Su Wei, the Minister of Civil Affairs and Duke of Pingguo, to assist with disaster relief efforts. On the day of Wushen, hundreds of meteors appeared in the sky, falling in all directions, which was considered an ominous sign! On the day of Jiyu, the Emperor spent a few days at Linyuan Palace. On the seventh day of the ninth month, the Emperor returned from Linyuan Palace. On the day of Yichou, the Emperor ordered Baobi to be renamed Dubei and Babao to Zishui. Zhan Wenchet, a general of Chen Guo, went to Hezhou to plunder but was captured by Fei Bao, the Yitong Sansi. On the day of Bingzi, the Emperor sent Li Ruhe, the Grand Master of Ceremonies and Cavalry Supervisor, and Cui Junshan, the Cavalry Supervisor, to visit Chen Guo.
In winter, on the twelfth day of the tenth month in the Renchen year, Yang Su, the Senior Pillar of State, was appointed to the position of Governor-General of Xinzhou, and Tu Wanxu, the Governor-General of Shuozhou, was transferred to Xuzhou as its Governor-General. On the day of Jiazi in the eleventh month, Yuan Xiong, the Grand General, was appointed to the position of Governor-General of Shuozhou. On the day of Dingmao, Prince Jin Guang came to pay respects to the Emperor. On the day of Dingwei in the twelfth month, the Emperor ordered a pardon for a group of prisoners. On the day of Wushen, Daxi Changru, the Senior Pillar of State, was appointed to the position of Governor-General of Xiazhou. This year, there were frequent personnel changes in the court, and one major event followed another.
In the year 606 AD, on the first day of the first month, the Dangxiang and Qiang tribes surrendered to the imperial court. In the same month, the emperor sent envoys to the Turks. Afterwards, Wei Guang was appointed as the governor of Anzhou; Su Wei, the Minister of Civil Affairs, was sent to Shandong for inspection. In the second month, seven prefectures, including Shannan Jingzhou and Xizhou, experienced devastating floods, and the court sent Chang Sun Pi, the former Minister of Works, to provide disaster relief. Following this, the court mandated that the governors' deputies report to the capital at the end of each year for performance evaluation. Subsequently, the court drafted 110,000 young men for the construction of the Great Wall, but the project was suspended after twenty days. In the same month, Cui Hongdu was appointed as the governor of Xiangzhou; the court issued a general amnesty throughout the realm.
In the third month, a Luoyang man named Gao De submitted a memorial, suggesting that the emperor abdicate in favor of the Crown Prince. The emperor responded, "I have been entrusted by Heaven with the heavy responsibility of caring for the people, and I work diligently every day, always feeling I could do better! How could I, like the incompetent emperors of recent times, not learn from the experiences of my predecessors and pass the throne to my son for my own enjoyment?" In the same month, an envoy from the Turks, led by Sha Bolue, presented tribute. In the fourth month, envoys Zhou Pan and Jiang Chun from the Kingdom of Chen came to pay their respects. In the seventh month, Henan's prefectures suffered significant flooding. In the same month, the capital experienced a drizzle, with raindrops ranging from two feet long to six or seven inches, resembling horse manes. In the eighth month, seven prefectures in Guannei experienced a severe drought, and the court granted them tax exemptions. Subsequently, the court sent envoys to the Kingdom of Chen. Li Mu, the Grand Preceptor Duke of Shenguo, passed away. In the intercalary month, Duan Wenzhen was appointed as the governor of Lanzhou; the Crown Prince was stationed in Luoyang; Prince Guang of Jin and Prince Jun of Qin both came to pay their respects to the emperor.
Liang Shiyan, Yuwen Xin, and Liu Fang were executed for conspiracy, while Yuwen Shan was removed from office for misconduct. In September, the emperor, dressed in plain clothes, shot arrows in the shooting hall and ordered all officials to shoot arrows together, also rewarding the families of Liang Shiyan and his two associates. In the same month, Yuan Jingshan passed away; Li Xun was appointed as the governor of Xizhou; the court ordered relief for the families of soldiers who had sacrificed themselves for the country since the year associated with the elephant. In October, Prince Jin Guang was appointed as the governor of Yongzhou, while other official positions remained unchanged; Yang Shangxi was reassigned from Minister of War to Minister of Rites; the Mountain South Road Administrative Office was established in Xiangzhou, with Qin Wang Jun serving as the Shushi Ling; Luo Pingnan was appointed as the governor of Diezhou, and Zhou Fashang was appointed as the governor of Huangzhou; a gentle rain fell in Hualin Garden.
On the first day of the first month of the seventh year, on Guisi, the emperor went to the Grand Ancestral Temple for worship. On Yimai, it was decreed that each state must send three people to the court every year. On February 14, on Dingsi, the emperor went to the eastern suburbs to worship the sun. On the 16th, on Jisi, the State of Chen sent Wang Heng, a concurrent Cavalry Officer, and Wang Shen, a concurrent Direct Cavalry Officer, to pay homage. On the 19th, on Renshen, the emperor visited the Liquan Palace. This month, over 100,000 strong men were conscripted to build the Great Wall, but work was halted after twenty days.
On April 6, on Jiyou, the emperor visited the home of Prince Jin. On the 7th, on Gengxu, the excavation of the Shanyang Canal began in Yangzhou to improve shipping. The Turkic Khagan Shabolue died, and his son Yong Yulu ascended the throne, later known as the Dulan Khagan. On the 10th, on Guihai, the emperor issued the Qinglong talisman to the governors and magistrates in the east, Zouyu in the west, Zhuque in the south, and Xuanwu in the north. On the 11th, on Jiaxu, he dispatched Yang Tong, a concurrent Cavalry Officer, and Cui Lin, a concurrent Direct Cavalry Officer, as envoys to the State of Chen. Minister of Civil Affairs, Su Wei, was reassigned as Minister of Personnel.
On the first day of May, in the year of the Pig, it got dark, and a solar eclipse occurred. On the fifth day of the month, in the year of Ji Mao, a hailstorm struck between Wu'an and Fuyang, over ten miles apart. On the sixth day of July, in the year of Ji Chou, Prince Wei Shuang died, and the emperor held a mourning ceremony for him outside the palace gates. On the seventh day of August, in the year of Bing Wu, Yuan Xiong, the Governor of Huaizhou, was appointed as the Grand Governor of Shuozhou. On the eleventh day of the month, in the year of Geng Shen, Prince of Liang, Xiao Cong, came to the court to pay his respects to the emperor. On the fifth day of September, in the year of Yi You, Prince of Liang, Xiao Yan, was robbed in his own territory and fled to Chen. On the tenth day of the month, in the year of Xin Mao, the state of Liang was dissolved, and a general amnesty was issued in Jiangling. Prince of Liang, Xiao Cong, was granted the title of Pillar of the State and Duke of Jugu. On the seventh day of October, in the year of Geng Shen, the emperor made an inspection tour to Tongzhou, where his predecessor had lived, and granted pardons to the prisoners there. On the tenth day of the month, in the year of Gui Hai, the emperor went to Puzhou. On the thirteenth day of the month, in the year of Bing Yin, the emperor held a banquet for the local elders and villagers, expressing great joy and praising their elegant and refined manners, attributing their refinement to the influence of the local officials. On the thirteenth day of November, in the year of Jia Wu, the emperor arrived in Fengyi and personally conducted rituals for the local land gods. However, the local elders made an error in their report, which resulted in the dismissal of their county magistrate before his departure. On the seventeenth day of the month, in the year of Wu Xu, the emperor returned from Fengyi.
