Yang Guang, also known as A Dou, was the second son of Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, and his mother was Empress Dugu. Yang Guang was handsome and intelligent from a young age, and Emperor Wen and the Empress had a special fondness for him. Before the Sui Dynasty, due to Yang Jian's achievements, Yang Guang was granted the title of Duke of Yanmen County. In the first year of the Kaihuang era of the Sui Dynasty, he was named Prince of Jin, with the titles of Pillar of the State and Governor of Bingzhou, at the age of thirteen. He later became the General of the Guards, promoted to Chief Pillar of the State and Prefect of the Hebei Circuit, while still holding the title of General. Emperor Wen also appointed Duke Yuwen Shao of Xiangcheng and Duke Li Che of An Dao as his teachers. Yang Guang was diligent in his studies and excelled in writing, and he was renowned for his seriousness and composure. He was held in high regard by both the court and the public.
Emperor Wen secretly sought out a fortune teller to read the fortunes for his sons. The fortune teller said, "Prince Jin has double ridges above his eyebrows; in the future, he will undoubtedly attain wealth and nobility." One time, Emperor Wen visited Prince Jin's residence and found that the strings of the musical instruments were all broken and there was dust everywhere, as if they hadn’t been touched in ages. He thought he wasn't indulging in worldly pleasures, and he felt quite satisfied. Yang Guang was also skilled at putting on a show; at that time, everyone said he was benevolent and filial. One time while hunting, it started to rain, and the guards brought him an oilskin raincoat. He said, "The soldiers are all drenched, yet I alone wear a raincoat. What kind of sense does that make?" He had the guards take the raincoat away. In the sixth year of the Kaihuang era, Yang Guang was reassigned as the Minister of Huainan. In the same year, he was also appointed as the Governor of Yongzhou and the Minister of Internal Affairs. In the winter of the eighth year of the Kaihuang era, the Sui Dynasty launched a major campaign against the Chen Dynasty, and Yang Guang was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the army. After the Chen Dynasty was destroyed, he captured several notorious criminals, such as Shi Wenqing, the governor of Xiangzhou, Shen Keqing, a palace attendant, Yang Huilang, the city magistrate, Xu Xi, the head of the criminal justice system, and Ji Hui, the Minister of the Secretariat.
Not long after, Xiao Zhihui and others in Jiangnan rebelled, and Yang Guang was transferred to Yangzhou as the governor, to guard Jiangdu, returning to the court once a year. When Emperor Wen sacrificed to Mount Tai, Yang Guang also served as the Grand General of War. The following year, he returned to his fiefdom. Several years later, the Turks invaded the border, and he was appointed as the Marshal, leading troops from Lingwu to repel the Turks. After Crown Prince Yang Yong was deposed, Yang Guang was proclaimed Crown Prince. In that month, the enthronement ceremony was imminent. Emperor Wen said, "I want to emulate King Cheng of Zhou and handle state affairs in Haojing (modern-day Xi'an)." He ordered Yang Guang to move to Daxing County in Haojing to reside. That night, there was a fierce storm, heavy snowfall, earthquakes, and landslides, causing many houses to collapse, killing over a hundred people. In the early years of Renshou, Yang Guang was ordered to inspect the southeastern region. After that, Emperor Wen spent every summer at Renshou Palace to escape the summer heat, always letting Yang Guang oversee the country.
In July of the year 604 AD, the founding emperor, Yang Jian passed away, and Yang Guang succeeded to the throne, becoming the emperor at Renshou Palace.
In August, Yang Jian's coffin was sent back to the capital. At this time, the governor of Bingzhou, Prince Han Yang Liang, rebelled, and the emperor ordered the Chief Minister Yang Su to suppress the rebellion.
On the Yisi day of the month in September, the emperor appointed General Cui Peng as the Grand General of the Left Army. On the Yiwu day of the month in November, the emperor traveled to Luoyang for an inspection. The next day, on the Bingshen day of the month, he ordered the conscription of tens of thousands of laborers to dig trenches, from the east of Longmen to Changping and Jiju, extending to Linqing Pass, crossing the Yellow River to reach Junyi and Xiangcheng, and finally reaching Shangluo, with the aim of establishing and strengthening border defenses.
On the Guichou day of the month, the emperor issued an edict, the contents of which are as follows:
(Here should follow the contents of the edict, please provide the contents of the edict for further translation)
The way of heaven changes, the interplay of yin and yang fluctuates, all things grow differently; these are all natural laws. If the will of heaven does not change, how can the four seasons change? If human affairs do not change, how can the world’s people be governed? The Book of Changes says: "Adapt to change to prevent the people from becoming weary"; "Change leads to adaptation, adaptation leads to longevity." "With virtue, one can last long; with merit, one can achieve greatness." I've heard that a peaceful and content life can spur social change. Therefore, the Ji and Zhou dynasties, like King Wu, moved the capital five times in the Shang Dynasty, laying the foundation for King Tang. If one does not follow the will of the people, adapt to the times, and achieve success, it depends on whether one can adapt to change. Shouldn't a monarch who loves the people and governs the country do this?
Luoyang has been a capital city since ancient times, located within the imperial territory, a place where heaven and earth meet, yin and yang harmonize. It relies on three rivers, with a strategic geographic location, convenient transportation by water and land, and sufficient tax revenue. Emperor Gaozu of Han once said: "I have traveled to many places in the world, only Luoyang satisfies me the most." Since ancient times, emperors and generals have attached great importance to the selection of the capital city. Those who did not choose Luoyang as the capital city had their reasons. It may be because the Nine Provinces were not unified, or the treasury was depleted, so they did not build the capital in Luoyang.
At the beginning of the Sui Dynasty, I wanted to establish the capital in Huaizhou and Luoyang. Many years have passed, and I get emotional and choked up just thinking about it. I have inherited the throne, ruled over countless states, always following the ancestral teachings, never daring to slack off. Now, Han King Liang has rebelled, poisoned Shandong, leading to the fall of many states and counties. This is because the passes are far away, the military support is not timely, and the people of Bingzhou have moved to Henan, leading to this situation. The Zhou Dynasty moved the capital from the Shang Dynasty to solve similar problems. Moreover, in the southern remote areas, the Eastern Xia and Shang forces are strong; we should seize the moment and go with the flow; now is the time. All the officials and ministers agree with me.
However, the ruins of Chengzhou are already in disrepair, and it is no longer possible to rebuild the palace. We can now establish Tokyo between the two rivers and will soon set up official positions, assign tasks, and seek welfare for the people. The original purpose of building the palace was to provide for people's living; as long as it can provide shelter from wind and rain, that's enough. A high platform and spacious buildings don't have to be luxurious. Therefore, the "Book of Documents" says: "Frugality is the foundation of virtue, while extravagance is a great evil." Confucius also said, "Rather than being arrogant, it is better to be frugal." Does a palace have to be grand to be considered a palace? Is it only that mud steps and thatched huts are not the dwelling of a monarch?
Thus, governing the world is not for the sustenance of one person, but for the people of the world. The people are the foundation of the nation; when they are stable, the country can be peaceful; when the people are prosperous, the country can be strong. Now, when building the palace, it must be done frugally, and we should not see the emergence of carved walls and lofty buildings again. I hope future generations will live simply. Relevant departments must formulate detailed rules and regulations that align with my vision.
On the day of Yichou in December, the emperor appointed Lai Huer as the Right General of Cavalry. On the day of Wuchen, Li Jing was appointed as the Right Martial General, and Zhou Luohou was appointed as the Right Martial General. These are all official appointments, and it sounds like there are significant changes in the officialdom.
On the first day of the first month of the first year of the Great Cause, on the day of Renchen, there was a general amnesty, and the era name was updated. The emperor named the Xiao family as the empress, renamed Yuzhou as Qinzhu, renamed Luozhou as Yuzhou, and abolished the governor's offices across the provinces. On the day of Bingshen, Prince Jin Yang Zhao was named crown prince. On the day of Dingyou, Yuwen Shu was appointed as the Left Guard General, Guo Yan was appointed as the Left Martial General, and Yu Zhongwen was appointed as the Right Guard General. On the day of Jihai, Wang Yang Yan of Yuzhang was appointed as the governor of Yuzhou. On the day of Wushen, the emperor sent out eight envoys to different regions to assess the people's conditions.
Then the emperor issued a decree, essentially conveying the following: In ancient times, those wise emperors who governed the world placed the utmost importance on caring for the common people. They made the people prosperous and educated them, allowing every household to live in peace and stability. As a result, the social atmosphere was wholesome and genuine, the people lived contentedly and worked hard, and the nation could be stable and strong. After inheriting the throne, I have been diligently governing the country, worrying day and night, as if walking on the edge of a cliff. Although I strive to uphold the wishes of my ancestors without the slightest negligence, I realize that there are still many shortcomings in my governance. Moreover, the world is vast and the population is numerous; I cannot visit every place to understand their hardships. I often worry that hidden grievances might go unaddressed, that the difficulties of the people will remain unresolved, and that any negligence will affect the harmony of the nation. Ultimately, all problems in the world will fall on my shoulders, leading to my frequent anxiety and sleepless nights.
Now that I have just begun to govern, I should prioritize tolerance and generosity. Therefore, I have decided to send envoys to various regions to assess the people's situations, promote good customs and habits, select talented individuals who have been overlooked, and address wrongful cases. Those who are filial to their parents and work diligently should be rewarded; the elderly and disabled should receive assistance; those individuals of integrity should be recognized; those elderly individuals should have their pensions increased, along with additional provisions of grain and cloth; those suffering from serious illnesses should have caretakers assigned to them. Although there may be caretakers in name, there may be a lack of actual living support, so we need to strengthen inspections to ensure they get the care they need. If we find anyone with noble character, good behavior, or special talents, they should be identified and recommended to the court. All states and counties should treat them with respect and escort them to the capital. If any harsh or unfair policies are uncovered, the envoys need to report back to me in detail.
In a certain year (the Year of the Rooster), Yuwen Bi was appointed as the Minister of Justice, akin to today's position. In February, Yang Su was promoted to the office of Chancellor, one of the highest official posts at that time, equivalent to a prime minister. In March, the emperor ordered Yang Su, Yang Da, and Yuwen Kai, these three prominent figures, to be responsible for the construction of the Eastern Capital and to relocate the population from Guo County in Yuzhou to populate the new city.
The emperor also issued a decree stating: "I constantly think about governing the country, hoping that wrongful accusations and cases can be resolved, and that social order is well maintained. However, some local officials only care about currying favor with their superiors, seeking promotions and wealth through deception, completely disregarding the lives of the common people, resulting in public outrage and clogged complaint channels. Therefore, I have decided to build the Eastern Capital and personally understand the people's sentiments. I plan to inspect the Huaihai region to observe local customs and also hope to hear some candid criticisms and suggestions. However, there are too many memorials now, making it difficult to hear the voices from the grassroots. I can’t sleep at night and struggle to eat! If you discover any county officials who are corrupt, oppressing the people, or engaging in favoritism that hinders the lives of the common people, you can go directly to the court to lodge a complaint, and I will handle it seriously, ensuring that there are no wrongful convictions!"
At the same time, the emperor built the Xianren Palace in Zaojian, collecting rare flora and fauna from across the country to enhance the palace gardens. He also commanded the relocation of tens of thousands of affluent merchants to the Eastern Capital. Subsequently, over a million people from various counties in Henan were drafted to excavate the Tongji Canal, diverting water from Luoyang and Gushui into the Yellow River, and then from Banzhu to divert water from the Yellow River to the Huai River. He also sent workers south to harvest timber and construct various types of ships, totaling tens of thousands, on a massive scale.
In April, General Liu Fang defeated the Kingdom of Linyi. In May, the Minister of Civil Affairs Wei Chong passed away. In June, there was a celestial phenomenon indicating a bad omen with Mars protecting the heart. In July, the court decreed that the families of fallen soldiers could be exempt from ten years of taxes. Prince Teng and Prince Wei were stripped of their titles and exiled to the border due to their misdeeds. In the leap seventh month, Yang Su was appointed as the Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, Prince Ande as the Grand Preceptor to the Crown Prince, and Prince Hejian as the Grand Protector to the Crown Prince, all important positions. The Emperor issued another decree:
Hello everyone, in building the nation, education must come first; to change customs and habits, we must begin with education. However, for a long time, the correct principles and noble virtues have gradually been lost, and methods of self-cultivation are becoming increasingly unknown. Although there were atrocities such as burning books and burying Confucian scholars alive in the Han Dynasty, Confucianism still stubbornly survived; although the Jin Dynasty experienced turbulent times, Confucianism did not completely disappear. Since then, the country has been in constant turmoil; although schools have been occasionally established, promoting benevolence and etiquette, but mostly as a facade. Therefore, those who wear elaborate official robes are not necessarily promoted because of their knowledge; those who hold power often rise through relationships rather than actual talent and learning. The social atmosphere is corrupt, the system is lax, and the absence of education has led to the disappearance of excellent culture and morals.
I have inherited the legacy of my ancestors and wish to promote excellent traditional culture. I plan to respect teachers and prioritize ethics, promoting Confucianism, honesty, and trustworthiness, while fostering social harmony and vigorously advocating Confucian education. Now that the world is peaceful and unified, cultural systems are also unified, and outstanding talents can be found everywhere. There are surely many exceptional talents across the country! So, for those of you who study at home or have already entered school, if you have aspirations, love ancient classics, excel in your studies, and are capable of handling national affairs, you should actively demonstrate your abilities and make yourselves known. I will promote you according to your talents. If you focus on studying the classics and temporarily do not want to hold official positions, I will also offer appropriate stipends based on your academic achievements and family background. I hope everyone will study diligently so that you can become the backbone of the nation in the future, and the court will soon be brimming with talent! The National University and other schools should restore their previous systems, teach students seriously, conduct strict assessments, and allow students to undergo full training.
On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival in August, I rode a dragon boat to inspect Jiangdu. Guo Yan was appointed as the General of the Front Army, and Li Jing as the General of the Rear Army. Officials of fifth rank and above boarded palace boats, while officials of ninth rank and above traveled in yellow boats. The boats were connected end to end, stretching for over two hundred miles. On the day in October of the year of Ji Chou, I ordered the pardon of the areas south of the Jianghuai River. Yangzhou will be exempt from taxes for five years, and the previous jurisdiction will be tax-exempt for three years. On the day in November of the year of Ji Wei, I appointed Cui Zhongfang as the Minister of Rites.
On the eighth day of the first month in the year 605 (Xin You day), the Eastern Capital was completed, and the emperor rewarded the officials involved in the construction with various gifts. Liang Pi was appointed Minister of Justice. On the fourteenth day of the first month (Ding Mao day), the emperor sent out ten envoys to inspect the provinces and counties. On the sixth day of the second month (Bing Xu day), the emperor ordered Chancellor Yang Su, Minister of Personnel Niu Hong, Grand General Yu Wenkai, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Yu Shiji, and Deputy Minister of Rites Xu Shanxin to jointly formulate a new dress code. This was a significant undertaking, as it required not only the preparation of the royal ceremonial procession and various types of vehicles but also the reestablishment of clothing and accessories for all civil and military officials. The emperor typically wore a leather cap decorated with twelve jade ornaments; civil officials' hats and clothing were to be adorned with jade ornaments; officials ranked fifth and above could ride in ox carts with canopies; the vehicles of the Three Dukes and the princes were to be adorned; military officials wore caps and trousers, while officials ranked third and above could carry halberds. Even the lowest-ranking clerks had specific clothing regulations, and commoners were prohibited from wearing military uniforms! On the eighth day of the second month (Wu Xu day), the court established the position of Duwei officer.
On the seventh day of the third month (Gengwu day), the emperor departed from Jiangdu. Prior to this, He Chou, the Minister of Imperial Household Affairs, and Yun Dingxing, the Vice Minister, had already begun preparing the ceremonial procession, requesting feathers from various regions. The common people, in order to fulfill the task, went to great lengths to catch birds and hunt animals, and almost all the feathers that could be used for decoration were almost completely scavenged. Finally, the ceremonial procession was ready. On the seventh day of the fourth month (Gengxu day), the emperor set out from Yique, in a grand procession of thousands of carriages and horses, entering the capital city. On the eighth day of the fourth month (Xinhai day), the emperor declared a general amnesty outside the Duan Gate, exempting the people from taxes for the year. On the tenth day of the fourth month (Guichou day), Yang Wensi was appointed Minister of Civil Affairs. On the first day of the fifth month (Jiayin day), Li Tong, the Grand Minister of Golden Purple and Minister of War, was dismissed for misconduct. On the second day of the fifth month (Yimao day), the emperor issued an edict that read: "To honor the sages and to worship the ancestors is to honor the talented and promote their virtues. I never forget the contributions of my predecessors, cherish their noble character, and often lament their passing, with a heart full of nostalgia. Since ancient times, those virtuous individuals who have served the country and benefited the people should have shrines established in their honor, with regular offerings made, and their graves must not be encroached upon. The relevant departments must draft specific regulations that reflect my wishes."
On the 6th day of the 6th month (Renzi day), Yang Su was appointed as the Minister of Public Works, and he was also given the position of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince; Prince Jian of Yuzhang was granted the title of King of Qi. On the 8th day of the 7th month (Guichou day), Wei Xuan was appointed as the Minister of Public Works. On the 15th day of the 7th month (Gengshen day), the court decreed that promotions for officials should not solely depend on performance evaluations, but also on their moral character and talents. On the 17th day of the 7th month (Renzhu day), the Emperor promoted twenty-seven veteran officials who had accompanied him since his days in the fief, granting them different official positions and noble titles. Sadly, Crown Prince Zhao passed away on the 19th day of the 7th month (Jiaxu day). On the 20th day of the 7th month (Yihai day), Yang Su, the Grand General, Minister of Public Works, and Duke of Chuguo, also passed away. On the 8th day of the 8th month (Xinmao day), the Emperor's grandson Tan was granted the title of King of Yan, Dong was granted the title of King of Yue, and You was granted the title of King of Dai. On the 2nd day of the 9th month (Yichou day), Hao, the son of King Xiao of Qin, was named King of Qin. On the 5th day of the 10th month (Wuzi day), Duan Wenzhen was appointed as the Minister of War. On the 7th day of the 12th month (Gengyin day), the Emperor issued a decree declaring: "In the past, emperors established the country based on the situation at the time, governing the country together with the people, and respecting the monarch with rituals. However, as time passed, year after year, the tombs of emperors fell into disrepair, and were even occupied by people cutting wood and grazing, with tombs overgrown with weeds, making the tombstones hard to read. Thinking about this, my heart is filled with sadness. Since ancient times, ten households living near the emperors' tombs are exempt from menial duties and responsible for guarding the tombs." In the year of AD (specific year needs to be supplemented according to the original text), on the first day of the first month, the Emperor ordered: "Those rebels who were exiled to Bingzhou and then escaped, if caught, they should face immediate punishment!" That night, a long comet appeared in the sky, traveling from the east and disappearing after twenty days. In this month, Wuyang County reported that the water in the Yellow River had cleared up.
On a certain day in February, a comet appeared in the sky, sweeping past Wenchang Palace, moving through the sky, then passing through Daling, Wuqiao, and Beihe, finally entering the Taiwei Palace, even sweeping across the emperor's throne, and it disappeared after more than a hundred days. In early March, the emperor's carriage returned to the capital. Immediately, General Yao Bian was appointed as the General of the Left Tuntian Guard. Then, Yuqiwei Zhu Kuan was sent as an envoy to the Liouqiu Kingdom. A few days later, King Hong of Hejian passed away.
On a certain day in April, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Ancient emperors valued investigating the people's conditions and understanding public sentiment, all for the sake of caring for the common people and stabilizing remote areas. Since those barbarians have submitted, I have not yet had the opportunity to personally pacify them, and the Shandong region has experienced turmoil and needs more relief. Now I plan to pacify the Hebei region and inspect the states of Zhao and Wei. Relevant departments must handle matters according to regulations." A few days later, the emperor promulgated new laws, granting amnesty throughout the land, and the common people within the borders would be exempt from taxes for three years. Subsequently, he ordered the states to be changed into commanderies and also reformed weights and measures, restoring ancient standards. At the same time, all official positions below the rank of Upper Pillar State were reclassified as that of Doctor. Then, the emperor issued another decree...
Alas, governing such a vast realm is not something I can accomplish alone; the achievements of an emperor cannot be achieved by the efforts of just one person. From ancient times to the present, those wise rulers and virtuous empresses who governed the country all selected capable individuals and widely recruited talent, right? The Zhou Dynasty was known for its abundance of talent, and the Han Dynasty prided itself on acquiring talented people. I have always thought about learning from the experiences of my predecessors, filled with both admiration and hope. Every day, I handle state affairs early in the morning in this imperial palace, hoping to find talents from all walks of life to work together for the development of the country. However, alas, truly capable individuals rarely come to offer their services. Could it be that those talents are like precious jade hidden underground, yet to meet the skilled craftsmen who can recognize them? Or perhaps like beautiful jade in the mountains, difficult to mine? Thinking of this, my heart is truly overwhelmed with emotions!
Officials in the court are as vital to me as my own hands and feet. Governing a country is like navigating a vast river; everyone plays the role of boats and oars, and only by cooperating with each other can we succeed. How can you focus solely on enjoying wealth and luxury while concealing your talents and leading a comfortable life? This is not the attitude we should have! Qi Dafu was known for recommending talented individuals, and historical records commend him for his fairness and selflessness; while Zang Wenzhong was criticized by Confucius for obstructing talented individuals and usurping official positions. Looking at examples from ancient times, the evaluation of talents has been both commendatory and condemnatory. We should actively recommend talents to make up for my shortcomings. Those who are filial to their parents, cherish their siblings, and possess noble character form the bedrock of the nation; those with upright character are the basis of living in society. Some individuals are righteous and law-abiding, while others are knowledgeable and talented; all of them can elevate societal morals and contribute positively to the community. Those with military talents should defend against external enemies; those who are strong should be elite soldiers in the army. Even if they possess just one skill, they should be employed; a wide selection of talents must be sought without omission. Only by doing so can we effectively govern the country, and this goal is within reach.
Civil and military officials above the fifth rank should be chosen from the top ten candidates according to established regulations. As long as one talent is prominent, proficiency in all areas is not required. I will promote them beyond the usual standards and assign them to suitable positions based on their abilities. Individuals who have held positions above the ninth rank are excluded from this recommendation.
In the year of Bingshen (666 AD), the emperor journeyed north for an inspection. In the year of Dingshen (667 AD), Yuwen Bi was appointed Minister of Rites. In the year of Wuxu (668 AD), the emperor ordered all government offices to refrain from trampling crops. If it is necessary to clear a path, the relevant departments should assess the yield of the affected land, and then compensate the farmers from nearby granaries, ensuring they are given as much as possible.
In the year of Jihai (AD 669), the procession arrived at Chianze Marsh. The emperor there performed a solemn sacrifice at the tomb of the late Grand Minister Li Mu.
On the day of Ding Si in May (specific date), Turkic Khagan Qimin sent his son Tuoteqin to pay his respects to the emperor.
On the day of Wu Wu in May (specific date), the emperor ordered adult men from over ten counties in Hebei to excavate the Taihang Mountains, establishing a direct route to Bingzhou.
On the day of Bing Yin in May (specific date), Khagan Qimin sent his nephew Pilijiateqin to pay his respects to the emperor once more.
On the day of Xin Wei in May (specific date), Khagan Qimin sent envoys requesting permission to personally enter the borders and welcome the emperor's carriage. The emperor declined.
On the day of Gui You in May (specific date), a star appeared unusually near the Wenchang and Jiangxing stars, causing the other stars to tremble uneasily.
On the day of Xin Si in June (specific date), the emperor went on a hunt in Liangu.
On the day of Ding Hai in June (specific date), the emperor issued a decree saying:
Well, when it comes to honoring our ancestors and showing filial piety, this is a major matter; building temples is the highest form of respect. However, times have changed, and the interpretations have varied. Many of the old books and classics have been burned or lost, and the rules are unclear. So, how exactly should sacrifices be made, and how should temples be built? The interpretations vary widely, and there’s no clear consensus.
As for me, as the inheritor of my ancestors' legacy, I have always thought about solemnly sacrificing to my ancestors. For this reason, I specifically consulted with my ministers and widely sought the opinions of Confucian scholars. Everyone unanimously agreed that our great ancestor, Emperor Wen, received the mandate of Heaven, unified the nation, saved the common people, ended a long period of chaos, reduced taxes and corvée labor, allowing the people to live and work in peace, resulting in a prosperous and flourishing nation.
He waged campaigns in all directions, conquering lands of once-unimaginable barbarians, all submitting to him and offering tribute. With his civil administration and military achievements unparalleled, even the barbarians came to pay their respects. The nation thrived, and the people lived in peace; every year had bountiful harvests, and auspicious signs abounded. It truly was a golden age; words fail to capture its essence!
It is said that those with noble virtues will be remembered for generations, and those who govern well will be honored with grand ceremonies. Look at the kings of the Zhou Dynasty, the Han Dynasty's Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Guangwu; their systems were remarkably well-structured, and their posthumous titles were grand, illustrating that ceremonies ought to reflect their merits.
So, we should build a temple for our founding monarch to honor his extraordinary accomplishments, and establish monthly rituals to demonstrate our reverence. Relevant departments should quickly select a site and construct it in accordance with established protocols. Ceremonial practices vary according to status. The emperor has seven temples, while feudal lords have two, indicating the hierarchical structure. We can adopt ancient royal ceremonies as a model for future generations.
In the year of the Earth Rat, I arrived in Yulin Commandery. The next year (Fire Rooster year), the Qimin Khan paid his respects to the emperor. Another year later (Metal Pig year), the Tuyuhun and Gaochang also sent envoys with tributes.
One day (Wood Dragon day), the emperor ascended the northern pavilion, observing fishermen along the Yellow River while hosting a banquet for his officials. In the seventh month of autumn (Metal Pig day), the Qimin Khan requested permission to change his attire to don a Han-style hat. The emperor permitted him to bypass the rituals traditionally observed between lords and vassals, maintaining his status above the vassal kings.
These events highlight the significance of the emperor's reign and the respect afforded to him by both his subjects and foreign leaders.
One day (Jia Yin day), the emperor hosted a banquet in a grand tent on the eastern side of the county town to entertain Khan Qimin and his 3,500 troops. Various splendid performances were showcased, and many gifts were bestowed upon them, with the amounts varying. The next day (Bing Zi day), the emperor ordered the execution of Chancellor He Ruobi, Minister of Rites Yuwen Bi, and Minister of Ceremonies Gao Jiang. Left Deputy Minister of Personnel Su Wei was dismissed for misconduct. The emperor also mobilized over a million young laborers to build the Great Wall, starting from Yulin in the west to Zihe in the east, completing the work in just ten days, but resulting in the deaths of approximately 150,000 to 160,000 people.
In August (Ren Wu day), the emperor's entourage left Yulin. (Yi You day) Khan Qimin carefully set up the camp, cleared the roads, and welcomed the emperor's arrival. When the emperor arrived at his camp, Khan Qimin offered a toast to celebrate the emperor's longevity, and the emperor hosted a lavish banquet for him. The emperor told the Goryeo envoy, "Go back and tell your king to come and pay his respects to me soon. Otherwise, Khan Qimin and I will have to inspect your lands!" The empress also visited Princess Yicheng's camp. (Ji Chou day) Khan Qimin returned. (Gui Si day) the emperor's entourage entered the Loufan Pass. (Ren Yin day) it arrived in Taiyuan, where the emperor ordered the construction of Jinyang Palace.
In September (Ji Wei day), it arrived in Jiyuan. The emperor visited the home of Grand Historian Zhang Heng, where everyone enjoyed food, drinks, and good cheer, having a great time. (Ji Si day) it arrived in the Eastern Capital. (Ren Shen day) the emperor appointed Prince Qi Yan as the Governor of Henan, granting him the title of Minister of State, equivalent to that of the heads of three departments. (Gui You day) the emperor appointed Yang Wensi, the Minister of People, as a counselor.
In the year 604 AD, on the first day of the first lunar month, the emperor ordered over a million men and women to be recruited from various areas in Hebei to build the Yongji Canal, diverting water from the Qin River to the Yellow River, extending southward and northward to Zhuo Commandery. On the day of Gengxu in the same month, an archery competition was held at Yunwu Palace with all officials participating. On the day of Dingmao, the emperor rewarded every household in the city with ten stones (a unit of weight) of rice. On the day of Renshen, Yuan Shou was appointed as the Interior Minister, and Yang Xuangan was appointed as the Minister of Rites. On the day of Guiyou, Wei Xuan was appointed as the Grand General of the Right Guard, and Changsun Chi was appointed as the Minister of the Ministry of the People.
On the day of Jimao in the second month, the emperor sent the envoy Cui Yi to the Turks to deliver the blood-sweating horse. On the day of Xinyou in the third month, Yuwen Kai was appointed as the Minister of Works. On the day of Renxu, emissaries from Baekje, Wa, Chitu, and Kharoshthi all presented tribute. On the day of Yichou, the emperor personally visited Wuyuan and inspected the Great Wall. On the day of Bingyin, Chang Jun was sent as an envoy to Chitu, delivering a precious item known as Luosha. On the day of Bingwu in the fourth month, Fenyuan, Linquan, and Xiurong in Limen Commandery were merged to establish Loufan Commandery. Construction of the Fenyang Palace began concurrently. On the day of Guichou, Zhang Dinghe was appointed as the Grand General of the Left Guard. On the day of Yimao, the emperor issued a decree:
"The Qimin Khan of the Turks leads his tribes to guard the border. They obey the laws of the court and wish to change their customs. They have visited the court multiple times and made requests. They live in felt tents and have simple lives, hoping to live in houses like us. Their sincerity is valued by me. City walls, houses, tents, beds, and other necessities should be provided to them based on their needs, with generous provisions to convey my intentions."
On the Ren Shen day in May, a three-legged raven was captured in Shu County, and a black fox was caught in Zhangye, one of each. On the Xin Si day in July, over 200,000 able-bodied men were drafted to build the Great Wall, starting from Yugu to the east. On the Yi Wei day, General Yu Wenshu of the Left Guard defeated the Tuyuhun at Mantou and Chishui. On the Xin You day in August, the emperor personally officiated a sacrifice at Mount Heng, and all the governors of Hebei gathered there. A general amnesty was announced. The counties and prefectures the emperor visited were granted a one-year tax exemption. On the Xin Wei day in September, falconry teams from across the country gathered in Tokyo, with over ten thousand people arriving. On the Wu Yin day, a comet appeared near the Five Chariots constellation, swept past the Wenchang star, and disappeared after reaching the Fang constellation. On the Xin Si day, the emperor ordered a one-year tax exemption for those building the Great Wall.
On the Bing Wu day in October, the emperor issued a decree stating: "Our great teacher Confucius, who possessed noble virtue and exceptional talent, followed the Way of Culture and Martial Arts, fulfilling the heavenly mandate as a sage king. However, his admiration has endured for over a thousand years, yet his great virtue has not been passed down for a hundred generations. To commemorate his great achievements, he should be given even higher honors. Confucius's descendants can be granted the title Marquis of Shaosheng. Relevant authorities should locate his descendants and report back." On the Xin Hai day, the emperor issued another decree saying: "In the past, when the Zhou king took the throne, he first honored the descendants of Tang, Yao, and Yu. After the Han emperor ascended the throne, he also rewarded the descendants of the Yin and Zhou dynasties. These actions were all to honor the merits of our ancestors, following the examples of former generations. Having inherited this great legacy and learned from ancient teachings, I aspire to achieve something significant and follow the systems of past dynasties. The Zhou dynasty unified the Xia and Yin dynasties, achieving the pinnacle of cultural and military excellence; the Han dynasty unified the realm, developing culture and transportation; during the Wei and Jin periods, culture also flourished. Therefore, we should also honor them and carry on their legacy." On the Yi Mao day, new laws were promulgated throughout the realm.
In the first month of the year 586, the emperor ordered the renaming of Tokyo to Dongdu (Eastern Capital). Not long after, he also ordered the fair distribution of land across the country. Then, the emperor returned to the capital from Dongdu. Next, he issued a command prohibiting the production of weapons such as iron forks and hooks by civilians. The regional governors were required to secretly report local conditions to the central government every year.
In February, the emperor passed through Wenshang. He ordered sacrifices at the tombs of ancient emperors and the graves of distinguished officials from the Kaihuang period. He also stipulated that officials from the Wei Dynasty and Northern Zhou could no longer hold hereditary official titles. At this time, the Chitu Kingdom sent envoys to present tribute. The emperor's procession reached the capital. He also held a banquet in the Wude Hall for four hundred respected elders and bestowed gifts upon them, varying in amount.
Later, the emperor remained in the west courtyard of the Chongde Hall, feeling somewhat unhappy, and said to those around him: "This is the place where the late emperor lived; staying here always reminds me of the late emperor, which makes me feel uneasy. We should construct another palace to the west of this courtyard." After that, he ordered that parents be allowed to accompany their sons to their places of appointment.
In March, the emperor began a western tour of the He Right area. Reports indicated that a man named Shi Yongzun in Wugong County was living with his uncles and brothers. The emperor was pleased and rewarded him with one hundred rolls of cloth and two hundred piculs of rice, and erected a monument at his doorstep in his honor. The emperor also inspected his former home in Fufeng County.
In April, the emperor held a large-scale hunt in Longxi. The three states of Gaochang, Tuyuhun, and Yiwuz sent envoys to pay tribute. The emperor's carriage arrived in Didao, where the Dangxiang Qiang people arrived to present tribute. The emperor arrived at Linjin Pass, crossed the Yellow River, and reached Xiping, where he conducted a review of the troops.
In May, the emperor conducted a large-scale hunt in Bayanshan, covering an area of two thousand miles. Afterwards, he entered Changning Valley, crossed Xingling, and hosted a banquet for his ministers at the summit of Jingshan. Liang Haohui's horse stumbled, resulting in the collapse of a bridge, and the emperor ordered the execution of court official Huang Gen and nine officials responsible for the project. The king of Tuyuhun led troops to occupy Yuanchuan, and the emperor ordered Right Tunwei General Zhang Dinghe to garrison at Jingshan, Minister of War Duan Wenzhen at Xueshan, Grand Master Yang Yichen at Pipaxi, and General Zhang Shou at Niling, encircling Tuyuhun on all sides. The king of Tuyuhun, Fu Yun, fled with a handful of cavalry and sent a prince to impersonate him, hiding in Chewo Zhen Mountain. The emperor ordered General Zhang Dinghe to capture Fu Yun. Zhang Dinghe stepped forward but was slain by bandits. His deputy, Liu Wujian, routed the enemy and claimed hundreds of heads. In the end, the king of Tuyuhun, Xiantou Wang, was besieged and surrendered along with over a hundred thousand troops.
In June, the emperor dispatched Left Guanglu Doctor Liang Mo, Right Yiwai General Li Qiong, and others to pursue the king of Tuyuhun, but they all died in battle. The emperor traversed the treacherous Doudou Valley, where the mountain paths were perilous, and the troops had to advance in single file. They also encountered wind and snow along the way, resulting in many officials becoming lost and many soldiers succumbing to the cold. The emperor's carriage arrived at Zhangye. The emperor ordered the selection of capable individuals, seeking those who were knowledgeable, skilled in martial arts, diligent, honest, and of upright character.
King Qiu Boya of Gaochang came to pay tribute, and the Yiwutun She and others from the region presented thousands of miles of land from the Western Regions. The emperor was very pleased and ordered the establishment of four commanderies: Xihai, Heyuan, Shanshan, and Qiemu. The emperor hosted a banquet in Guanfeng Hall for King Gaochang and the Yiwutun She, and envoys from more than thirty non-Han states also attended the banquet. The emperor declared a general amnesty, pardoning all those exiled during the Kaihuang period, except for the rebels from Jinyang. Counties in Longyou were granted a one-year tax exemption, and locations the emperor passed through received a two-year tax exemption.
In July, the emperor released horses into Qinghai Lake, hoping to obtain dragon seeds, but was unsuccessful. In September, the emperor returned to Chang'an. In October, the emperor ordered special provisions for the elderly, providing cloth and silk to those over seventy who were sick and unable to work, sending them back to their hometowns. Officials ranked seventh and above received grain allowances to help them enjoy their retirement. In November, the emperor went to the Eastern Capital.
On the first day of the first month of the year 606, early in the morning, a group of dozens of thieves arrived, all wearing plain white hats and fine linen garments, burning incense and carrying flowers, claiming to be Maitreya Buddha as they entered the city through Jianguo Gate. The guards at the gate bowed before them. Then, they seized the guards' weapons, planning to revolt. Prince Qi, Yang Yan, happened to come across them and killed them all. After that, a massive search was carried out in the capital, implicating more than a thousand households.
On the fourteenth day of the first month, a large wrestling exhibition was held on Duanmen Street, featuring exotic and unusual skills from all over the country, lasting a full month. The emperor made several incognito visits to enjoy the festivities. On the sixteenth day of the first month, envoys from Japan came to pay tribute. On the eighth day of the second month, General Chen Ling and Minister Zhang Zhenzhou went to defeat the Liúqiú, capturing more than 17,000 people, whom the emperor rewarded the officials with. On the tenth day of the second month, the emperor issued an edict stating: "Establishing the nation and conquering the land was not easy; it was thanks to the united efforts of all the ministers that we achieved great success. Now that the world is at peace, it is time to reward those who have made contributions. From now on, only those who have made great contributions can be granted titles, and these titles can be inherited." He then changed King Ande Yang Xiong's title to the Duke of Guan and Prince Hejian Yang Qing's title to the Duke of Xun. On the fourteenth day of the second month, the emperor summoned musicians from the states of Wei, Qi, Zhou, and Chen to the Taichang Temple.
On the tenth day of the third month, the emperor went to Jiangdu Palace. On the eleventh day of the third month, the emperor appointed Minister of Rites Shi Xiang as the General of the Left Xianwei. On the fourteenth day of the fourth month, the emperor hosted a banquet for local elders south of the Yangtze River, also distributing rewards, which varied for everyone. On the eighth day of the sixth month, emissaries from Shiwei and Chitu came to pay tribute. On the ninth day of the sixth month, a bandit leader named Wei Wentong was operating in Yanmen, hiding in Mobi Valley with three thousand men. The emperor dispatched General Yang Boquan to defeat him. On the eleventh day of the sixth month, the emperor ordered that the governor of Jiangdu be of the same rank as the Minister of the Capital. On the seventh day of the tenth month, Minister of Justice Liang Pi died. On the ninth day of the tenth month, Minister of the People and Senior Grand Master of the Silver Palace and Blue Palace Changsun Chi died. On the sixth day of the twelfth month, Senior Grand Master of the Left and Minister of Personnel Niu Hong died. On the eighth day of the twelfth month, Wang Wanchang from Zhuya rebelled, and the emperor dispatched Governor Han Hong of Longxi to suppress the rebellion.
On the first day of the first month of the year 667, Guo Yan died. Guo Yan held several significant positions: General of the Left Wuwei, Grand Master of the Court, and Marquis of Zhen Ding, a well-known figure.
In February, the emperor held a banquet at the fishing pavilion by the Yangtze River, inviting a large group of officials and bestowing a variety of gifts, each unique to the recipient. On that day, Baekje sent envoys to pay tribute as well. Afterward, the emperor took a dragon boat from Jiangdu, made his way along the Tongji Canal, and finally arrived at Zhuojun. The emperor also issued a decree stating: "To govern the country, one must have seven virtues, the first being to pacify the people; politics is based on six fundamentals, which must be rooted in education for prosperity. Goryeo and Goguryeo do not abide by the rules; I intend to teach them a lesson. Although we may have to go to war, we must first pacify the local areas. I will now go to Zhuojun to see how well the people are living. For the elderly over ninety in Hebei, Shanxi, and Shandong, I will appoint them as governors; those over eighty will be appointed as county magistrates."
In March, Yao Bian also died; he was a high official, the Right Grand Minister of Rites and the Left General of the Imperial Guard. In April, the emperor arrived at the Linshuo Palace in Zhuojun. In May, Fan Zigai was promoted to Minister of Civil Affairs. In the autumn, a great flood struck! More than thirty counties in Shandong and Henan were submerged, and many common people became so impoverished that they sold themselves into servitude. In October, the Dizhushan mountain collapsed, causing the river to reverse its course for dozens of miles. Then, Tu Wanxu became the Left General of the Imperial Guard. In December, the Turkic Khan Chuluoduli came to pay tribute, and the emperor was overjoyed and received him with great ceremony.
At that time, soldiers heading to Liaodong for war and laborers transporting military supplies crowded the roads, day and night without rest, suffering immensely, leading many to resort to banditry. The emperor ordered the captains, eagle warriors, and officials from various counties to apprehend these bandits, and those who were caught would face execution.
