Emperor Jing, originally named Yan and later renamed Chan, was the eldest son of Emperor Xuan. His mother was Empress Zhu. In June of the second year of the Jian De era, he was born in the Eastern Palace. On Gui Mao day in the first month of the first year of Da Xiang, he was granted the title of King of Lu. On Wu Wu day, he was named Crown Prince. On Xin Si day in the second month, Emperor Xuan passed the throne to him at Ye Palace, and then the new emperor resided in Zhengyang Palace.
Thus, Emperor Jing officially ascended the throne and began his reign. What story will unfold next? Let us wait and see.
In May of the year 578, Emperor Xuan fell seriously ill, and the new emperor was summoned to Lu Men Academy to be by his side. A few days later, Emperor Xuan passed away. The new emperor left Zhengyang Palace, issued a pardon throughout the realm, and the construction project of Luoyang Palace was also halted. Then, Empress Dowager Tianyuan was posthumously honored as the Grand Empress Dowager, Lady Li was honored as the Grand Empress Dowager, Lady Yang as the Empress Dowager, and Lady Zhu as the Empress Dowager. The three empresses—Chen, Yuan, and Wei Chi—renounced their titles to become nuns. Wang Zan was appointed Grand Minister and Right Chancellor, Yang Jian was appointed Acting Chancellor with the Yellow Decree and Left Chancellor, and Prince Qin Zhi was appointed Grand Minister. At that time, the new emperor was still quite young, and Left Chancellor Yang Jian handled all state affairs. Subsequently, Wei Xiaokuan was appointed as the governor of Xiangzhou, and the market entry tax was officially abolished.
In June, Yu Wen Shan, Dou Yi, Hou Mo Chen Qiong, and Yan Qing were all conferred the title of Grand Minister. King Zhao, King Chen, King Yue, King Dai, and King Teng all came to pay their respects. The court also reinstated Buddhism and Taoism, allowing those elderly monks and priests of good character to continue their practices. Afterwards, Duke Chun of Qi, Duke Yu of Yan, and Duke He Ba of Gao were also conferred the title of Grand Minister. Consequently, Wei Chi Qiong, the governor of Xiangzhou, rebelled and refused to obey the court's orders. The court dispatched troops to quell the rebellion and appointed Wei Xiao Kuan as the commander of the army. King Bihuan was executed for plotting to usurp the throne. King Qin Zhi was appointed Grand Chancellor, and Duke Chun of Qi was appointed Grand Minister of Works. The court ordered the release of the people of the four states: Nan Ding, Bei Guang, Heng, and Ba, who had previously been forced into servitude under Yu Wen Liang, allowing them to resume their former lives.
During this period, a crimson mist appeared in the West, slowly moving eastward and filling the entire sky. The court lifted the ban on some fish ponds and mountain streams, allowing the common folk to use them. Liang Rui was appointed governor of Yizhou. In July, the Turks returned Gao Shaoyi, the Prince of Fanyang, to the state of Qi. The governor of Shenzhou, Li Hui, rebelled. During this time, celestial phenomena occurred, including the moon covering the Di star and the sixth star of the Southern Dipper. The court decreed that the five princes—Zhao Wang, Chen Wang, Yue Wang, Dai Wang, and Teng Wang—were allowed to attend court without performing the kneeling ceremony and were allowed to wear swords when entering the hall. The governor of Xingzhou, Yuwen Zhou, also raised a rebellion, and the court dispatched Yang Su to suppress him. Wei Chiqin, the governor of Qingzhou, also raised a rebellion. Yang Jian was appointed commander of all military forces. Sima Xiaonan, the governor of Yunzhou, also rebelled, and the court sent Wang Yi to suppress him. That year, Jupiter and Venus aligned in the constellation Zhang, and a meteor as large as the Big Dipper appeared, flying past the Five Chariots constellation towards the northeast, lighting up the land. Zhao Wang Zhao and Yue Wang Sheng were killed for plotting to usurp power. The emperor granted the title of King of Ye to his brother Yang Shu and King of Ying to Yang Kan. In this month, tribes in Yuzhou, Jingzhou, and Xiangzhou rose in revolt, burning, killing, looting, and attacking the counties and states. On Geng Shen day in August, Wang Qian, the governor of Yizhou, rebelled and refused to relinquish his military command. The court quickly appointed Liang Rui as the marching marshal to confront him. On Ding Mao day, the court bestowed the title of Duke of Su Guo upon General Xin Wei and the title of Duke of Shan Guo upon Governor Yi Ang.
On the Gengwu day, Wei Xiaokuan defeated Yu Chijiong in Ye City, and Yu Chijiong committed suicide. Xiangzhou was also pacified. The court moved Xiangzhou to Anyang, and Ye City along with the original towns were all destroyed. At the same time, Yangping County in Xiangzhou was changed to Maozhou, and Changle County was renamed Weizhou. On the Bingzi day, the court appointed Han Wang Zan as Grand Tutor, and the governor of Bingzhou, Duke Li Mu of Shen, as Grand Preceptor. Wang Shi of Song was appointed as the Grand Front Doubt, Qin Wang Zhi as the Great Right Assistant, and Duke Yu Shi of Yan as the Great Left Assistant.
On the Jimao day, the emperor issued an edict that said: I have inherited the great achievements of my ancestors and have been emperor for two years. Thanks to my ancestors' protection and the help of various officials, the country has been stable and peaceful. The traitor Yu Chijiong, of mediocre talent and treacherous heart, relied on his slight connection to the royal family to attain a high official position. Just as disaster befell us from heaven, the late emperor passed away, and the whole nation was in mourning. Yet, this Yu Chijiong, not knowing right from wrong, actually raised an army to rebel, attempting to seize the world. Thus, I ordered the troops to suppress him, and after our soldiers fought bravely, we finally quelled the rebellion and captured the chief culprit, Yu Chijiong. The other rebels were so terrified that they surrendered. Taking advantage of the beautiful autumn weather and following the will of heaven, we completely pacified the rebellions along both banks of the Yellow River. The whole nation rejoiced. During the lifetime of the late emperor, wars were not easily initiated; the sage governed the world, emphasizing ruling by virtue. I, this time, had no choice but to resort to military force, and I feel quite ashamed. I now wish to implement lenient and simple policies to meet the people's expectations, so I have decided to grant a general amnesty. However, Yu Chijiong's accomplices, those obstinate individuals, as well as Yu Chijiong's sons and nephews, and the rebel Sima Xiaonan, Wang Qianzhi and others, will not be included in the amnesty.
In the year 580 AD, known as Gengchen, Sima Xiaonan gathered his troops at Lushan and Zengshan, then headed straight for Chenzhou. The emperor dispatched General Song Angong Yuan Jingshan to pursue him, which led to the capture and execution of over five hundred individuals, and Yunzhu was also brought under control. Yang Yong'an, the leader of the Di tribe in Shazhou, also gathered troops in response to Wang Qian's rebellion. The emperor then dispatched General Cheng Angong Daxi Ru to quell the rebellion. Meanwhile, Yang Su defeated Yuwen Zhou in Xingzhou and subsequently killed him at Shiji. The emperor promoted Dou Yi to Grand Marshal and Yu Zhi to the position of Grand Minister of Works. Additionally, he abolished the positions of the governors of six states: Xiangzhou, Qingzhou, Jingzhou, Jinzhu, Jinzhou, and Liangzhou.
On September 1st, Mars and Jupiter aligned in the Wing constellation. On September 3rd, the emperor abolished the governorship of Heyang, converting it into a garrison under Luozhou's authority. Yang Hui was appointed Grand Zongbo. On September 7th, the Sima clan was deposed and reduced to commoners. On September 9th, Mars entered the Taiwei Palace. On September 13th, Wang Yi was granted the title of Shangzhuguo. On September 16th, the emperor transferred the six states under Tongzhou's jurisdiction—Xinxian, Suizhou, Puzhou, Hezhou—and the two states under Luzhou's jurisdiction—Luzhou and Rongzhou—to the governorship of Xinzhu. On September 21st, Mars was in conjunction with the Left Law Star. On September 26th, Yu Yi and Yuwen Xin were both granted the title of Shangzhuguo; Yu Yi was made Duke of Renguo, and Yuwen Xin was made Duke of Yingguo. On September 28th, the title of the Prime Minister's office was revised to remove "Left" and "Right," and Yang Jian was appointed Grand Prime Minister.
On October 1st, a solar eclipse occurred. On October 2nd, a meteor appeared, as large as five douds in size, emerging from the Zhang constellation and flying south, illuminating the ground. On October 9th, Chen Wang Chun was killed out of resentment towards the ruling ministers. Yang Jian was promoted to Grand Zongzhai, and the five prefectures were placed under the authority of the Tianguan. On October 14th, Liang Rui defeated Wang Qian in Jiannan, pursued him, and sent Wang Qian's head to the capital, while Yizhou was also pacified.
On the first day of the eleventh month, Daxi Ru defeated Yang Yong'an in Shazhou, bringing peace to the region. On the second day of the eleventh month, the Star of Fortune lingered in the Taiwei Palace. On the fourth day of the eleventh month, the Grand Chancellor and Duke of Yunguo, Wei Xiaokuan, passed away.
On the Renzi day in December, Liang Rui, conferred the titles of Grand Chancellor and Duke of Jiangguo, was elevated to Grand Chancellor. On the day of Guichou, Mars entered the Di constellation. On the day of Dingsi, the following Grand Chancellors were all promoted to Grand Chancellor: Yang Xiong (Duke of Hanguo), He Lanxuan (Duke of Puan), Liang Shiyan (Duke of Chengguo), Chilie Changcha (Grand General, Duke of Xinning), Cui Hongdu (Duke of Wuxiang), Yuwen En (Grand General, Duke of Zhongshan), Yuwen Shu (Duke of Puyang), He Ganzi (Duke of Weiyuan), Wang Jing (Duke of Rencheng), Yang Rui (Duke of Yuyang), Li Chong (Shang Kaifu, Duke of Guangzong), and Li Xun (Duke of Longxi). On the day of Gengshen, Dou Luji (Grand Chancellor, Duke of Chuguo) was also promoted to Grand Chancellor.
On the day of Guihai, the Emperor issued an edict declaring: "The Book of Songs says 'better to be of the same surname,' and the Commentary on the Book of Songs says 'different surnames are for the latter.' This is to clarify kinship relationships and avoid confusion. The Great Ancestor Emperor was commanded by Heaven; at that time, the virtue of the dragon was concealed. The edict for the change of dynasties, like the stars, signifies the renewal of the old. At that time, the world was divided into three factions, and we were united in our desire to support the royal family of Northern Wei, making numerous adjustments in hopes of aligning with the will of Heaven. Among the civil and military officials, many were granted surnames, and they originally came from different countries and places, which actually violated the principle of land distribution. Instead of being close to one's kin, they permitted individuals of different lineages to serve the Emperor together; instead of being close to one's relatives, they arranged them in hierarchical order according to clan law in the court. Furthermore, the practice of changing surnames is an inherent trend in history; the mandate of Heaven belongs to those who yield and yield again, ultimately still cannot be avoided. Therefore, we have reigned over the world for several generations. We can no longer follow the principle of yielding and implement temporary measures for a long time. All individuals who have changed their surnames should revert to their original surnames."
On the Jiazi day, Yang Jian, the Grand Chancellor and Duke of Sui State, was elevated to the title of king and given control over ten commanderies. On the Xinwei day, Prince Da of Dai and Prince You of Teng were executed for conspiring to usurp power. On the Renshen day, Yang Yong, the Grand General and Duke of Changning, was appointed as the Senior Minister and Grand Marshal; Yuan Xiaojun, the Junior Chancellor and Duke of Shiping, was appointed as the Grand Minister of Justice.
On the Renwu day in the first month of the first year of the Great Ding period, the Emperor issued an edict that said: "Due to my insufficient virtue, I have faced severe punishment early in my reign. Time flies, and before I knew it, we are at this moment. My heart is heavy with pain and turmoil, and words fail to express it. More than a year later, I have changed the era name following past customs. Now, I will change the name of the Great Elephant era to the first year of Great Ding." On the same day, the planet Venus was in retrograde motion, located at the Right Law Star's position; the planet Mars obscured the first star of the Northern House.
A few days later, the Emperor issued another edict that said: "The emperor establishes official positions, promoting only those who are talented; for ministers serving the state, recommending talented individuals is crucial. Since last year, there have been repeated rebellions, and thanks to the chancellors' wise decisions, the rebellions have been quelled. After the rebellions were suppressed, although the wars have ended, the people in various regions are still quite weary, and life has not yet returned to normal. Among those in office, only a handful can truly contribute to the state. This is why the country has come to this point, as many talented individuals have not been properly utilized. Now that the world is unified and peace reigns, the chancellors are overseeing governance and educating the populace. If all the talented individuals can enter the court and be assigned positions according to their abilities, then I can leave everything to them, and the nation will naturally thrive." Therefore, the Emperor decreed that officials above the rank of governor, those above the level of minor officials, and those above the level of inspector should each recommend three honest and hardworking individuals. Those recommended, if they demonstrate merits or faults during their three years in office, will result in the recommenders also receiving rewards or punishments. Additionally, Yang Yong was appointed as the governor of Luozhou.
In February of the year of Gengshen, Yang Jian was appointed as the Prime Minister, overseeing all officials, and was granted an additional ten commanderies, bringing the total to thirty commanderies including the previous twenty. He was allowed to wear court robes to the palace, did not have to walk quickly to attend court, was exempt from kneeling ceremonies, enjoyed the honors of the Nine Seals, and was granted a seal, a ritual axe, and a crown for distant travels. The Prime Minister's seal was made with a green silk ribbon, elevating his status above all princes. Furthermore, he was crowned with twelve tassels, used the emperor's banners, had a ceremonial retinue when traveling, rode in a golden carriage drawn by six horses, equipped with a secondary carriage for various occasions, and had ceremonial standards, including the Cloud and Rare Head banners. There were also eight sets of music and dance, and bells hung in the palace. The titles and ranks of the empress and princes were determined according to the precedents of the Wei and Jin dynasties. On the Jiazi day, Yang Jian proclaimed himself emperor, and the former emperor retired to another palace.
The Sui Dynasty respected the former emperor as the Duke of Jie, with a fief that included ten thousand households. His ceremonial dress, music, and rites were the same as those of the Zhou Dynasty; there was no need to write memorials, and the emperor's replies did not need to be called edicts. Although there were such regulations, they were not actually enforced. In the first year of the Kaihuang era, on the day of Ren Shen in May, this emperor passed away at the age of nine. The historical records of the Sui Dynasty note this. His posthumous title was Emperor Jing, and he was buried in Gongling.
Historians note that Emperor Jing ascended to the throne at a young age, inheriting a declining empire. The ministers Sun and Liu manipulated power, and the influence of the imperial family was not as strong as that of the Qi and Dai states. The Sui Dynasty seized the opportunity to invade and removed the turtle-shaped cauldron that symbolized imperial authority. Although resistance was later organized around Mount Min and Mount Emei, the outcome was the loss of the empire; even the loyal armies along the Zhanghe and Fuhe rivers could not reverse the fall of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Alas, reflecting on the empire that Emperor Taizu built with great effort, it was only less than twenty years before it was extinguished, which is truly a pity! This is probably all the legacy left by Emperor Xuan, and should not be held against the young emperor.
This young emperor has taken on a heavy responsibility at such a young age, but he has found himself in such a mess. Inside the court, there are two bad actors, Sun and Liu, causing chaos, and outside, the influence of his relatives is too weak, not as strong as the former Qi and Dai states. The Sui Dynasty, seeing this situation, immediately took action and seized the treasured turtle-shaped cauldron that symbolizes imperial power. Although resistance was later organized in Sichuan, ultimately, they still couldn't hold on, and the country was lost. Even if troops were sent from the Zhanghe and Fuhe areas to help, they couldn't save the Great Zhou. Sigh, the world that Emperor Taizu worked so hard to establish was lost in less than twenty years, which is truly a shame! This is all the mess his grandfather, Emperor Xuan, left behind, and we can't really blame this young emperor.
