The Romantic History of Emperor Yang of Sui [08]

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Chapter Eight: Showing Off Wealth and Power, Opening Markets in the Western Regions, Unleashing Military Aggression, Composing a Poem in Jibei .
The poem reads:
In this degenerate age, they vie for power, only thinking of exhausting their resources with war. They care not for the nation's ruin and the people's exhaustion, the broken and devastated state. Countless bones have already been filled in foreign lands, yet no more soil has been added to the Central Plains. They long to see the Miao people pacified beneath their steps, but the present is not the past. [The poem is in the style of
"Man Jiang Hong" and is set to the tune of "Man Jiang Hong" .]
It is said that Pei Ju prepared a memorial urging the opening of markets, and presented it to the emperor at court the next morning. It was during Emperor Yang's reign, and all the officials had finished their congratulations. Emperor Yang then asked, "The other day, the garrison commander of the Western Regions sent a report stating that foreigners want to open trade with China. What is your opinion on this?" Before he finished speaking, a man in black gauze and an ivory tablet stepped forward from the ranks, prostrating himself on the ground and saying, "Your Majesty, I have a short memorial, which I dare to offend." Emperor Yang looked closely and saw that it was Pei Ju, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. He then ordered a close attendant to take the memorial, placed it before the imperial desk, and unfolded it to read carefully. It read: "Your Majesty, I, Pei Ju, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, with utmost trepidation and trepidation, bow and kowtow, and present this memorial to Your Majesty: I have heard that governing a country is based on generating wealth, and dealing with foreign countries is based on cultivating virtue. There are always mutual benefits in the world, and there are no irreconcilable human relationships throughout history. Therefore, ancient emperors, when dealing with foreign countries, would punish those who opposed them with force and win them over with virtue. Now, the foreign countries of the Western Regions, fearing the power of China, pay tribute every year and come to court every year, their hearts long subdued." Those who now wish to trade with China do so out of admiration for the Emperor's benevolent rule and outward expression of their longing and affection. If we refuse, our power will be sufficient to intimidate them, but our virtue will be insufficient to pacify them. Moreover, the benefits of opening a market are fivefold: First, to exchange Chinese silks and brocades for pearls and rare treasures from overseas. Second, once the market opens, both sides will benefit; mutual benefit will foster harmony; harmony will ensure the borders will never be threatened. Third, with the barbarians subdued, foreign powers will surely come by sea and mountains, attracting distant peoples without resorting to force. Fourth, as trade becomes more established, we can gradually learn about their geography and landscapes, achieving the feats of Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han. Fifth, the world is now richer and stronger than ever before; to unite distant and remote regions as one family would truly surpass the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, and our name would be revered by posterity. I humbly beseech Your Majesty to act decisively and resolutely, for the benefits gained in a single year will be no less than a million, and the four borders will be as secure as Mount Tai. If you hesitate and miss this opportunity, I fear you may alienate people and invite conflict on the borders, with unpredictable consequences. Your Majesty, I eagerly await your command!
After reading the document, Emperor Yang was overjoyed and said, "Your five points of advantage are insightful and demonstrate your profound concern for the country. However, I fear that other countries may have ulterior motives." Pei Ju replied, "Given China's wealth and strength, with its well-trained army and ample provisions, even if there are ulterior motives, they are not a cause for concern. We only need a capable and prudent person to take charge of this matter." Emperor Yang said, "This is a weighty responsibility, and no one but you can handle it." He immediately issued an edict: "Pei Ju is hereby appointed to reside in Zhangye and other places in his original post, to be in charge of opening markets in the Western Regions. He must pacify the nearby and distant regions, and strive to promote virtuous governance. He is permitted to act expediently in all matters, but must not secretly instigate conflict. He will be promoted and rewarded for his merits." Pei Ju had just thanked the emperor and accepted the edict when another person stepped forward from the ranks. He was square-faced, had a long beard, high cheekbones, and large ears, and possessed an imposing and dignified appearance. The official prostrated himself and said, "There are three things that should not be done in opening markets in the Western Regions. Pei Ju, a mere scholar, is ignorant of worldly affairs and instead presents five benefits, making baseless accusations that harm the country. I beg Your Majesty to dismiss him." Emperor Yang looked at the document and recognized it as Duan Wenzhen, the Minister of War. He then asked, "What are the three things that should not be done in opening markets? How does Pei Ju harm the country?" Duan Wenzhen replied, "Opening markets in the Western Regions means that the foreign countries possess only precious stones, jade, rhinoceros horn, and ivory, which are useless for clothing in the cold or food in the hungry. To trade Chinese silk and cotton with them is to exchange useful goods for useless ones. This is the first thing that should not be done. Zhangye is a crucial border defense location. Opening markets there would inevitably bring foreign countries into our territory. These foreign countries are ambitious and their intentions are unpredictable. If something goes wrong, the consequences could be severe. This would be greed for profit and inviting trouble. This is the second thing that should not be done. Once markets are opened and friendly relations are established, they will be guests while we are the host, and exchanges will be frequent." They must be welcomed and sent off, and the post stations must provide supplies. They come in an endless stream, and the people of the prefectures and counties suffer endlessly, with no end in sight. This is seeking empty fame and suffering real harm. These are the three things that are unacceptable. There are three things that are unacceptable in opening a market, yet Pei Ju, seeking wealth and power, speaks recklessly and misleads the emperor; what is this if not harming the country? Pei Ju said: "Duan Wenzhen should be executed! Exchanging money and silk for priceless treasures yields a hundredfold profit; yet he considers them useless. If pearls and jade are considered useless, then money and gold cannot be used for clothing or food; will they also be considered useless? Those who engage in literary pursuits must have..." Military preparedness: though foreign powers are unpredictable, how can they extend beyond China's borders? Moreover, ancient emperors all treated people with sincerity; even those from neighboring countries were considered one family, and no one was ever heard to reject them out of suspicion. When distant people come to submit, the expenses of supplying them at post stations are limited, yet this is called exhausting the people; must we incite them to revolt, mobilize a million soldiers, and spend ten thousand taels of gold daily to subdue them, before we can say we are not exhausted? According to Duan Wenzhen's argument, this is a corrupt official monopolizing military power, not wanting the court to benefit; he wants Your Majesty to be a weak and incompetent ruler, rather than a benevolent, wise, and shrewd monarch. Emperor Yang, upon hearing this, said: "Clearly it's beneficial, yet you claim it's harmful. What is Duan Wenzhen thinking!" Duan Wenzhen said, "Your Majesty enjoys the legacy of the late Emperor's peaceful reign, but has never personally led troops into battle and is unaware of the dangers of border defense. If you listen to Pei Ju's clever words, the fate of the nation will surely be in danger." Emperor Yang slammed his fist on the table in fury, "Duan Wenzhen is deceiving me by saying I've never used troops. I will open the market anyway, and see how the nation will be in danger! Such arrogant slander against the emperor is a serious crime, but I will spare him out of consideration for this old minister. Anyone who remonstrates again will be executed!" As Duan Wenzhen was about to speak again, Emperor Yang had already turned and returned to the palace in a huff. Duan Wenzhen sighed, "If Your Majesty doesn't listen to this old minister's words, the empire will collapse in less than ten years." He left the court dejectedly.
Meanwhile, Pei Ju, having received the imperial decree, was overjoyed. He returned to his private residence, first preparing a generous gift for Yang Su, fearing that Yang Su might try to stop him. He also prepared gifts to thank Wang Zhong. Then, he packed his belongings, received his warrant, and set off for the Western Regions. Upon arriving in Zhangye, Pei Ju was greeted and received by the garrison commanders. He then conveyed the imperial edict, saying, "His Majesty, seeing your documents regarding the opening of the market, finds them very profitable. Therefore, he has ordered this department to be stationed in Zhangye to oversee this matter. In trade with foreign countries, it is essential to exchange cheap goods for expensive ones and small quantities for large ones. Do not allow any losses or inconveniences." The generals all bowed and replied, "We respectfully obey Your Majesty's decree." Pei Ju then issued a document to gather merchants and purchase silks; he also raised a yellow flag on the city wall, which read: "By Imperial Decree, the Market Opens." He ordered the garrison commanders to issue documents informing everyone; he also ordered the construction of numerous inns and post stations to house our traders; and he instructed all counties and prefectures along the route to provide for and accommodate all foreigners, without any neglect. Soon after the order was issued, people from various countries heard of it and brought their overseas treasures to Zhangye for trade. Truly, once the source of profit was opened, a bustling crowd arrived. Chinese brocades piled up like mountains; overseas treasures were transported by the bushel and cartload. They exchanged goods, coming and going, one after another. Foreigners flocked in endless streams. Pei Ju and the various garrison commanders profited immensely from this exchange. The poor counties along the way, constantly seeing off and welcoming them, never found a moment's peace. The common people were exhausted, granaries were empty, and annual expenditures amounted to no less than a million. Unable to sustain themselves, the counties submitted petitions to Pei Ju's office, pleading for closure. Pei Ju could only use the imperial edict to deflect blame, caring nothing for their plight.
Indeed:
Who is the most wicked in the court? Only the treacherous ministers.
For their own selfish gain, they caused the people to suffer destitution.
Pei Ju also frequently sent tributes of fine horses, rhinoceroses, elephants, and various rare treasures to the capital. He also entertained the guests with food and drink, and carefully inquired about the mountains, rivers, and customs of various countries, drawing up illustrations of all of them. These illustrations, totaling forty-four countries, were compiled into three volumes and collectively titled "Illustrated Records of the Western Regions," which he then presented to Emperor Yang. Emperor Yang was overjoyed upon seeing this and said to Empress Xiao, "So the scenery of foreign lands is also so beautiful! How could I have known this without the opening of the market! That scoundrel Duan Wenzhen stubbornly opposed it, and I was almost ruined by him. He also laughed at me for enjoying a peaceful reign and being unaware of the affairs on the frontier. I wish to personally visit Jibei to appreciate the beauty of the countries. Firstly, I can admire the scenic wonders of the land within my own borders; secondly, I can observe the customs and landscapes beyond the Great Wall; thirdly, I can let the world know that I am a heroic ruler; and fourthly, I can reclaim Yang Su's military power. What do you think, my lady?" Empress Xiao replied, "This is an excellent idea! Since ancient times, emperors have had the ritual of imperial tours. Later, incompetent and foolish rulers only sought comfort in the palace and thus abolished this ritual. Your Majesty's willingness to revive it is truly a grand ceremony, so why not?" Emperor Yang was delighted and resolved to tour Jibei. The next morning at court, he summoned all the ministers to the hall and said: "I have heard that the ancient sage emperors and wise kings all toured the world to personally observe the hardships of the people. The rulers of Jiangdong, however, only know how to apply cosmetics, eat jade and wear brocade, and enjoy themselves in the deep palace, never seeing the people. How are they different from women? I am truly ashamed of them. Now I wish to take advantage of this peaceful and prosperous time to personally go to the border, pacify the various barbarians, and hold the sacred rites of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. All of you in your respective departments may gather troops and load up supplies, and wait for me to choose an auspicious day to depart." The officials all said in unison, “The world is at peace now, and the borders are tranquil. Your Majesty should be freely spreading your teachings. Why must you personally travel to such a remote region for a hunting expedition? Even though it is a grand event for the Son of Heaven, it is still a waste of resources and manpower. We urge Your Majesty to reconsider!” Emperor Yang said displeased, “A subject should strive to make the emperor like Yao and Shun; this is the true virtue of a loyal minister. You do not advise me to go, but only worry about the small expenses, yet you want me to emulate those emperors who are ignorant of worldly affairs. What kind of logic is this! If you dare to remonstrate again, you will be severely punished!” The officials had no answer and withdrew respectfully. They returned to their respective offices, feeling uneasy. They could only privately inquire of Yang Su. Unexpectedly, Yang Su was indulging in wine and women, completely neglecting state affairs. When the officials came to inquire, he claimed to be ill and refused to see them. Helpless, the officials could only go to the training ground to assemble the troops, prepare provisions, and prepare for Emperor Yang's hunting expedition. Emperor Yang then issued another decree: "Flags and weapons must be of the finest quality and in perfect order; food and provisions must be abundant and lavish, and not a single matter should be neglected." The officials obeyed and carried out the necessary preparations as usual, incurring countless expenses. However, the court had few loyal ministers and many sycophants. Whenever the emperor indulged in extravagance, a group of sycophantic officials would emerge, seeking novelty and pandering to his whims. Before Emperor Yang had even finished issuing the decree, the palace eunuch Feng Deyi reported: "The entire route north of Ji is desert, crumbling and dilapidated. How can the emperor's carriage proceed? The counties must first be ordered to construct imperial roads, so that the golden carriage and jade palanquin can proceed safely." Emperor Yang was overjoyed and immediately issued an edict to the relevant departments, instructing all counties along the route to construct imperial roads, with those who failed to do so to be executed. Once the imperial decree was issued, who dared disobey! This road stretched from the capital, through Yanmen, Yulin, Yunzhong, and Jinhe, all the way to Jibei, a distance of over three thousand li. It's unknown how much money and grain it cost the people! Once the imperial road was completed, Yuwen Kai, the Vice Minister of War, submitted a memorial: "Although the imperial road is now open, I fear there are no palaces or pavilions along the way. With mountain cities and grassy counties along the route, how will Your Majesty stop? In my humble opinion, a grand palace for observing the wind should be built, large enough to accommodate five or seven hundred people, decorated with brocade, embroidery, and jewels on all sides, with wheels as ramps underneath, allowing it to move freely and stop at will. This would enhance the majesty of the superior nation and display the dignity of the Celestial Empire. Furthermore, the accompanying concubines could reside within the palace, separating the inner and outer areas." Emperor Yang was overjoyed, saying, "Without your brilliant talent, no one could have such an ingenious idea." He immediately issued an edict ordering Yuwen Kai and Feng Deyi to supervise the construction overnight.
Within ten months, the palace tents, carriages, horses, and all sorts of utensils were all prepared and in order. Emperor Yang chose an auspicious day to depart, while Empress Xiao prepared a farewell banquet. It was early August, the weather was cool. Emperor Yang bid farewell to Empress Xiao, leaving half of his civil and military officials to guard the country with Yang Su, and led the other half towards Yulin. At that time, the land was prosperous, and all things were abundant; palace tents and utensils were extremely luxurious. The accompanying army numbered over 500,000; the army had over 100,000 carriages and horses. Supplies and provisions flowed continuously along the road for a thousand miles. Along the way, dragon banners blotted out the sun, phoenix canopies covered the sky, the imperial carriage flowed like water, and the imperial horses were like dragons. Truly, the majesty of the Son of Heaven was unlike any other.
One could see:
the imperial throne facing the Yellow Path, the Emperor emerging from the Purple Palace.
Thunderous drums sounded in the sky, lightning flashed across the banners for a thousand miles.
The vegetation was vibrant, the mountains and rivers shone brightly.
The palace moved with double winds, the imperial carriage passed with six dragons flying.
Ten thousand chariots rushed forward, the three officials listened to commands.
Sable-clad attendants surrounded the palace, brocade-adorned concubines adorned the palace. The majestic
aura of the emperor resounds far and wide, the proud neighing of the imperial horses is magnificent.
Clouds gather, obscuring the sun and moon, dust rises , 　　scattering pearls and jade. Emerging from the ninefold heavens
of Yunmeng, the eight steeds of Yaochi return. The stars welcome the emperor's procession, the Dipper presses down on the robes of the courtiers 　　. The holy ruler is aided by a hundred spirits, the general's might is awe-inspiring in all directions. 　　Heavenly troops surge like a tide, jade delicacies surround Mount Tai. 　　Orders are issued and the gods obey, the army marches without disobeying Heaven. Battle clouds stretch across 　　the Taiji, the azure moon illuminates 　　the imperial palace. Why should Emperor Wu of Han be admired, Qin Shi Huang is not worth envying. 　　Those who travel with wealth and power are 　　few and far between throughout history. Emperor Yang saw the magnificent entourage, the resounding drums and gongs, the camps stretching for hundreds of miles. At night, the lights were connected, and from a high place, it looked like a row of stars in the sky. Emperor Yang was very pleased with himself. Wherever he went, he would summon his ministers to admire the beautiful scenery, drink wine, compose poems, and have fun. He could not travel more than twenty or thirty miles a day. If he encountered a place with tangible mountains and rivers, he would travel for several days. The local products and food from the counties and prefectures piled up like mountains and filled the sea. One day, as the imperial carriage approached the Jinhe River, a sudden strong wind arose, whipping up sand and dust. Emperor Yang hastily sought refuge in his temporary palace, ordering his concubines to surround him and drink wine. However, the north wind was too strong, carrying a great deal of sand and dust that pierced through the curtains and filled the palace. Before long, layers of yellow dust had piled up on the concubines' dark hair. Emperor Yang was displeased. He immediately summoned his ministers for a discussion. The Imperial Secretary, Yu Shiji, suggested, "Since Yuwen Kai can build a temporary palace, why can't he construct a temporary city? Your Majesty, why not order Yuwen Kai to oversee the construction of a temporary city? It should be a thousand paces in circumference and ten zhang high. It should have four gates in the center, constructed with a framework of plain cloth and wooden planks, adorned with brocade on the outside, and equipped with wheels for soldiers to maneuver, allowing it to move and stop at will. Not only would it protect against the wind and sand, but it would also be a magnificent sight to foreign lands, enhancing the grandeur of the Celestial Empire." Emperor Yang was overjoyed, saying, "You truly possess the talent for strategic maneuvering!" He then ordered Yuwen Kai to supervise the construction overnight. Truly, the nation possessed the power to topple mountains; within days, a temporary city had been constructed. Its magnificence was unparalleled in history. One could see: white jade slabs for the stonework, gold scattered as bricks for sealing. Layers of purple and red light shone, blocking the four gates. Passing over Mount Tai, it trembled; overlooking the city, auspicious clouds surged. Thousands of bows seemed to rise high above, but the Big Dipper seemed to lower itself towards the city. 　　Outside the city, the Imperial Guards, accompanied by oxen and horses, drove the city; inside, eunuchs were stationed to guard the city. Banners were densely displayed, bows and crossbows were fully deployed, and four gate towers were equipped with drums and horns. The city gates opened and closed at will, just like the imperial city. Civil and military officials were not allowed to enter without imperial decree. Emperor Yang ascended the city and surveyed the surroundings, overjoyed. He then summoned Yu Shiji, Yuwen Kai, and Feng Deyi to the tower for a banquet. After the banquet, he bestowed upon them gold and colorful silks, and the festivities ended. Emperor Yang, having acquired this city, erected a canopy to keep the city untouched by the sandstorms outside. He was overjoyed. Within a month, he had crossed the northern border of Yulin and reached the Jizhou region to the east. Beyond this lay the lands of foreign envoys and tribute missions from various countries. Upon Emperor Yang's arrival, Pei Ju led the border generals to offer their congratulations. 　　Meanwhile, further north in the Western Regions lay a kingdom called Tuli Khan Ranyu. During the Kaihuang era, they had come to pay tribute and seek a marriage alliance. Emperor Wen, pleased with his loyalty, married his daughter, Princess Yi'an, to him. Later, Tuli Khan fought a feud with Yonglu, lost his stronghold, and returned defeated. Emperor Wen then bestowed upon him the title of Tujue Qimin Khan. He also built a large city, Dali, in Shuofang for him to reside in. After Yonglu's death, Qimin continued to seize the territory and became extremely powerful. Hearing that Emperor Yang had visited Yulin, and out of gratitude for Emperor Wen's favor, he and Princess Yi'an brought many rare treasures to pay homage. Upon learning this, Emperor Yang secretly issued an edict ordering all officers to draw their bows, unsheathe their swords, gleam in their armor, and flutter their banners, so that Qimin could be brought to court the next day. The generals obeyed. They then deployed 500,000 armored soldiers, arranged according to the twenty-eight constellations, into twenty-eight camps, surrounding a central city, resembling the Purple Forbidden City. The army was disciplined and their commands were clear. 　　Truly, it was 　　a glorious victory for the Yan state, a momentary triumph for the border. 　　No army could rival its might on this day.

The next day, Emperor Yang held court in a temporary palace and ordered all camps to open wide. He summoned the Tongyi Langjiang (a military officer) to lead the Turkic leader Qimin to pay homage. Qimin, along with the princess and tribal chiefs, arrived at the camp and saw the imposing Chinese army, with a fortified city in the center, its four gates wide open and its fortifications fully erected. They were all greatly astonished, exchanging bewildered glances and saying, "These are not soldiers, but gods! How can they be so powerful!" They hastily dismounted and entered the temporary city. Upon reaching the temporary palace, they all prostrated themselves and knelt at the foot of the steps. Emperor Yang ordered them to rise. He then asked, "Do you still remember the late Emperor's kindness in supporting the princess and building the city?" Qimin replied, "Although I am from a foreign country, I dare not disobey his virtue. On His Majesty's northern tour, I, along with the princess, respectfully present these humble gifts to express my humble devotion." He then presented local products such as sable, silver ferrets, white-feathered sparrows, nasturtiums, blue peony, spotted goat horns, sand grouse, as well as fine horses, precious swords, and various jewels and ornaments. Emperor Yang ordered his attendants to accept them. He then followed Princess Xuan Yi'an to the hall and offered her a seat, while Qimin was also offered a seat below the steps. Emperor Yang then asked, "Do you submit to the might of China's army?" Qimin replied, "The awe-inspiring might of Heaven is unprecedented; how dare the people beyond the Great Wall not submit!" Emperor Yang was overjoyed and said, "With such military might, conquering the borderlands would be no difficult task; however, considering our sincere tribute and the principle of peace through marriage, I am reluctant to do so!" Qimin replied, "The foreign countries also remember the late Emperor's kindness and dare not betray it!" Emperor Yang asked, "How many soldiers does your country have?" Qimin replied, "If we consider soldiers of all ages, they are everywhere; the strong and able-bodied are no more than a million! How can they compare to the might of the Celestial Empire?" Emperor Yang asked, "How many soldiers and generals have you brought?" Qimin replied, "We came to court on horseback. If we had brought armored soldiers, Your Majesty might have been suspicious. We only brought a thousand or so tribal chiefs with us." Emperor Yang was overjoyed and said, "You are a loyal minister!" He then issued an edict to dismiss the court and summoned them all for a banquet the following day. Qimin and the princess thanked the Emperor and withdrew. Emperor Yang, while discussing with his ministers, said, "Tomorrow we will hold a banquet for the people, numbering in the thousands. Making them sit in the open would be a disgrace to China. If we were to build a house, how could we find one that is spacious enough? And we wouldn't have the time to do so." Feng Deyi replied, "This is easy to handle. We can simply make a large tent from bolts of silk and brocade. It will be spacious enough for them to sit in, and it can be done in a short time." Emperor Yang was delighted and said, "Your words are reasonable." "Then he ordered the preparation of tents and a banquet, but that's another story.
Now, in this desert region, bordering the Western Regions, there were over a hundred kingdoms, large and small, but all revered the strong. Whatever the powerful did, the other kingdoms obeyed. At this time, Qimin was the strongest. Seeing Qimin come to court, the various kingdoms brought their treasures and offered tribute. Within a few days, more than twenty kingdoms, including the Shiwei, Yi, Xiuyi, Jurchen, Kucha, Yiwu, Gaochang, Sumatra, Samarkand, and Persia, all came to pay tribute. Emperor Yang received them and summoned them all to a banquet. On this day, Emperor Yang personally went to the tent and summoned the Khans of the various kingdoms to enter and be seated. Only Gaochang, whom Emperor Wen had also bestowed Princess Huayang upon during his reign, and who was among those sent for marriage alliances with Qimin, was given a seat at the front. The other kingdoms..." All were seated below according to rank. The various tribes were also seated below. Emperor Yang, however, sat above in a separate hall surrounded by gold and jade, with civil officials in official robes flanking him, and military generals in full leather armor, arranged like swallow wings on either side. Soldiers from all camps, bows drawn and swords clashing, surrounded the tent. In a short while, imperial wine was served, and imperial music was played. This day was truly a day of: rites and music mingling with the clash of swords, royal customs intertwined with the chariots' processions.
Foreigners rejoiced together, and the Hu and Yue tribes were not alarmed.
Jade and silk were offered in abundance, and tributes arrived from afar.
No need for elaborate rituals, for peace had already been achieved across the land.
Foreigners, seeing the victory of the Chinese army, were filled with awe; seeing the orderly banquet and the hospitable hospitality, they were also delighted. After drinking for a while, Emperor Yang issued another decree: "The foreign nations have come to pay homage; their intentions are commendable." "Today, the Chinese and the barbarians are united. This banquet need not be bound by formalities; let us enjoy ourselves to the fullest and not fail my intention to be accommodating to the barbarians." Upon hearing this decree, the foreigners all shouted "Long live the Emperor!" After drinking for half a day, Sumatra stepped forward, prostrated himself on the ground, and presented a magpie, offering wine as a toast. The magpie was seven inches tall, could understand human speech, and was a rare treasure from the Western Regions. Emperor Yang accepted it and drank three full cups before Sumatra left. Khotan then prostrated himself on the ground, presenting two beautiful jades, one square and one round, offering wine as a toast. The jade was five inches in diameter and its luster was so bright it could reflect light. The round one was called dragon jade; when placed in water… Then rainbows appeared, and rain fell in an instant; the square piece was called Tiger Jade, and if brushed with tiger fur, purple light would burst forth, and all beasts would tremble in fear. Emperor Yang was overjoyed and accepted it, drinking three full cups before leaving Khotan. Then, Tokharistan, Sushen, and other countries all offered their local products as a birthday gift. Emperor Yang, seeing his people kneeling and offering endless gifts, was filled with joy and drank to his heart's content. A smug look appeared on his face, and emboldened by the wine, he looked at his officials and said with a smile, "I am the Son of Heaven, China is rich and powerful, and all countries are turning to me. Even the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors of antiquity cannot surpass this!" "Then he ordered his imperial brush to be brought out, and personally composed a poem to commemorate the grandeur.
It read:
'Hurhan bowed his head and came, Tuqi followed in succession. How can they compare to the Han emperor, who vainly ascended the Shanyu's
platform?'
After the poem was finished, all the officials shouted 'Long live the emperor!' Emperor Yang then ordered his attendants to distribute the imperial poem to all the countries, and each was given three cups of wine. After everyone had drunk, they all rose to thank the banquet. Emperor Yang then ordered each tribe to distribute gold, silver, silk, brocade, and other valuables to the leaders of the various countries and tribes in order. This distribution amounted to more than a few million pieces of gold, silver, silk, and brocade! Only after the distribution was completed did the foreigners express their gratitude and depart.
It is truly said:
'How much wealth can be gained from the north? Half of the world's riches are already gone.
The wise ruler need not contend with distant strategies; what achievements did Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han accomplish?'
How Emperor Yang later returned to his country is unknown; let us find out in the next chapter."

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