[The Amorous History of Emperor Yang of Sui] [40] (End)

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Chapter Forty: The Emperor's Palace Murder and the Burning of the Palace Pavilion – The End of Prosperity
The poem reads:
The emperor, the supreme ruler, why was he bullied by a villain? Despite the extravagant construction projects, his debauchery and cruelty towards the people and the nation, it was Heaven's will. Thus, a palace coup occurred, and the imperial bedchamber was stained with blood. The magnificent land, the beautiful palace maids – in retrospect, all are sorrow. How much better to be a benevolent ruler, respectful and frugal, saving the people's resources. Establishing a lasting legacy, a foundation for ten thousand generations, he was pained by extravagance, yet pleasure was insatiable, personally practicing morality, finding boundless joy. Look at the prosperous times of the Yellow Emperor, Tang, Yu, and Xia dynasties. (
Adapted from the poem "Feng Liu Zi")
Now, let's turn to the other side. Sima Dekan and others, on one hand, forced Emperor Yang out of the palace, and on the other hand, led their soldiers to invite Yuwen Huaji to the court to govern. At this time, dawn had just broken. Upon hearing the news, Yuwen Huaji was so terrified that he trembled and stood frozen, speechless for a long time. Pei Qiantong said, "General, there is no need to hesitate. The great matter is accomplished. Please come to court immediately to govern the country." Yuwen Huaji, seeing that things had come to this point, knew he could not refuse. He had no choice but to wear dark armor underneath and a python robe and jade belt on top, dressing himself neatly, like Wang Mang during the reign of Emperor Ping of Han, or Dong Zhuo and Cao Man during the reign of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling of Han, his face full of the look of someone who wanted to usurp the throne. He and the others went to court. When they arrived at the hall, the band of rebels all came to pay their respects. Yuwen Huaji said, "Today's matter requires us to first gather all the civil and military officials and let them know the great principles of reform before we can stabilize the hearts of the people, both inside and outside the court." Sima Dekan said, "General's suggestion is reasonable. You should issue the order immediately to inform all the officials." Yuwen Huaji then issued the order: "All civil and military officials, high and low, must come to the court immediately to discuss matters. If even one person fails to appear, he will be beheaded according to military law and his head will be displayed to the public." When the civil and military officials heard the news, they were terrified. They wanted to gather together to fight the rebels, but there were no soldiers available at the moment. Seeing the imperial guards heavily surrounding the palace, they knew Yuwen Huaji had already planned something, and they were no match for him. They wanted to escape the city, but all the gates were guarded. They wanted to stay inside, but feared disobeying Yuwen Huaji's orders and being arrested, leaving them nowhere to hide. They wanted to go to court to submit to the rebel, but they didn't know the whereabouts of Emperor Yang and feared that if things failed, they would be executed.
Everyone was in a state of mutual suspicion, inquiring about each other's movements and whereabouts. After a while, several officials, only concerned with their own immediate needs and opportunistic, dressed in auspicious robes and entered the court to offer their congratulations. One went, then two; two came, then three, then four, in an endless stream. In less than half an hour, nine-tenths of the civil and military officials had arrived. When the officials arrived at the court, they saw Yuwen Huaji, his face filled with murderous intent, standing upright in the hall. Sima Dekan, Pei Qiantong, Zhao Xingshu, and their band of traitors, all clad in military attire and wielding sharp blades, stood in two rows on either side. Soldiers from various battalions, their swords and axes gleaming, surrounded the steps in three or four layers, utterly fearless! The officials, seeing this, trembled with fear, exchanging bewildered glances, none daring to utter a sound. Yuwen Huaji said, “Our lord is indulging in debauchery and wine, causing immense suffering to the people. The two capitals are in peril, yet he does not consider restoration, and now he intends to move the capital to Danyang, and then to Yongjia. This is truly a foolish and tyrannical ruler, unfit to rule the world. The army's morale is wavering; none are willing to follow. Therefore, I advocate righteousness to punish the wicked, to emulate the deeds of Yi Yin and Huo Guang. You should all cooperate and follow me to secure your wealth and status.”
The officials all looked at each other, not daring to agree. Two officials stepped forward from the crowd, bowing respectfully and saying, "Our lord is tyrannical and cruel, incurring the wrath of both gods and men; General's actions are truly in accordance with the will of Heaven and the hopes of the people, and we dare not disobey!" The crowd recognized them as Pei Ju, Vice Minister of Rites, and Feng Deyi, Imperial Secretary. They were all secretly astonished, thinking, "Most of the lord's licentious and extravagant deeds are instigated and encouraged by these two scoundrels. Seeing the situation turning against us, they turn on us, eager to curry favor—truly shameless villains!" They sighed deeply.
Indeed:
Ten years of flattery and favor, how deep! In times of crisis, power crumbles.
Who in this world is most treacherous? The heart of a great man is unlike that of a petty man.
Yuwen Huaji, seeing Feng Deyi's pleasing words, was overjoyed and said, "Since you know the will of Heaven, you need not worry about not being rich and powerful." Before he finished speaking, a commotion of weeping and wailing came from behind the palace. As they approached, they saw Emperor Yang, disheveled and barefoot, being pushed and shoved by Linghu Xingda and many soldiers, looking utterly wretched and unrecognizable.
Yuwen Huaji, seeing this from afar, felt extremely anxious. Fearing he would be difficult to deal with once he was in front of them, and also worried that the officials might be tempted, he hurriedly waved his hand to stop them, saying, "Why bring this? Quickly take him away." Linghu Xingda dared not approach and continued to escort Emperor Yang into the palace. Sima Dekan, fearing Yuwen Huaji would try to detain Emperor Yang, quickly stepped forward and said, "The situation is irreconcilable; we cannot let him stay." Yuwen Huaji said, "What good is keeping such a foolish ruler? We must act quickly." Sima Dekan, having received the order, rushed to the palace and said to Emperor Yang, "Lord Xu has ordered that we can no longer fulfill our duty!" He then drew his sword, glaring angrily at him. Emperor Yang sighed and said, "What crime have I committed to deserve this?" The traitor Ma Wenju said, "How can Your Majesty be without fault? Your Majesty has abandoned the ancestral temples and indulged in endless tours. Externally, you wage endless wars; internally, you indulge in debauchery. Construction projects continue year-round; carriages and horse tracks are found throughout the land. As a result, able-bodied men have perished under the sword, and the young and weak have drowned in ditches. The people have lost their livelihoods, and thieves have proliferated. You have appointed only sycophantic ministers, who blindly cover up wrongdoing and refuse to offer advice. Your transgressions are countless; how can you say you are without fault?" Emperor Yang said, "I indulge in pleasure and have truly failed the people. As for you, you hold high positions and enjoy constant favor and honor; you have never failed me. Why are you pressing me today?" Ma Wenju said, "The hearts of the people have changed; it is not something one person can resolve through gratitude or resentment."
Emperor Yang was about to speak again when he suddenly looked up and saw Feng Deyi rushing into the palace in a panic. Why, you ask? Yuwen Huaji knew that Feng Deyi was Emperor Yang's trusted sycophant, and that Feng was the first to fawn upon him today, so he suspected him of being a trickster. He devised a plan and said to Feng, "The tyrannical emperor is utterly wicked and unaware of his own faults. You can go to the inner palace and recount his crimes in detail, so that he may die without resentment. That would be your achievement." Feng Deyi wanted to decline, but seeing Yuwen Huaji's soldiers surrounding him, he knew that if Yuwen Huaji became enraged, his life would be in danger. He wanted to go to the palace to recount his crimes to Emperor Yang, but he couldn't bear to face him and was reluctant to speak. He thought to himself, "I'd rather lose face than risk my life!" So he replied, "General, you are right. I am willing to go." Then, revealing his true colors, he strode into the inner palace.
Indeed:
Everyone has a sense of shame, but why are treacherous officials alone without it?
As long as they can preserve their wealth and status, they are willing to tear off their masks.
Emperor Yang, seeing Feng Deyi rushing towards him, assumed he had treated Feng with great kindness and was coming to his rescue, and hurriedly cried out, "Quickly, save me! Quickly, save me!" Feng Deyi reached him and said slowly, "Your Majesty indulges in extravagance and neglects the people, causing the army to succumb to discontent and harboring disloyal intentions. Now that things have come to this, even death would not be enough to atone for the world's grievances; how can I possibly save you?" Emperor Yang, seeing Feng Deyi utter such words, was filled with resentment and roared, "You guards, ignorant of the proper roles of ruler and subject, dare to usurp the throne! But why do you, a scholar, educated in poetry and propriety, aid the traitors in deceiving the emperor! I have treated you well, yet you dare to act this way; you are worse than a beast!" Feng Deyi, humiliated by Emperor Yang's harsh rebuke, blushed deeply and had no reply, only able to retreat silently.
Indeed:
Even if the ruler is wicked, should his subjects still plead for mercy?
Wealth is nothing compared to the shame that fills his face.
At this time, the palace servants and eunuchs fled or hid, each seeking their own way to survive, their whereabouts unknown. Only Emperor Yang's youngest son, Prince Zhao, Yang Guo, born to Consort Lü, was by his side, never leaving his side. Seeing Emperor Yang disheveled and barefoot, panicked and helpless, he grabbed his clothes and wailed inconsolably. Emperor Yang also cried, "Your father is immoral; today I cannot protect myself, it has nothing to do with you, a mere child. You must leave quickly!" Prince Zhao refused to leave, clinging to Emperor Yang, only weeping. Pei Qiantong said, "Whether we die or not, crying won't save us, why not act quickly!" He stepped forward, grabbed Prince Zhao, and struck him on the head with a sword. The poor prince, of noble birth, died at the hands of a traitor.
Truly:
unable to protect himself above, unable to protect his son below.
Why? Because of his debauchery.
Pei Qiantong killed the Prince of Zhao, his blood splattering all over Emperor Yang, terrifying him to the point of utter shock, leaving him speechless for a long time. Pei Qiantong, disregarding the consequences, seized the opportunity, sword in hand, and charged at Emperor Yang. Seeing the dire situation, Emperor Yang cried out in panic, "Stop! The death of an emperor has its proper order. Have you not heard that when the blood of a prince falls to the ground, the world suffers a great drought? If even a prince suffers a great drought, how much more so should I, the mighty emperor? Bring me poison!" Ma Wenju said, "Poison is not as swift as a blade; how can we obtain it?" Emperor Yang cried out, "I have served as emperor; I beg for a complete corpse, to die without being exposed." Linghu Xingda then presented a bolt of white silk. Emperor Yang took the silk and wept, "My concubine Qing'er once dreamt of a white dragon coiled around her neck; now it has come true." Sima Dekan said, "Your Majesty, please quickly commit suicide; allow us all more time." Emperor Yang still lingered, unwilling to let go. Linghu Xingda then ordered all the warriors to act together, dragging Emperor Yang inside and strangling him with a white silk cloth. He was thirty-nine years old. Later generations, upon reading this part of history, wrote a poem to mourn him: "The Sui emperor's heart was biased, he only wished for romance, not immortality.
His infamy will be remembered for thousands of generations, he enjoyed thirteen years of prosperity.
Indulging in flowers and wine was a disease of the heart, powder stained his fragrant bones.
Yet, he hated the treacherous ministers who coveted wealth and power, the bloodshed in the palace was truly pitiful. " 　　Another poem says:
"
A thousand willows brush the Sui embankment, whose prosperity can compare to that of ancient and modern times!
Thinking of this, where is the sorrow? The setting sun hangs low over the misty trees of Lei Pond. " The historian concludes: 　　"Emperor Yang was renowned from a young age. He pacified Wu and Kuai in the south, and repelled the Xiongnu in the north. Among his brothers, he alone had a distinguished reputation. Thus, he feigned virtue and indulged in his wickedness. Therefore, he won the heart of Empress Xian, and his father changed his mind. He then started a rebellion, ascended the throne, and inherited the great mandate of the emperor." The land was vast, spanning three dynasties, its power awe-inspiring eight directions; the Xiongnu chieftain bowed his head, and the Yuechang post station was heavily guarded. The Red Spring overflowed within the capital; rotten grain piled up at the border. Relying on its wealth and power, it indulged in insatiable desires. It narrowly adhered to the systems of the Yin and Zhou dynasties, admiring the scale of the Qin and Han. It was arrogant and self-important, boasting of its talents and ruthless nature; inwardly treacherous and restless, outwardly appearing calm and simple. It used elaborate robes to conceal its wickedness, and removed remonstrating officials to cover its faults. Debauchery and extravagance were rampant, laws multiplied; education was abandoned, punishments were cruel; even family members were exterminated, and loyal officials were slaughtered. Those who received rewards did not see their merits, and those who were executed were unaware of their crimes. Arrogant and furious armies frequently mobilized, and construction projects never ceased. It frequently marched north, and thrice conquered Liaodong. Banners stretched for ten thousand miles, and taxes were levied in countless ways. Cunning officials exploited the people, and the people could not bear their fate. Therefore, it urgently issued harsh decrees to harass them, imposed severe punishments and harsh laws, and used the might of its army to govern. Naturally, the whole country was in turmoil, and people lived in utter despair. 　　Sima Dekan and others strangled Emperor Yang, and the news was reported to Yuwen Huaji. Yuwen Huaji said, "When cutting weeds, one must not leave any roots." He then ordered Pei Qiantong and others to lead troops to slaughter the imperial relatives. Prince Yang Xiu of Shu, Prince Yang Chen of Qi, and all the princes, regardless of age, were executed. Only Prince Yang Hao of Qin, who had a close relationship with Yuwen Zhiji, was spared thanks to Zhiji's efforts. After killing the princes, Yuwen Huaji led his armored troops straight into the palace, intending to kill the empress and concubines to eliminate the lineage. Unexpectedly, as soon as he reached the main palace, he saw a woman and many palace maids weeping sadly. Upon seeing this, Yuwen Huaji shouted sternly, "Who are you, weeping here?" The woman hurriedly knelt down and said, "I am Empress Xiao, I beg the general to spare my life!" Yuwen Huaji, seeing Empress Xiao's beautiful face and great beauty, felt great affection for her and could not bring himself to kill her. He said, “The emperor is tyrannical, oppressing the people and failing to reward those who have rendered meritorious service. The people have killed him, and this has nothing to do with you. Do not be alarmed. Although I command troops, I am merely eliminating the wicked and saving the people; I have no ulterior motives. If you do not mind, I wish to share wealth and honor with you.” 　　At this time, Empress Xiao was on the verge of death. Seeing Yuwen Huaji's words of mercy, she wept and said, “The emperor is tyrannical and deserves to be killed; my life and death depend entirely on you, General.” Yuwen Huaji said, “Rest assured, I will handle this matter, and I am confident that I will not lose my wealth and honor.” Empress Xiao said, “Since you are so determined, why not establish him as empress to demonstrate righteousness?” Yuwen Huaji said, “I also wish to do so.” He then issued a decree to all officials, and in accordance with the empress's imperial edict, established Prince Yang Hao of Qin as emperor. He himself was appointed Grand Chancellor, overseeing all affairs of state. He appointed his younger brother Yuwen Zhiji and Pei Ju as Assistant Ministers, his half-brother Yuwen Shiji as Right Minister, and his eldest son Chengji and second son Chengzhi, all of whom were given command of the military. The remaining trusted confidants were all richly rewarded; cattle and horses were slaughtered, and a grand banquet was held for the officials. After several rounds of wine, he said, "I had no intention of oppressing the people, yet you have mistakenly chosen me as your ruler. I know my virtue is insufficient for the throne, so I have established a new emperor. But this new beginning will be different from the old one. Those who have rendered meritorious service will be rewarded, and those who have committed crimes will be punished. The state has its established laws, and the army has its discipline; all must abide by them and not violate them." The officials responded in unison, "Who dares disobey the Prime Minister's order?" Yuwen Huaji was overjoyed. He then ordered more wine, and everyone parted in high spirits. The next day, another order was issued: "The emperor's tyrannical acts were all committed by the treacherous ministers Yu Shiji, Pei Yun, Lai Huer, and dozens of others. Now that the tyrannical emperor has been executed, how can these treacherous men remain by his side! They should be arrested and executed in the marketplace as a warning to future generations." Sima Dekan and Pei Qiantong received the order and led their soldiers to arrest the dozens of treacherous ministers who had aided and abetted the tyranny, and execute them in the marketplace. Upon hearing of this, Yu Shiji's younger brother, Yu Shinan, rushed to the market, embraced Shiji, and wept bitterly, begging to die in his place. His attendants reported this to Yuwen Huaji. Yuwen Huaji ordered, "The wickedness of this scoundrel is the result of the emperor's many misdeeds; how can he be spared! Furthermore, I advocate righteousness, eliminating only treacherous officials; how can good people be implicated?" He refused to listen. The pitiful treacherous officials, who had flattered and fawned, expended countless efforts to obtain high positions and generous salaries, only to be executed along with them, their heads severed, in utter misery. 　　Truly: 　　When treacherous men gain power and wield authority, they believe the emperor's will will never waver. 　　Little did they expect that a sudden change in circumstances would lead to their deaths and infamy. 　　After killing the treacherous officials, Yuwen Huaji also issued an edict to investigate which officials were absent from court the previous day. Zhao Xingshu and others investigated and replied, "All officials, high and low, have arrived, except for the Minister of Works, Su Wei, and the Attendant Gentleman, Xu Shanxin." Yuwen Huaji said, "These two are renowned for their virtues; let them off this time. Send someone to summon them again. If they still do not come, they shall be beheaded and their heads displayed to the public." Su Wei, having been dismissed from his post by Emperor Yang for advising him against selecting beauties and building the Great Wall, was later reinstated. Although he retained his official position, he still had a reputation for being outspoken. Upon hearing of Emperor Yang's assassination, he remained secluded at home. The next day, when someone came to summon him, he realized he could not refuse and went to see him. Yuwen Huaji was overjoyed and promoted him to Grand Master of the Palace. Later generations lamented his unfulfilled integrity and wrote a poem in mourning: "His outspoken remonstrances were awe-inspiring then; how could he kneel and submit today! 　　He could not risk his life; loyal at first, treacherous later, he bore only a hollow reputation." Xu 　　Shanxin, courtesy name Wuben, was from Xincheng, Gaoyang. He was orphaned at the age of nine and raised by his mother, Lady Fan, with great care. He served as Vice Minister of Rites during the Sui Dynasty, but was demoted to Attendant Gentleman for repeatedly remonstrating with the emperor. Upon hearing of Yuwen Huaji's rebellion, he shut himself in and wept bitterly, refusing to go to court. The next day, Huaji sent someone to summon him, but Xu Shanxin refused to go. His nephew, Xu Hongren, advised him, "The emperor has passed away, and Prime Minister Yuwen has taken over the reins of government. This is the natural order of things, and what does it have to do with you, Uncle? Your stubbornness will only cause you suffering." Xu Shanxin replied, "I eat the emperor's food, so I should die for him. Even if I cannot die, how can I kneel and bow to a traitor?" Someone quickly informed Yuwen Huaji, who was furious. "Who is Xu Shanxin, daring to be so stubborn!" he exclaimed. He then ordered his soldiers to arrest him and bring him to court. 　　The soldiers, upon receiving the order, rushed to the capital. Before long, they brought Xu Shanxin bound and brought to court. Yuwen Huaji roared in fury, "I acted out of righteousness, punishing the wicked to save the people! All the court officials obeyed me. Who are you to dare defy me!" Xu Shanxin replied, "Everyone has their own ambitions; why ask?" Yuwen Huaji's anger did not subside, but the court officials pleaded, "When King Wu attacked King Zhou, he did not execute Boyi and Shuqi. Although Xu Shanxin disobeyed orders, his actions are understandable. We hope the Prime Minister will forgive him and order him to apologize and repent." Yuwen Huaji said, "Since the court officials have advised me, I will spare his life." He then ordered his men to untie him. Xu Shanxin stood up, shook his clothes, neither bowing nor speaking, and simply turned and walked arrogantly out of the court. Yuwen Huaji, seeing this, roared in fury, "I released him out of kindness; how dare he be so disrespectful!" He ordered him to be taken back. The officials again came forward to plead with him. Yuwen Huaji said, "This man is too arrogant; if I do not kill him now, he will surely cause trouble later." He then ordered his followers to drag him out and execute him. Xu Shanxin was sixty-one years old at the time. 　　A later historian praised his loyalty in a poem: 　　"Few are as strong as a pillar against a raging torrent, many wither like weak grass under a harsh frost. 　　Only the bones of a loyal minister remain, their fiery spirit unyielding. 　　" Xu Shanxin was executed, and his mother, Lady Fan, at the age of ninety-two, did not weep at his funeral. When asked why, Lady Fan said, "He dared to die for his country in its time of crisis. I have a son; why should I weep?" She then refused to eat for several days and died. 　　Later generations wrote a poem in mourning: " 　　He dared to die for his country, knowing he had a son; he did not weep at the coffin, his heart serene. 　　The Sui emperors and empresses were many beauties; but who could compare to the virtue of Lady Fan's mother!"

After Yuwen Huaji executed Xu Shanxin, his power and influence grew even stronger. Knowing that the people feared him, he became extremely willful, even moving the young Emperor Yang Hao to a separate palace and surrounding it with troops. He decided all political affairs himself, only requiring others to write edicts and issue decrees. He then moved into the Forbidden City, occupying the six palaces, and indulging in debauchery with Empress Xiao and the sixteen concubines. He frequently visited the Moon Pavilion and the Enchanted Pavilion. He also frequently summoned beauties like Wu Jiangxian and Yuan Bao'er. His lifestyle was the same as that of Emperor Yang. After indulging in debauchery in Jiangdu for over a month, he followed the advice of the people and returned to Chang'an. He then forced the young emperor, along with the six palace concubines and the Imperial Seal, to return west. His guards used the same carriages and ceremonial regalia as Emperor Yang, while the palace women, jewels, gold, silver, and silks were all transported by mules and horses. Anything insufficient was looted along the way. The soldiers' armor and luggage were all carried by him. On the road, he acted recklessly and without regard for his men. The soldiers were exhausted and filled with resentment.
Approaching Pengcheng, Zhao Xingshu said to Sima Dekan and others, “The Sui emperor was tyrannical, the world was in chaos, and the people suffered. We sought a ruler to restore order and hope to turn misfortune into fortune and humiliation into glory. Unexpectedly, the one we chose, Yuwen Huaji, is a tyrannical man. His cruelty is even greater now, causing resentment in the palace. Soon, the princes will rise up to punish the rebels, and this traitor will surely die. We, his followers, are traitors; how can we escape? If we don't find a way to escape soon, we will die without a burial place.” Sima Dekan said, “Gentlemen, do not worry. Since the people are already resentful, we can simply hide a dagger in our sleeves and stab them in the morning court. What difficulty is there?” The group made their plan, but their scheme was not kept secret, and someone informed Yuwen Huaji. Yuwen Huaji was furious and decided to use the plan against them, ambushing his soldiers in his tent. The next day, Zhao Xingchu, Sima Dekan, Pei Qiantong, Yuan Li, Linghu Xingda, Ma Wenju, and their gang of traitors, all concealing sharp knives in their sleeves, intended to assassinate the emperor. As soon as they entered the tent, Yuwen Huaji loudly ordered his warriors to seize them. Sharp weapons were found on each of them, confirming their true intentions. Enraged, he ordered them all taken to the marketplace, where over twenty were beheaded.
Indeed:
Though the ruler may lack virtue and hold the highest position, how could his subjects dare to deceive him!
Today, they are all executed at the same time; only now do we know that Heaven's will is not wrong.
Having killed everyone, Yuwen Huaji became increasingly tyrannical. Reaching Wei County, he suddenly thought, "A thousand days as a subject is not as good as one day as a ruler." He then poisoned the young emperor with drugged wine, proclaimed himself emperor, named the dynasty Xu, changed the era name to Zhidao Year 1, and issued edicts to all directions. Soon after, the news reached Chang'an. Emperor Li Yuan of Tang, upon hearing this, was greatly alarmed, saying, "The traitors have murdered the emperor; they must be punished!" He then issued a proclamation summoning heroes from all directions to advance. Within a month, Dou Jiande, the King of Xia, Wang Shichong, the Lord of Zheng, Li Mi, the Duke of Wei, and Yang Yichen, a former official of Emperor Yang, all led troops into Wei County to avenge Yuwen Huaji. Yuwen Huaji suffered repeated defeats and retreated to Liaocheng, where he was besieged by Yang Yichen and Dou Jiande's forces, who attacked day and night. The city fell, and Yuwen Huaji was captured alive. Dou Jiande first welcomed Empress Xiao, paying homage to her as a subject in the main hall. He then set up memorial tablets for Emperor Yang and the young emperor, gathered former officials of the Sui Dynasty, and beheaded Yuwen Huaji, cutting out his heart and using his blood as a sacrifice.
Indeed:
What use is tyranny and brutality in the end? Even the most ruthless and greedy are empty.
A single day as a ruler may seem good, but in the end, blood will inevitably stain the land.
After Dou Jiande executed Yuwen Huaji, the rest of his traitorous followers were all slaughtered. He dispatched over a thousand cavalry to escort Empress Xiao back to Jiangdu, and reinstated Yang Zhengdao, grandson of Emperor Yang, as Duke of Xun, and posthumously honored Emperor Yang as Emperor Yang. At this time, Li Yuan had already established Yang You, Prince of Dai, as Emperor Gong, and changed the era name to Yining. Wang Shichong also supported Yang Tong, Prince of Yue, as emperor, changing the era name to Huangtai, but neither could rise to power, and the Sui dynasty perished within a year. Later, after Li Yuan pacified the realm, Li Shimin led his troops to Jiangdu, searched for Emperor Yang's coffin, and buried him at Leitang with imperial rites. Seeing the extravagant and luxurious Milou, he said, "This is all the work of commoners; how can it be allowed for future generations to see?" He then ordered it to be burned, and the fire burned for a month. Only then did it become known that Emperor Yang's drunken lament, "The Milou will one day be even more beautiful, the palace will bloom with crimson splendor," was this prophecy.
Within a year, Li Shimin established his empire, practicing frugality and eradicating the bad habits of Emperor Yang, thus re-establishing the Tang Dynasty for three hundred years. His biography is separate, so I will not elaborate further. Unfortunately, Emperor Wen of Sui, who had driven out the Five Barbarian tribes and spent half his life in war, creating a unified empire, was ultimately defeated by Emperor Yang's decadent rule for thirteen years, leading to the collapse of the dynasty and his own death. Later generations, passing by his former palace, lamented the past and composed poems in sorrow: "This place once saw the imperial carriage pass by, but what has become of its fleeting traces?
The fragrance of the southern lands has faded, the beauties are gone, and resentment fills the spring breeze with fragrant grasses.
The withered willows before the palace are bare, and the setting sun casts a vast mist on the river.
Travelers yearn for Guangling, and at the ancient ferry, the moon shines brightly, and the sound of oarsmen can be heard." Another poem
reads: "
The scenery along the Sui embankment is already desolate, and beneath it lie many old battlegrounds.
Golden arrowheads covered in moss are picked up by people, and reeds without soil are carried away by birds.
The mournful sound of the river hastens its silence, and the distant wilderness stretches to the yellowing sun."
Alone atop the cold city wall, my sorrow deepens; the sound of war drums startles the geese into flight.
(The End)

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[The Amorous History of Emperor Yang of Sui] [40] (End)

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