Tang Dynasty Court Secrets - Chinese Dynastic Court Stories (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Xu Xiaotian / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-05-01
Features: Now, when it came to the Emperor Yangdi, ever since he had opened the Imperial River and built the dragon boats, he could not sit still in the palace, longing to board a dragon boat and head to the Jiangnan region at once. However, the thousand palace attendants had not yet been selected, and with no one to pull the silk ropes, his heart grew restless. Suddenly, Ma Shouchong, the Western Garden Commissioner, entered the palace to seek an audience. Ma Shouchong was in charge of all engineering projects in the Western Garden, and now, hearing that the Emperor planned to abandon the Western Garden and travel to Jiangdu for pleasure, he felt deeply displeased. That day, he seized a grand opportunity to advise the Emperor Yangdi, saying, "In the past, emperors' every action was considered a great ceremony. Your Majesty's previous trip to the Western Regions for trade exposed you to the hardships of a long journey, which was already inappropriate. But expanding territory still counted as a major state affair. Now, Your Majesty's journey to Jiangnan is purely for pleasure, without a justifiable reason, and I fear you will be criticized by future generations. In the past, when Your Majesty built this Western Garden, countless workers toiled year after year, expending immense effort and silver to create these Five Lakes, Four Seas, Three Divine Mountains, and Sixteen Courtyards. Such a heavenly palace-like landscape—why must you abandon it to seek the scenery of Jiangnan?"
How could these words sway the Emperor Yangdi? Yet, the phrase "without a justifiable reason" struck a chord with him upon closer reflection. A grand tour like this demanded a legitimate pretext to avoid ridicule from future generations. After much deliberation, the Emperor suddenly recalled seeing Yuwen Da's memorial the previous day, mentioning that Goguryeo in Liaodong had not paid tribute for years. "I could use the pretext of suppressing Goguryeo," he thought. "Issue an imperial decree to the world, declaring a personal campaign, while secretly sending a capable general with troops to Liaodong to create a show of force. Under the guise of suppressing Goguryeo, I could travel to Jiangnan in disguise—this would cover up my mistake."
With the plan settled, the next day the Emperor convened a grand assembly and announced his decree to the ministers, along with a proclamation to suppress Goguryeo. The proclamation read:
"The Great Sui Emperor, hearing that Goguryeo in Liaodong has defied allegiance, shall lead troops to suppress it. First, proclaim to all the world to witness the might of the Celestial Dynasty in both benevolence and authority. Proclamation: 'I have heard that the universe has no two heavens and earths, and throughout history, there has been only one sovereign and subject. Though China and the barbarian lands are separated, the civilizing influence of the Son of Heaven knows no bounds. Though customs may differ, the submission of all peoples is the same. Those who obey are aided with virtue, as the rain and dew nourish the land; those who defy are punished with force, as thunder and lightning strike. When all nations offer tribute, Yao and Shun were celebrated for their harmony; when one acts arrogantly, the Duke of Zhou was ashamed. Thus, Emperor Tang conquered the Gepeng people without hesitation for three years, and Emperor Huang fought at Zhuolu for a hundred battles. The Zhou elders' great achievements in defeating the Rong and Di peoples, and the Han general's decisive victory at the Yanshan Pass—these are the glories of ancient sages and wise kings, who never failed to embrace the barbarian, the, and the peoples as one family. How much more so with Goguryeo, so close to the realm, that it should dare to defy the Son of Heaven, thus offending the dignity of the king? If it persists in rebellion, it would shame the majesty of China. Therefore, I now must mobilize my troops to uphold the Celestial Dynasty's rightful authority and display our military might to warn the petty rebels. With the might of the Imperial Guard, we shall descend upon their lair like crushing dry twigs; with the tiny land of Goguryeo, how could it defy the heavens? Those who submit early and reform will still be treated with leniency, like the ancient Miao people. But those who stubbornly defy will face the fate of Loulan. Who among the innocent could be outside the protection of heaven? All are my people—why should they not be safeguarded? When the six armies move, the earth trembles, but it is better than the king's three drives in hunting; when the five colors are decreed, it is enough to show mercy. If they surrender in time, their lives can be spared; but when the imperial troops arrive, how can they escape? Be cautious and consider, so as not to regret later. Thus, I proclaim.'"
Just as this decree was issued, the thousand palace attendants had been selected and assigned to ten large dragon boats. Ten people pulled one rope, a hundred to a boat. When the wind blew, silk sails were raised, and they sat around the boats holding gold-lacquered oars; when there was no wind, they pulled the silk ropes and marched in colorful formations. The chief eunuch had spared no effort in training them for days. The Emperor then ordered the Prince of Yue to govern the capital, leaving half of the civil and military officials to assist in the administration, while ordering the ceremonial officials to select an auspicious day for the departure. P106-107