Sui Dynasty Emperor Yang's Scandals

Author: Qi Dongye Ren
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2000-07-01
Features: Emperor Yang of Sui was a notorious tyrant and founder of a dynasty whose downfall was predetermined by history. This book focuses on exposing and condemning the debauched and shameless corruption that defined his entire life: Yang was born exceptionally intelligent and resourceful but was inherently treacherous and greedy. He first schemed to usurp the crown prince's position and, while his father Yang Jian was critically ill, seduced his stepmother Xuanhua Lady, driving Yang Jian to death in anger and seizing the imperial throne. From then on, he embarked on a life of debauchery and indulgence. After ascending to the throne, Emperor Yang lived in extreme luxury, disregarding the nation's interests and the people's livelihood, pursuing only personal gratification. He first designated Luoyang as the eastern capital, undertaking massive construction projects to build the Three Mountains and Five Lakes Palaces and selecting the most beautiful women in the empire for the imperial harem, exhausting all means of extravagant indulgence. After growing bored with Luoyang, he conceived the idea of traveling to Yangzhou to see the qionghua flower, building forty-nine imperial lodgings along the route, causing the people along the way to suffer while he traveled in splendor. Upon arriving in Jiangdu, he became infatuated and stayed there for months without returning. When he finally returned to Luoyang's palace, his debauchery escalated further, with palace consorts vying for his favor by showering him with flattery and gifts. Emperor Yang became utterly immersed in this hedonism, drinking and carousing day and night, unable to break free.