Control your ancestors and create an immortal family starting from the Eastern Han Dynasty

Chapter 125 Palace Coup, Yang Jian's Death (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Gu Yi had been silently observing all of this.

He was quite surprised by everything that was happening.

"Li Shimin".

Gu Yi also softly recited a sentence, looking at the baby in the swaddling clothes, and smiled slightly: "The appearance of a dragon and phoenix, the countenance of the sun and the moon."

He did not interfere.

Gu Yu has his own path.

It can be said that the burden on his shoulders is second only to that of Gu Chen in the past for the Gu family.

The division and decline of the Gu family.

And the changes in the situation, and the overall reform.

He needs to turn things around, which is the main reason why Gu Yi used the "Inspiration Card" for him in the first place.

Gu Yi can't keep attacking forever; that would only lead to a deficit in achievement points.

To achieve lasting glory for all time.

The presence of family members is also crucial.

Moreover, Gu Yu's personality is also suited to this; traveling thousands of miles and observing the vicissitudes of life is also a learning process for him.

Gu Yu did not stay in the martial arts training for long.

His future is still far away.

Time flies by.

Thanks to Yang Jian's series of measures, the national strength of the Sui Dynasty increased day by day.

The population recovery rate is even more astonishing.

It has already reached over 70 million.

This is an extremely exaggerated number compared to the original historical figures.

In the original history.

After the chaotic Wei, Jin and Northern and Southern Dynasties, the population of the Nine Provinces barely recovered to forty million by the time of the Kaihuang era.

The difference is now evident.

This is naturally related to the original population of Kyushu and the moral constraints imposed over the years.

It was precisely because of the appearance of the Gu family that a series of even more brutal chaos were avoided, leaving behind far too many lives in the Nine Provinces and allowing the golden age to arrive sooner.

In fact, even Gu Yi was looking forward to it.

If things have already reached this point by the time of the Kaihuang era, what will become of the Nine Provinces in the more glorious eras to come?
Some things cannot be fully expressed through words alone.

But time is merciless, and even the brave will grow old.

As time goes by.

Yang Jian's health also gradually deteriorated.

Most importantly, the internal struggles within the Sui Dynasty also intensified as he grew older.

Prince Yang Guang of Jin was gaining increasing influence in the court.

Especially after he used his influence to win over the powerful minister Yang Su, his influence had completely surpassed that of Crown Prince Yang Yong.
Daxing City.

Harem.

"Mother!" Yang Guang, dressed in mourning clothes, knelt on the ground, weeping bitterly. "I don't know where I have offended His Highness the Crown Prince. Recently, I have heard..."

“My elder brother once said while drunk that he would surely execute me if he became the ruler one day.”

"baby."

He cried even more passionately and threw himself into Dugu Jialuo's arms, crying, "I fear my life is nearing its end!"

The sound of mournful cries echoed throughout the entire harem.

Looking at her most obedient son, Dugu Jialuo's anger grew even stronger.

She never liked Yang Yong.

This is actually related to Yang Yong's personality.

Especially when compared to Yang Guang, Yang Yong's shortcomings in various aspects are fully exposed.

Dugu Jialuo always advocated frugality, but Yang Yong was always extravagant and dissolute.

She has criticized Yang Yong for this many times, but Yang Yong still shows no remorse.

The key is--

Yang Yong neglected the empress Yuan, whom he had chosen for him, and instead favored his wives and concubines. Some time ago, Yuan suddenly died in the Eastern Palace for unknown reasons.

This completely enraged Dugu Jialuo towards Yang Yong.

Not to mention that Yang Guang has now said such things.

She quickly embraced her son, who was crying and pleading in front of her, and said coldly, "How can the Crown Prince be so heartless? You are his brother!"

It would have been better if he hadn't hugged her, because upon closer inspection, he could see Yang Guang's repaired underwear.

Instantly, Dugu Jialuo was taken aback: "My son, what's wrong with you?"

"Mother."

Yang Guang quickly stepped back, covering the embroidered area with his plain clothes, and sobbed, "My son is alright."

"Humph!"

Dugu Jialuo grew angrier the more she looked at it.

Looking at Yang Guang in front of her, her disgust for Yang Yong instantly reached its limit.

Even if——

Yang Yong is his eldest son!
"I must see His Majesty! The throne of the Great Sui Dynasty must not be handed over to this rebellious son!" She immediately stood up and headed straight for the palace gate.

Seeing Dugu Jialuo's retreating figure, Yang Guang immediately buried his head in the ground.

But the sobbing on her face stopped abruptly.

Instead, he revealed a sinister smile.

--a bolt from the blue!
Yang Jian actually had some dissatisfaction with Yang Yong, not only because of Yang Yong's personality but also because of the opinions of those around him.

Whether it was Dugu Jialuo or ministers like Yang Su, it was all the same.

She would almost always badmouth Yang Yong in front of him.

Everything Yang Yong does will be magnified by them.

Yang Jian already disliked Yang Yong somewhat, let alone under such influence.

Inside the Hall of Chinese Culture.

Enraged, Yang Jian immediately summoned several important officials from the court.

"I want to depose the Crown Prince!"

Facing these trusted confidants, Yang Jian unleashed his fury, declaring, "My Great Sui Dynasty must never be handed over to this rebellious son!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's expression changed, and joy flashed in their eyes.

He was the crown prince of the current dynasty.

Yang Yong's greatest failure was that he had no important ministers to rely on, especially in front of Yang Jian.

But actually, he can't be blamed for this.

Yang Yong's character and temperament are somewhat similar to those of Cao Zhi.

He was skilled in poetry and prose, and had a kind, gentle, and genuine personality, without being pretentious.

These personality traits may not seem like anything special at first glance.

However, given that Yang Guang deliberately did this, the situation becomes different after comparison.

The court officials would also only choose Yang Guang, who performed better.

The decree was issued instantly.

—The deposed crown prince!

This event would have been a bolt from the blue in any dynasty.

In feudal dynasties, the crown prince was always referred to as the foundation of the state.

The change of the dynasty's foundation will always cause shockwaves in both the court and the public.

The court officials submitted memorials one after another.

Even members of the Gu family stepped forward to try and dissuade Yang Jian.

Gu Zhe is currently serving as the Minister of Personnel in the court, and is also the most prominent member of the Gu family in the court at present.

Although the Gu family is no longer what it used to be.

However, Yang Jian was quite confident in the character of the Gu family members. After observing them for a period of time, he promoted Gu Zhe to the position of Minister of Personnel.

Gu Zhe was well aware of the power struggles within the government and among the people.

Even Yang Guang tried to win him over on more than one occasion.

However, Gu Zhe always adhered to the principles of the Gu family and never wanted to get involved in the power struggles of the imperial court.

And the most important thing is——

Perhaps it was because of Gu Yu's initial assessment of Yang Guang.

He was very sensitive to Yang Guang's various behaviors.

At first, he didn't care much, but as things escalated, he gradually realized how cunning Yang Guang was.

Yang Guang was completely pandering to Yang Jian and Dugu Jialuo!

How could he not speak up?

But for someone like Yang Jian, once he has made up his mind, it is impossible to change it easily.

Not to mention--

Now, almost all the important officials in the court are supporting Yang Guang!
The major decision has been finalized.

The twentieth year of the Kaihuang era;

Emperor Yang Jian officially issued an edict, deposing Yang Yong from his position as crown prince and demoting him to commoner status, and instead establishing Prince Yang Guang of Jin as crown prince.

When the news spread, it caused an uproar in both the government and the public!
Daxing Hall.

Yang Yong staggered in from outside the palace, his face full of disbelief, and tried to rush into the palace.

"Big brother!"

At this moment, Yang Guang stood in front of him with a smile: "What are you doing, brother?"

Seeing that no one was around.

A sinister smile appeared on Yang Guang's face as he looked disdainfully at the stunned Yang Yong: "What makes you, a mere commoner, dare to trespass into the Daxing Palace?"

"you!"

Yang Yong's expression changed drastically, and anger immediately surged onto his face.

His body trembled uncontrollably as he stared intently at Yang Guang before him. "You wicked man! I want to see my father! I want to see my father!"

Yang Yong roared excitedly and charged directly at Yang Guang as he spoke.

But in the end, he could not compare to Yang Guang.

Whether it's from a psychological or physical perspective.

He is not as good as Yang Guang.

Yang Guang stopped him with a casual exertion of force, his disdain growing even stronger.

“How dare a mere commoner trespass into the Daxing Palace?”

"Today, I, the Crown Prince, will spare you this time for the sake of my brother."

He waved his hand, signaling the guards around him to come forward, a hint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes: "If you don't leave, take him down immediately!"

After saying that, he stopped looking at Yang Yong.

They went straight into the hall.

Under the sun.

His bright red princely robes were so dazzling, completely out of place with the plain clothes he had worn earlier.

Yang Yong's body was trembling uncontrollably.

His eyes were bloodshot, and endless regret and grievances kept washing over him.

He doesn't understand.

So many people said he didn't deserve such a crime, so why was Yang Jian so heartless as to demote him to a commoner?
The more he thought about it, the more aggrieved he felt.

The next instant, disregarding the stares of those around him, he climbed a nearby tree, weeping and calling out, "Father! Father!!!"

He had to meet Yang Jian.

Even though his dismissal was inevitable, he still had to calm his anger.

These shouts eventually reached the palace.

Yang Jian, dressed in a dragon robe, walked out of the palace and happened to see Yang Guang with a stiff expression.

Yang Jian glanced outside the hall, frowned, and asked, "What's going on outside? What is this rebellious son trying to do?"

"Father!"

Yang Guang reacted quickly, his face immediately showing sorrow, and he knelt down: "Brother... Brother seems to have gone mad."

"They actually dared to trespass into the Daxing Hall and even climbed up a tree."

He secretly gave Yang Su, who was standing next to Yang Jian, a meaningful look.

Yang Su immediately gave the order and said, "Your Majesty, Yang Yong has lost his mind and spirit. He has been possessed by a demon and his soul cannot be retrieved."

"Otherwise, why would they do something so absurd?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Jian couldn't help but sigh, thinking that since they were father and son, they could simply meet and submit memorials to each other, so why go to such lengths? He shook his head helplessly.

He immediately waved his hand and said, "Guang'er, have someone drive this rebellious son out of the palace."

"Your son obeys."

Yang Guang lowered his head and immediately agreed.

The major matter has been completely settled.

No matter how unwilling Yang Yong was, he had lost all means to retaliate.

He could neither see Yang Jian nor Dugu Jialuo. All his paths had been blocked by Yang Guang.

The key is--

Yang Yong is truly unsuitable to be the crown prince.

Right after he was expelled from the palace, Gu Zhe secretly sent someone to see him, hoping to lure him to Julu.

Unfortunately, Yang Yong refused.

He still harbored a sliver of naive hope that Yang Jian would one day change his mind and summon him back to the palace.

It was like destiny.

In fact, Gu Zhe's actions had already taken Gu Yi by surprise.

This is one of the few variables.

But Yang Yong's personality, in some way, sealed his fate.

It seems to be in an effort to calm people's hearts.

Right after that moment.

Yang Jian announced the change of era name to "Renshou," not only to stabilize the people's hearts, but also to pray for his and Dugu Jialuo's health.

That's right, neither of them is young anymore.

Especially Yang Jian—

He was a very diligent emperor, especially when he was implementing reforms, he was busy from morning till night.

Time has brought all the hidden ailments in his body to the surface.

Time is running out for him.

But such so-called prayers are ultimately useless.

It was in the second year of Renshou.

The sudden death of Dugu Jialuo in Yong'an Palace was a tremendous blow to Yang Jian.

He was already in his twilight years.

From then on, his health deteriorated day by day.

He held a grand funeral for Dugu Jialuo and built the Chanding Temple to pray for her well-being.

The key is--

Perhaps it was truly because death was drawing ever closer that he gradually lost his former vigor and began to relinquish his involvement in politics.

He even distanced himself from the important ministers he had previously relied on and began to befriend some ministers who were good at flattery.

This seems to be a signal.

This also signifies that the golden age since the Kaihuang era is gradually fading away with the passage of time.

Yang Guang's power became increasingly astonishing.

Unlike previous periods, the current crown prince of the Sui Dynasty already wielded considerable power.

The officials under the Crown Prince's command had a complete system and were of high rank.

He also wielded real power in the court.

These people were the crown prince's most trusted confidants.

However, Yang Guang was different from Yang Yong. Yang Guang also had a certain influence in the army.

As Yang Jian gradually relinquished his control over the court.

Yang Guang naturally took up the mantle of the entire court.

His deep cunning was fully revealed at this moment; even at this point, he still had some worries.

They used every means to win over Yang Jian's eunuchs.

He knew almost everything Yang Jian did in the harem.

But that's just how people are.

As Yang Guang's position became more and more secure, the flaws in his character gradually became apparent.

Arrogant and extravagant.
Although nothing has been revealed yet.

However, the entire Eastern Palace has completely changed compared to before.

Yang Guang was waiting!

He was waiting for the moment when Yang Jian's reign would come to a complete end!
The fourth year of Renshou.

Daxing, Renshou Palace.

"This beast!"

Yang Jian looked at the letter in his hand, his breathing became extremely rapid, and his face was full of anger.

This is a letter that was mistakenly delivered by a palace maid.

The content above is also very simple.

It was Crown Prince Yang Guang who reminded Yang Su that if Yang Jian were to suddenly die, he must make thorough preparations, and so on.

Actually, everyone knows this kind of thing but doesn't say it aloud.

Emperor Yang Jian, who had fought his way out of a mountain of corpses, could easily understand this point.

But he couldn't help but feel angry.

This is because it is completely different from Yang Guang's usual benevolence and filial piety, and the contents of the letter even seem to be hoping for his early death.

As an emperor, this made Yang Jian feel humiliated.

But he ultimately did not react.

Only those with the means can be good emperors.

No matter how angry he was, he would not choose to depose Yang Guang from his position as crown prince at this point.

But just then, a beautiful figure slowly walked into the hall.

This is Lady Chen, whom Yang Jian has been most favoring lately!
Under the soft glow of candlelight.

Madam Chen's expression was somewhat strange, and Yang Jian immediately noticed the abnormality in her face, so he frowned and asked, "What happened?"

"Your Majesty, I am unharmed," Madam Chen said, bowing her head and speaking tremblingly.

Upon hearing this, Yang Jian's expression grew even more unpleasant.

He's not a fool.

How could you not see or hear it?

In an instant, Yang Jian grabbed Madam Chen's arm and snapped, "I told you to speak!"

Although he was already in his twilight years, the murderous intent that erupted when he was angry remained undiminished.

Madam Chen trembled.

The next moment, a torrent of tears rolled down her cheeks once again.

She knelt directly in front of Yang Jian, sobbing, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is disrespectful! He just tried to force me!"

"."

She recounted how Yang Guang had suddenly barged in when she returned to her palace to change clothes.

--boom!

These words exploded in Yang Jian's mind like thunder.

He was completely stunned!
It took him a moment to realize what was happening.

"Rebel!"

"Rebellious son!!!"

"That beast! How could I entrust the affairs of state to him! The Dugu family has ruined me!"

He couldn't help but curse, his whole body trembling uncontrollably.

"Somebody come!"

Yang Jian, drawing strength from who-knows-where, suddenly stood up and ordered, "Summon my son!"

"Does Your Majesty wish to summon the Crown Prince?"

Liu Shu, Yuan Yan, and others instinctively assumed that Yang Guang was to be summoned.

Just as I was about to leave.

Unexpectedly, Yang Jian roared again at this moment: "It's Yong'er! I want to see Yong'er!"

The two men were stunned for a moment before realizing that Yang Jian wanted to see Yang Yong. Their expressions changed, and they quickly left.

But Yang Jian's anger did not subside.

He seemed somewhat uneasy.

He was so restless that he couldn't help but think of his trusted confidant.

"Summon the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel again—"

He was about to summon Yang Su.

But before he could finish speaking, he realized what he was doing and suddenly changed the subject: "Summon the Minister of Personnel again!"

Minister of Personnel – Gu Zhe!
At this moment, Yang Jian finally came to his senses.

Now, which of his so-called confidants in the court doesn't support Yang Guang?

If they are summoned.
Will they just stand by and watch Yang Yong return to the palace?
There is absolutely no possibility of this!

Power struggles are never a game; they are life-or-death battles!
At this moment, the only people he could trust were the Gu family!
Although he has never given the Gu family important positions over the years, he has instead tried to weaken their influence.

But that's precisely why.

He never arranged for any of the Gu family members to enter the Eastern Palace.

But given the current situation, Yang Jian's realization is already too late.

The news that Yang Jian intended to summon Yang Yong reached Yang Guang's ears almost instantly.

At this moment.

Yang Guang's methods were then fully exposed.

He first falsely issued an imperial edict, ordering the arrest of Yang Jian's few remaining trusted confidants, Liu Shu and Yuan Yan, and withheld the imperial edict recalling Yang Yong.

He then immediately led the soldiers of the Eastern Palace to surround the entire palace.

He himself led his men toward Renshou Palace.

What happened inside the palace remains unknown.

But Gu Zhe had already been blocked outside the palace.

"His Majesty summoned me; are you plotting a rebellion? How dare you obstruct me?"

Faced with a group of armored soldiers blocking his way, Gu Zhe became increasingly uneasy and angrily questioned them.

"His Majesty has decreed that no one is allowed to enter the palace!"

The leading soldiers remained calm and did not back down in the slightest.

Gu Zhe frowned deeply, his unease reaching its peak, but he ultimately could not enter the palace.

The entire palace was completely silent.

The silence was eerily quiet.

Nobody knows exactly what happened.

Gu Zhe never left and waited outside the palace.

A gentle breeze kept blowing.

As time passed, the sky gradually brightened.

At this moment, some commotion finally came from inside the palace.

A group of people quickly walked out of the palace. When they reached the palace gate, they first looked at Gu Zhe, and then scolded the guards, "How dare you block the Minister of Works?"

"Get out of the way right now!"

As soon as he spoke, the soldiers standing at the palace gate finally made way for him.

"The Minister requests permission."

The leader then gestured for them to proceed.

Gu Zhe's expression was icy cold. He seemed to have sensed something and walked slowly into the palace without saying a word.

He walked a very long way.

Gu Yu's evaluation of Yang Guang from years ago kept replaying in his mind; these were words he often thought of in recent years.

It's not just him.

None of the Gu family members believed any of this, because Yang Guang's performance at the time was indeed too perfect.

But now he has to admit that he has already unconsciously come to believe Gu Yu's judgment.

"Brother!"

Gu Zhe couldn't help but mutter a sentence to himself.

In the midst of this chaotic state of mind, he finally arrived at the Renshou Palace.

From a distance, he could see the crowd kneeling in front of Renshou Palace, and the person at the head was none other than Crown Prince Yang Guang.

Gu Zhe's expression instantly darkened, and he slowly walked forward.

Before he could speak.

Yang Guang, who was at the head of the group, looked at him and said with a sorrowful expression, "Minister, the Emperor has just passed away."

"The heavens of my Great Sui Dynasty—"

His voice suddenly rose, he gave Gu Zhe a deep look, and finally bowed towards Renshou Palace:
"It's over!"
------

"In the fourth year of Renshou, on the day of Yimao in the fourth month of summer, the emperor fell ill."

On the day of Gengshen in the sixth month, a general amnesty was granted. On the day of Yiwei in the seventh month of autumn, the sun was dark and without light, and it returned to normal on the eighth day.

On the day of Ji Hai, General Duan Wenzhen was appointed Governor-General of Yunzhou. On the day of Jia Chen, the Emperor fell seriously ill and lay in Renshou Palace, bidding farewell to his officials and shaking hands with them, weeping.

On the day of Dingwei, he passed away in the Great Hall at the age of sixty-four.

—From the Annals of Emperor Gaozu in the Book of Sui

(End of this chapter)