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墨書 Inktalez
If one were to compare the current Shu Wang and Yang Xiu to the past Duke of Sui, Yang Jian, the difference might lie in the absence of a Dugu Qialo by their side for guidance, and lacking the support of loyal ministers like Gao Shan.
As expected, just after Yang Xiu arrived in the capital and settled in, officials loyal to Shu Wang began to rally support, recounting Yang Xiu's contributions over the years. However, before long, he was accused of a grave breach of protocol by Yang Su.
Although the emperor did not immediately punish Yang Xiu, he did not meet with him either, instead ordering him to cultivate himself within the royal residence and forbidding him from going out freely.
Under Yang Su's persuasion, the emperor commanded Duke of Runan, Dugu Kai, to head south and take over Shu Wang's position as Yizhou Governor.
Upon hearing this news, Yang Xiu panicked and quickly submitted a letter of apology: "I am unworthy of the nation's grace. I have failed to uphold the law while serving in my fief. I deserve death a thousand times over."
Sometimes, confessing one's guilt does not lead to forgiveness, especially for someone like Yang Jian. Moreover, there were factions loyal to Prince Jin who seized the opportunity to accuse Yang Xiu of extravagance and oppression against the people in his fief.
Before Yang Xiu could catch his breath, Yang Su and Lord Yuwen Shu were ordered to search his residence. They successfully uncovered two puppets bound by silk ropes, pierced by iron nails through their hearts, with shackles on their heads.
One puppet bore the name of the current emperor, while the other had Han Wang Yang Liang's name inscribed on it. Each puppet was accompanied by an inscription: "Please, Western Mount Compassionate Father Holy Mother Divine Soldier, collect the souls of Yang Jian and Yang Liang. In this form, do not let them wander!"
This was undoubtedly a form of malevolent sorcery. As for why there were no puppets representing Prince Jin or Yang Guang, it could only be said that no one dared take that risk, even though Prince Jin had claimed he would not hold it against anyone in the future.
But neither Yang Su nor Yuwen Shu dared to act recklessly; others were even less inclined to do so. This was indeed a significant flaw.
However, many times flaws depend on whether anyone will scrutinize them closely—especially in light of the previous incidents involving the deposed crown prince and Qin Wang Shu Wang.
For instance, at this moment, Han Wang Yang Liang should have been fixated on this flaw but instead was feeling increasingly anxious and unsettled. Although his subordinates urged him to write to the emperor and point out that this was a frame-up by Prince Jin.
As long as Prince Jin fell from grace, he would be the only surviving prince—thus becoming Crown Prince of the Sui Dynasty.
Yet Han Wang lacked the courage or ambition for such a move; he was already frightened—frightened of his second brother and his followers. He even suspected that this flaw had been deliberately laid out for him as bait.
Consequently, Han Wang shockingly submitted a letter requesting permission from the emperor to return to his fief for defense duties—a move that left many feeling cold at heart.
Whether or not there was any mention of "Your Majesty" remains unknown, but the Emperor's fury was directed entirely at Shu Wang. The court officials declared, "Qin Wang has squandered resources. I will discipline him according to the ways of a father. Now that he harms the people, he should be punished according to the ways of a ruler. Execute him in public to appease the citizens!"
Prince Jin quickly pleaded for mercy, and other officials echoed his sentiments, but the enraged Emperor nearly ordered the tongue of Censor of the Court Qing Zheng to be cut out in front of the Civil and Military Officials for his remark, "Your Majesty, your son is not numerous; how could it come to this?"
In the end, Yang Xiu was stripped of his title as Shu Wang and reduced to commoner status. He was placed under house arrest in the Eunuch Department, forbidden from seeing his wife and children, and was assigned two particularly fierce-looking servants to attend to him.
Han Wang Yang Liang was also returned to his fief as he wished. Thus, among the Emperor's five sons, only Prince Jin remained, leaving no doubt about the succession to the Crown Prince position.
During this time, with the Crown Prince Qin Wang and Han Wang being deposed, were there no means to attack Prince Jin? Of course there were, but they were all effortlessly blocked by Queen Dugu Qialo. Prince Jin had always stood invulnerable.
…………
In the nineteenth year of Kaihuang, after selecting an auspicious date, the ceremony for crowning the Crown Prince was held on November 3rd. This marked the second Crown Prince of the Sui Dynasty and was originally intended to follow the regulations established for Yang Yong.
However, Yang Guang submitted a request to lower the ceremonial attire's rank and proposed changes so that officials from the Eastern Palace would no longer bow exclusively to the Crown Prince but would treat him like any other court official, bowing only to the Emperor.
This undoubtedly pleased Yang Jian, creating a moment of familial harmony.
After three full days of ceremonies, Li Jian Cheng finally secured a place at a banquet in the Eastern Palace. His objectives were mostly achieved; he just needed to wait a few more years for Yang Guang to ascend before seeking an official post elsewhere.
Wearing attire no different from usual, Crown Prince Yang Guang suddenly approached Li Jian Cheng, took his hand, and pulled him before another person with a smile, saying, "Brother-in-law, this is Jian Cheng."
Duke of Ju Xiao Cong first bowed respectfully to Yang Guang before scrutinizing the young man before him with a critical eye. After a moment's pause, he slowly nodded.
He had only one daughter whom he cherished dearly; naturally, he had inquired about Li Jian Cheng well in advance—not through street gossip but through genuine accounts of his actions.
It must be acknowledged that at such a young age, being able to confront Prince Jin with nothing but a letter in his father's absence and earn the affection of both Prince Jin and his wife while achieving significant merit in vying for succession was indeed an impressive feat.
However, to be honest, he was unwilling to marry his daughter to such a person. Their father-daughter relationship had seen great ups and downs, from being emperor and princess to their current state; they no longer hoped for wealth and nobility, but only wished for peace and safety.
Unfortunately, he could not refuse the Crown Prince. The family could not do without the Crown Prince's protection. As the head of the Lanling Xiao Clan, he could not abandon his family for personal reasons.
Gently helping Li Jian Cheng up, he noticed the calluses on his palm and began to inquire about his archery skills. Li Jian Cheng answered obediently, and seeing this, Yang Guang felt satisfied and went to speak with others.
Although he had already obtained the position of Crown Prince, it had also provoked his father. The means employed during the chaotic times were now laid bare after everything settled down; if the emperor wanted to know, it would be all too clear.
Not to mention others, even the deposed Crown Prince and Han Wang still posed a threat to him. With just one edict from the emperor, this position of Crown Prince could be lost at any moment.
Therefore, he still needed to operate his influence more discreetly. The Li family had already shown their loyalty; both the Crown Prince and Han Wang had offended them deeply. They were trustworthy subjects, and using a woman from his wife's family to solidify their relationship would be ideal.
Duke of Ju, Xiao Cong, was free-spirited and well-versed in literature as well as skilled in archery and horsemanship. It was a pity that he was born at an inopportune time. After a brief exchange with him, Li Jian Cheng felt this even more acutely.
No matter what they discussed, Xiao Cong could articulate the key points clearly, causing admiration to blossom in Li Jian Cheng's heart. No wonder even the increasingly eccentric and irritable Yang Jian held him in high regard.
When Li Yan arrived, the three engaged in a lively discussion about archery and horseback riding techniques. They enjoyed themselves thoroughly, with Li Yan appearing as if he had found a kindred spirit. They agreed to go hunting outside the city on their next day off.
However, this future father-in-law seemed troubled by some unspoken sorrow; he drank rather freely and did not have a strong tolerance for alcohol. By the end of the banquet, he was already quite drunk.
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