Volume One, Chapter Seven: The Rotating Master's Banquet in Haojing (Part One)

He lifted his head, gazing ahead. Though night had fallen, the scenery remained splendid—the moon shone brightly, the sky was cloudless for miles, and the stars twinkled softly. Thus began the era of great unification, putting an end to chaos and division, ushering in a unified and prosperous age.

“Truly, the winds and clouds clear for thousands of miles...” Yang Guang murmured, looking toward the distant horizon with a sigh.

Yu Wenhua nodded slightly, lowering his voice as he said, “Our grand ambitions must now commence...”

Yang Guang pondered for a moment before ordering the army to set up camp and rest, offering no reply.

He understood many things in his heart. Some matters, like marching on a long journey, required patience and careful progress.

The journey back to Daxing was fraught with twists and turns, yet it was swift. Yang Guang led the soldiers and the former nobles of the Chen kingdom into the city, where the streets were empty of carts and filled instead with cheering crowds. Nearly every citizen lined the roads to welcome them.

The sound of drums and praise filled the air nonstop. In a short time, Yang Guang not only won the hearts of the people in the south but also gained great renown in the north. Across the nation, all praised the second prince as a paragon of both literary and martial talents—handsome, wise, and the finest among all princes.

Yang Guang felt deeply gratified by this. Though he was not the crown prince, he still demonstrated the utmost excellence. He was convinced that both his father and mother recognized his merits.

With the realm now unified, such monumental achievements were the work of the Yang family and the officials of the Sui dynasty.

For a time, joy and celebration filled the court and the country alike, bearing witness to the end of an old age and the dawn of a new one. This great endeavor would be forever etched in history and praised by future generations. Across the land, peace and prosperity blossomed under unified rule.

A brand-new era of grand unification had begun; the rivers and mountains were as picturesque as a painting, the skies clear for thousands of miles.

After years of diligent preparation, the unification was finally accomplished in this year. Yang Jian’s heart was filled with joy and satisfaction. On the second day after Yang Guang’s victorious return to the capital, a grand banquet was held in Daxing Palace to celebrate. The royal family, court officials, and people from all over the nation gathered to rejoice.

“My beloved ministers, with the fall of Chen, the world is unified. My wish is fulfilled, and I am deeply gratified!” On the grand hall’s elevated platform, Yang Jian and Dugu Jialuo sat, looking down at the assembled kin and officials. Yang Jian spoke with strong resolve, then his gaze fell upon Yang Guang below, his smile widening. “My son, I shall reward you richly!”

Everyone knew that although the generals and soldiers had earned great merit in the conquest of Chen, Yang Guang, as commander, deserved the highest praise and reward. More importantly, he had once again won the favor of both his father and mother—a matter of utmost significance to him.

“Thank you, Father Emperor, Mother Empress! Your son dares not accept such praise,” Yang Guang promptly bowed to Yang Jian and Dugu Jialuo. Today, his attire was meticulous, his hair neatly bound, exuding an air of dignity and humility in his every gesture.

After his modest words, Yang Guang continued earnestly, “This victory was truly a stroke of luck. The pacification of Chen and unification of the realm are entirely due to Father Emperor’s wisdom and great strategy, as well as the dedication of our generals and soldiers. I beseech Father Emperor to reward those who served with merit and comfort the families of the fallen. As for me, I desire no reward. To serve the great Sui realm is my duty and my honor.”

Yang Jian and Dugu Jialuo looked on with growing admiration and joy, their happiness evident on their faces.

Dugu Jialuo spoke slowly, “Ying’er is not only brave in battle but also possesses a benevolent heart.” Among their many sons, Yang Guang had always been the most beloved since childhood.

Faced with such praise, Yang Guang merely shook his head modestly and said no more.

This scene was fully witnessed by Yang Yong, seated on the opposite side of the hall, as well as by everyone present.

A subtle sense of crisis crept into Yang Yong’s heart. As the eldest legitimate son and crown prince, his only advantage since childhood had been his birthright; otherwise, he had never truly distinguished himself.

Meanwhile, his brother repeatedly achieved great feats and won their parents’ favor, placing pressure even on the usually indifferent Yang Yong.

Finally, he muttered quietly to himself, “Hmph, all show...” in an attempt to mask his unease.

His words were overheard by Gao Heng, a minister who had also earned much merit in the conquest of Chen. At the banquet, Gao Heng coughed twice sharply to warn him, then glanced around furtively, afraid others might hear.

Fortunately, no one else noticed. The banquet continued, and when the moment was ripe, Yang Lin, a powerful ally, rose and solemnly bowed to Yang Jian. He seldom entered the palace except for great occasions such as this.

“The unification of the Sui has inspired the world. This old servant’s adopted daughter, Yang Yuer, offers a drum dance as a token of loyalty!” Yang Lin’s voice rang out firmly, tinged with joy.

Yang Jian’s eyes brightened with satisfaction at Yang Lin’s words.

Then, a young girl ascended the stage to perform.

Yang Yuer was only seven years old at the time, the adopted daughter of Yang Lin. She performed a commanding sword dance, her movements sharp and graceful, perfectly synchronized with the beating drums. The performance was both magnificent and exquisitely moving.

It beautifully suited the grand theme of the banquet.

When the dance ended, Yang Lin rose again, saying, “To express my loyalty, this old servant plans to raise funds next year to build the Eternal Palace for our great Sui! Long live the Emperor! Eternal prosperity to the realm!”

After this stirring declaration, Yang Jian’s hearty laughter echoed through the hall, his face radiant with joy. “Excellent! With the fall of Chen and the unification of the world, I hereby grant a general amnesty to the realm!”

“Long live the Emperor! Long live! Long, long live!” The civil and military officials, nobles, and princes rose as one to salute Yang Jian.

The entire palace brimmed with an atmosphere of joyous celebration—the golden age had arrived, the realm unified and flourishing. Everything was perfect, and this would be the most splendid era.

The banquet continued, soon transitioning into the formal feast. Palace servants brought forth exquisite dishes, and all began to dine.

Yang Guang dismissed the servants and personally served dishes onto the plates beside him. Seated next to him was the youngest daughter of Yang Jian and Dugu Jialuo, his youngest sister, only five years old.

This little sister, born in the fourth year of the Kaihuang era, was about the same age as his eldest son, Yang Zhao. Dugu Jialuo was already advanced in years when she gave birth to her youngest child after many hardships. She was not only the youngest among the princes but also the only child born after Yang Jian’s ascension to the throne—a lucky daughter cherished in the palace.

Yang Jian and Dugu Jialuo had many children, but this daughter was a late blessing, a source of great joy. Born into a flourishing age, her name bore no ambitions of changing the world; it simply wished for her to possess a gentle grace and a peaceful, beautiful life. Thus, she was named Xiangning.

The new era of great unification had truly begun, with the land as beautiful as a painting and the skies clear for thousands of miles.