The five major categories of etiquette formed in the Zhou Dynasty are called the Five Rites, namely auspicious etiquette, unlucky etiquette, military etiquette, guest etiquette, and Jia Li. The emperor's harem system is part of the Jia Li.
During the Zhou Dynasty, the Book of Rites clearly stipulated that
"The emperor established a queen, three wives, nine concubines, twenty-seven wives, and eleven wives, a total of one hundred and twenty-one people." Since then, the concubine system of all dynasties has basically followed the "Etiquette" "Record", even if there are changes, it only occurs in the two aspects of name and level.
From the Zhou Dynasty to the present, Yang Jian can be said to be the emperor with the fewest wives in history. In reality, he certainly could not realize the idea of a large harem, so he had to outline a grand blueprint in the system.
Perhaps out of dreams, the harem system outlined by Yang Jian is quite complete. He not only set the grades very well, but also made great achievements in the selection and formulation of honorary titles, and chose them well and meaningfully. significance.
In addition to the super-ranked queen, Yang Jian designated the three concubines as the first rank, named noble concubine, Shu concubine, and virtuous concubine; the nine concubines under the concubine were the second rank, named Shunyi, Shunrong, Shunhua, and Xiuyi. , repair the appearance, repair the beauty, fill the appearance, fill the face, fill the beauty.
Before the Sui Dynasty, the twenty-seventh wife of the third rank were collectively called the wives of the world, each named by their surname. When it came to Yang Jian, they were divided into Jieyu, Meiren, and Cairen, with nine titles each.
The eighty-one female emperors of the fourth rank are divided into Baolin, Yunv, and Cainv, with 27 people in each of the three titles.
It's a pity that no matter how good and perfect Yang Jian's decision is, he will only have one Queen Dugu until his death. Mrs. Xuanhua of the Chen family, Mrs. Ronghua of the Cai family, and Mrs. Hongzheng of the Chen family were granted titles by Yang Guang after Yang Jian's death.
This means that the three of them were just concubines during Yang Jian's era and were not considered members of the Yang family at all.
Yang Guang was also a reform maniac, and naturally he would not let go of the harem system that was approaching Chi Chi. He expanded the three wives to four wives, and added a virtuous concubine after the noble concubine, Shu concubine, and virtuous concubine.
He found the names of three of the nine concubines too rustic, so he changed Shunyi to Zhaoyi, Shunrong to Zhaorong, and Shunhua to Zhaohua.
However, although he likes to find a mistress for Yang Ji, in reality he is just an armchair theorist. Now, except for Queen Xiao, only Concubine Xiao has a title, and Concubine Xiao was canonized as the ninth concubine only after giving birth to Yang Gao. The first one is Zhaoyi.
As for Cui, Wang, and Er Chen, they are just concubines like the previous Mrs. Xuanhua, Mrs. Ronghua, and Mrs. Hongzheng.
In the hundreds of troubled times before, wives, concubines, wives, and female queens were actually quite worthless. Nobles from famous families were unwilling to push their daughters into the palace, which might be a pit of fire.
That's it
The super-class "Queen" also depreciated because Yu Wenyun established five queens. The Sui Dynasty was a unified dynasty, and the value of all levels of the harem began to increase again. After the Yang family father and son were so stuck, their value increased even more.
Cui Junsu had almost forgotten about his niece. When he heard that Yang Guang suddenly conferred the title of Second Grade Xiuhua on his niece, he was overjoyed.
After he left happily, Li Ziquan, who had returned from the Wang family, entered the palace to ask for an audience. When Yang Guang explained the attitude of the Cui family in Qinghe to Li Ziquan, Li Ziquan finally gave up. At the same time, he also understood Yang Guang's determination to clean up Jizhou's officialdom. He was unable to support him alone. The Li family in Zhao County alone could not fight against the imperial power and public opinion. In addition, Yang Guang promised to spare Li's children during the purge and transfer them elsewhere. After weighing the pros and cons, Li Ziquan could only express that he would fully support the court.
. . . . After the court meeting the next day, Yang Guang left his important ministers to discuss the matter of Yicang.
"Youzhou Yicang Big Eucalyptus was just a coincidence that King Wei encountered. However, just by this coincidence, he unexpectedly encountered a shocking and earth-shattering Eucalyptus!" Yang Guang picked up the memorial on the Eucalyptus and looked at it. This memorial was compiled by Yang Ji. He glanced at the various data that came out, and then continued to tell the ministers: "Since Yuan Hongsi became the general manager of Youzhou until now, the Yuyang Yuan family has collaborated with officials of the Youzhou government and seven counties to resell official grain and free warehouse grain. As a result, more than 4.7 million grains flowed into Goguryeo, the Khitan, the Xi tribe, the Lin tribe, and the Turks. At the same time, more than 75,300 sets of weapons and equipment, and more than 548,000 kilograms of pig iron were sold to the foreign tribes in the Northeast. …”
"In addition to the physical objects, they also sold intelligence information such as Youzhou and Jizhou's mountains and rivers, terrain, military defense facilities, and military operations to Goguryeo. According to Gao Jianwu's account, the intelligence they provided for Goguryeo was as detailed as the names of the guards at each pass in each town. , the number of soldiers, and the list of equipment. With the help of the Yuyang Yuan family and corrupt officials in Youzhou, Gao Yuan established a very complete intelligence network in Youzhou and Jizhou. There were as many as two thousand Goguryeo agents infiltrated into the country. More than six hundred and forty-three households!" Yuan Shou's heart sank, as if he were stepping into an abyss.
He didn't know whether he should plead for mercy to the Yuyang family at this time, protect his direct lineage, or say nothing. He was trembling all over and couldn't say a word.
Yang Guang glanced at the pale Yuan Shou, then pointed at the dozen or so large boxes with seals piled in the corner, and said: "These boxes were delivered to Jinyang Palace last night, and they contain the most important ledgers. and criminal evidence, physical evidence, and letters; some of them are from Yuyang Yuanfu and some are from the Goguryeo stronghold." As Yang Guang finished speaking, the hall fell into silence, and the atmosphere became so solemn that it was almost suffocating.
Everyone present knew that the entire Yuan family was a participant in the traitorous conspiracy, not just the Yuyang family; even other families of the Yuan family were also the main conspirators. I dare not say anything else, but the Jin family where Jin Wenyan lived, and the family where Zhao Zhizheng lived The Zhao family, Wang Chou's Wang family, Liu Wu's Liu family, Zhang Zhong's Zhang family, and Ji Yan's Ji family must have all participated.
If we study it carefully, these big families
The "Yi Tribe" will definitely not be able to escape. It's just that this case involves too much and too much. If the emperor really rules according to the law, it will have an immeasurable impact on the stability of the Sui Dynasty.
"Although the Yuyang Yuan family was led by Gao Shikai, Wang Shishi and others to invade the Yi tribe, there is no doubt about the true nature of treason. As for Yuan Hongsi, the Yi tribe..." Yang Guang's eyes flashed with sternness, and he said with hatred: "Youzhou Prefecture The prisoners in Heqi County were lawless, had liaisons with foreign countries, and everyone was punished. The evidence was conclusive and there was no need for further trials! Gao Pushe immediately copied the list and sent it to his place of residence, and ordered the county warden, chief historian, and Sima to check in with him. Jiaxiao will be arrested to the seat of the state government and executed in public!" Such punishment was not only Yang Ji's suggestion, but also the result of Yang Guang's discussion with Gao Jun, Zhang Heng, Yang Xiu, Niu Hong and others.
Although he was very unwilling, his reason told Yang Guang that he could not pursue this matter any further. Otherwise, if he found out the family behind everyone, he would not know how to deal with it or how to end it.
Rather than killing or not killing, it would be better to end it here.
"Yes!" Gao Jiong accepted the order with his hands raised. The solemn atmosphere in the hall suddenly relaxed as the dust settled.
Yuan Shou breathed a long sigh of relief. He knew that this outcome was the best for the Yuan family, but the Yuan family's status among the Guanlong nobles was already in danger. After this incident, other families in the Yuan sect would probably avoid snakes and scorpions. , scrambled to leave.
At this point in his thoughts, Yuan Shou felt disheartened and despairing. He sighed secretly: The follow-up matters are not over yet, so why do you want to go so far?
"Youzhou Yicang County, not only the crime happened in Youzhou, but Hejian County of Jizhou was also involved. Although Tuoba Cheng has not been tried yet, the free warehouses and official rations in Qingyuan County, Min County, and Wen'an County are already empty. , This shows that Jizhou also has the same problems as Youzhou, so it must be investigated, otherwise, it will not be explained to the people." After Yang Guang finished speaking, he ordered Yang Wei in the crowd: "Yang Farewell, I appoint you as the school inspector in Jizhou Supervise the governor and immediately take the censor to Jizhou to conduct a thorough investigation of Yicang."
"I obey." Yang Wei is now the commander of Sili Tai. Not long ago, when he went to inspect the northern part of Yongzhou with Xue Daoheng, he captured many corrupt officials and uncovered many strange cases. Now he is also an order A ruthless character who will make corrupt officials frightened by the news.
However, Yang Guang made an explanation to him last night, asking him to be lenient to the descendants of the Cui family in Qinghe and the Li family in Zhaojun. As long as they replenish the grain in the charity warehouse and pay fines, he would give them a chance to repent and start over. Just report their dirt.
Yang Wei and his brother Yang Gongren are the same kind of people, and they are also a firm believer.
From the "Legalist" school, he was actually quite unhappy with Yang Guang's decision.
"The sages have said, 'A king is like a boat; a common man is like water. Water carries the boat, and water overturns the boat.' If we, the Sui Dynasty, want long-term peace and stability, they must be recognized by the people, and if the court wants to win the hearts and minds of the people, it must be obedient. Strict management of officials and adequate supervision cannot be achieved by relying solely on personal consciousness and virtue." Yang Guang looked at Zhang Heng and called out: "Doctor Zhang!" Zhang Heng quickly stepped out of the queue, cupped his hands and said: "I'm here!" Yang Guang Guang said in a deep voice: "The problem of corruption cannot be underestimated. Our Sui Dynasty has a vast territory, and the current number of censors is already insufficient. From now on, the number of censors will be doubled, making it a system for patrol censors to conduct overt and covert inspections in various places. Every day An official who commits a crime of dereliction of duty must also be punished accordingly. Without further ado, after you and Minister Niu go down, immediately draw up a list and submit it to the council for review."
"Here!" Zhang Heng bowed and returned to the train.
"Yang Libu!" Yang Guang thought that the Northern Patrol team was trapped here due to sudden changes, and the time agreed between him and Qimin Khan was getting closer and closer. He would have broken his trust and felt in his heart. Suddenly I had an idea.
Yang Xuangan came out and said: "I am here!" Yang Guang asked: "Is there any news from General Changsun and Qing Shi Honglu? Has the imperial road built by the Turks been repaired?" Changsun Cheng is now in the southern Khan court of the Turks, responsible for communicating with Qimin. Khan communicated, while Yang Xuangan was in charge of the Sui side, and Shi Xiangzai sat in Mayi County to deliver news to both parties.
"Sage!" Yang Xuangan cupped his hands and said: "General Changsun and Shi Hongluqing received news yesterday, saying that the Imperial Dao has been repaired by 90%, but the Imperial Dao cultivated by the Turks is not as good as that of the Sui Dynasty. Okay, grass has grown in some places." After hearing this, Yang Guang's eyes suddenly lit up and he said to Yang Xuangan: "Let Changsun Cheng tell Qimin that where the emperor of the Sui Dynasty travels, officials from all over the country must clear the roads. It is as smooth as a mirror and not a weed grows all year round. Only in this way can we show our utmost respect; otherwise, we are disloyal and will be beheaded!"
"Judging from the weed roads built by the Turks, Qimin was very dishonest, disloyal, and disrespectful to me and the Sui Dynasty. Our Sui Dynasty officers and men were dissatisfied with him. However, I am kind-hearted and magnanimous, so I decided to I hope he will cherish this opportunity to change his ways. If he is unwilling to repair and cannot satisfy the Sui soldiers, I will have to summon a million troops to help him repair." All the ministers in the palace said: "..." Everyone was fascinated. We have tried our best as a country to repair it, but you did this just to give yourself an excuse to stay.
How dark-hearted! But still, I like it. Although Yang Xuangan was not good at seeing the overall situation and had insufficient vision, his IQ was quite good. He also understood that Yang Guang was looking for trouble and trying to delay, so he said: "Sage, I will do it immediately." As he said that, he used another method. He tried to ask for instructions: "Sage, I can't say goodbye, but I still have a little strength, why don't you go to the north?" Everyone's face turned dark after hearing this!
Who doesn’t know that your Yang Li tribe has the courage to be an overlord?
"A little effort", then who are we?
"Turks especially like duels and respect warriors. You can go to Turks for a trip. But you are not familiar with Turk affairs. You must listen to General Changsun in everything!" Yang Guang pondered for a moment and then said: "Once the Turks Knowing that you are the son of Duke Yang, they will definitely challenge you. If General Changsun agrees and the other party is not a prince, just go ahead and beat him to death. If it is a prince or something like that, there is no harm in beating him half to death!"
"I obey, I will never disgrace my Sui Dynasty!" Yang Xuangan was overjoyed and solemnly promised.
"I am very assured of your martial arts!" Yang Guang smiled and added: "But according to King Wei, the Turkic nobles also learned some military arts and battle formations, and some tribal chiefs also used our Central Plains military arts and tactics to train their relatives. Guards, they are on the grassland, and they have no disadvantages. Over time, they really think that they are invincible in the world, and they are better than the blue. If the generals cannot defeat you, they will most likely ask for a battle. In order to prevent this, I asked Yaojun to Su will lead the second mansion of the Xiaoguo Army to follow you north." There are ten mansions in the Xiaoguo Army, each with ten thousand people, divided into two battalions on the left and right.
The Second Mansion headed by Yao Junsu was very similar to Gao Shun's camp. Their focus was the Modao Formation, which was a great weapon against cavalry.
"Thank you, saint!" Yang Xuangan saluted and asked with some worry: "Sage, what if our army killed a large number of Turks during the battle, and the other party became angry and rebelled against the Sui Dynasty?" Yang Guang did not hesitate. He said: "If this is the case, you will escort Chang Sun Cheng and other envoys south to Dingxiang with all your strength, and then wait for reinforcements. When I lead the army, we will fight together towards the Turkic grassland." Isn't it just to fight against the Turks?
It’s not like you’ve never fought before, so what’s there to worry about? Yang Guang now not only is not afraid of the Turks' rebellion, he even somewhat expects them to rebel.
"Here!" Yang Xuangan became even more excited.
