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195 The Rise of Yang Chien Leu Chuen-sheng Abstract Unexpectedly overthrowing the Chou Dynasty, Yang Chien established the Sui Dynasty. This astonished many historians, as they felt that no one would ever be able to usurp the throne so easily and become Sui Wen-ti. To illustrate such a drastic historical change, some historians focused on Yang Chien s family background, including the connections he established through his own and his daughters marriages. Yang Chien s father, Yang Chung, was one of the main twelve generals when the Western Wei s Garrison Militia system was established. During the Northern Chou, Yang Chien was promoted to Chu-kuo and Ta-szu-k ung. Moreover, Yang Chien married the daughter of Tu-ku Hsin, Western Wei s veteran military commander and Northern Chou s Ta-szu-ma, while his eldest daughter married Northern Chou s Hsuan-ti. Thus, in the eyes of many scholars Yang not only came from an aristocratic background, but also intentionally allied himself with powerful and noble families, including that of the queen. In sum, Yang Chien gradually built up his family ties to usurp Northern Chou s power and establish the Sui Dynasty. Other scholars emphasize the rise of the Han people during the Western Wei and Northern Chou periods. As Yang Chien himself was a Han noble from Hua-yin in Hung-nung prefecture, he easily obtained the support of the newly powerful Han. In this manner he managed to overthrow Northern Chou, which the Han considered barbarian, to form the Han-Sui Empire. Although evidence exists to support the above claims, unavoidably much

196 of it contains speculation and exaggeration. This article provides more valid proof, presenting a different historical perspective on the matter. To begin with, the article shows that Yang s family background had little influence on his rise to power. Thus, the exaggerated explanations and suppositions about his background are inappropriate. Furthermore, theories about the rising influence of the Han in the Northern Chou are also mainly speculative. As a result, this article concludes that Yang s rise was by no means an accident, but rather due to his brilliantly taking control of the situation at the end of the Northern Chou Dynasty. The Northern Chou eventually showed weakness in many areas, such as over-centralization of power and an ever-diminishing power base. Mistakes in governing, such as Wu-ti s abandonment of Buddhism and Taoism, and Hsuan-ti s excessive system of corporal punishment, further weakened the Northern Chou. Yang Chien took advantage of problems like these to easily usurp the Northern Chou throne. Key Words: Yang Chien, Yang Chung, Hsuan-ti of Northern Chou, Kuan Lung Bloc, Sui Dynasty