Yang Jian

Timeline

1. 541–581Chang'an · GuanzhongYang Jian came from the Hongnong Yang clan; his father Yang Zhong was grand commandant of Northern Zhou. Raised in a temple as a child, he later held high offices under Northern Zhou, married a Dugu, and his daughter became empress to Emperor Xuan of Zhou. After Xuan's death in 580, Yang Jian served as regent as an in-law, gradually eliminating rivals and seizing control of the court.
2. 581–589Daxing · GuanzhongIn 581 Yang Jian received the abdication of Emperor Jing of Zhou, changed the state name to Sui, and made Daxing his capital, becoming Emperor Wen of Sui. In 589 he ordered Prince Jin Yang Guang and generals Han Qinhu and He Ruobi to march south and destroy Chen in one stroke, ending nearly three centuries of north–south division since the Eastern Jin and completing the reunification of China.
3. 589–604Daxing · GuanzhongAfter reunification Emperor Wen of Sui implemented the equal-field and zu-yong-diao systems, established the Three Departments and Six Ministries, promulgated the Kaihuang Code, reduced taxes, and promoted the beginnings of the imperial examination; the state grew powerful, the population rose to about 46 million, and granaries were full, known as the Kaihuang Governance. He died at Renshou Palace in 604, aged 64.