Yang Guang, also known as Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty, is an important figure in Chinese history. The cause of his death and the fate of Empress Xiao after his death have been focal points of debate in historical scholarship. This article will explore these two issues based on available historical records.

First, regarding the cause of Yang Guang's death. According to the "Records of the Sui Dynasty," during Yang Guang's reign, excessive luxury led to the hardships of the people, triggering large-scale peasant rebellions. In 618 AD, Yang Guang was killed by rebel forces in Jiangdu, which is a recognized historical fact. However, there are various accounts of the specific cause of death. One account is that Yang Guang was killed by rebel forces, another account is that he committed suicide, and yet another account is that he starved to death. These accounts have their own bases, but none can be confirmed. Therefore, the specific cause of Yang Guang's death remains an unsolved historical mystery.

Second, regarding the fate of Empress Xiao after Yang Guang's death. Empress Xiao was Yang Guang's queen and his last queen. What was the fate of Empress Xiao after Yang Guang's death? According to the "Records of the Sui Dynasty," after Yang Guang's death, Empress Xiao was captured by rebel forces and later adopted by Li Yuan, the founder of the Tang Dynasty. Li Yuan treated Empress Xiao with great respect, naming her the Empress Dowager of the Highest Heaven and allowing her to live a comfortable life in the palace. However, Empress Xiao did not live a happy life because of this. After the death of Emperor Gaozu, she was deposed by Emperor Taizong of Tang and spent the rest of her life in poverty.

Overall, the cause of Yang Guang's death and the fate of Empress Xiao are both part of history. Their destinies reflect the contradictions and conflicts of society at that time, as well as the complexity and diversity of human nature. Although we cannot change history, we can learn from it to avoid repeating mistakes.

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