Regarding the controversy surrounding whether Emperor Yang Jian of the Sui Dynasty personally killed Shi Wansui in the court, there has been ongoing debate throughout history. This article aims to reveal the truth of this historical event based on historical records and relevant archaeological evidence.
Firstly, the historical records are conflicting. According to the "Sui Shu," it is recorded that "Emperor Yang Jian appointed Shi Wansui as the Left Minister, and when Shi Wansui committed a crime, the emperor ordered his execution." However, the "Zi Zhi Tong Jian" states that "Emperor Yang Jian appointed Shi Wansui as the Left Minister, and when Shi Wansui committed a crime, the emperor ordered his execution, and Shi Wansui ultimately hanged himself." These two accounts differ, with one claiming that Yang Jian personally killed Shi Wansui, while the other states that Shi Wansui committed suicide by hanging.
Secondly, archaeological discoveries have shed new light on this historical mystery. In recent excavations of Sui Dynasty sites, archaeologists discovered a stele inscribed with the following text: "Shi Wansui committed a crime, and the emperor ordered his execution." This inscription aligns with the record in the "Sui Shu," seemingly confirming the claim that Yang Jian personally killed Shi Wansui.
However, during another excavation of a Sui Dynasty palace site, archaeologists uncovered a letter from Yang Jian to Shi Wansui. The letter reads: "I cannot bear to see you die; you may take your own life." The content of this letter aligns with the record in the "Zi Zhi Tong Jian," suggesting that Shi Wansui committed suicide by hanging.
Thirdly, it is necessary to delve into the truth of this historical event amidst these conflicting historical records and archaeological discoveries. Firstly, it is crucial to understand the nature of historical records and archaeological evidence. Historical records are subjective interpretations of history, while archaeological evidence provides objective reflections. Historical records may be influenced by the author's personal opinions and the political environment of the time, whereas archaeological evidence is closer to the true face of history.
Moreover, it is essential to consider various evidence comprehensively. In this case, both historical records and archaeological evidence have a degree of rationality. The historical records reflect Yang Jian's severe punishment of Shi Wansui, while the archaeological evidence reveals Yang Jian's compassion for him. These seemingly contradictory evidences, in fact, do not contradict each other but rather reflect Yang Jian's attitude towards Shi Wansui from different perspectives.
In conclusion, regarding the question of whether Emperor Yang Jian personally killed Shi Wansui in the court, a reasonable conclusion can be drawn: Emperor Yang Jian did severely punish Shi Wansui, but he did not personally execute him. Instead, Shi Wansui ultimately committed suicide by hanging, as expressed in Yang Jian's letter. The truth of this historical event not only reflects Yang Jian's strict governance but also showcases his compassion for his subjects.
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