1. Positive similarities between Yang Guang and Li Shimin
1. Both were the second emperors of their respective dynasties
Yang Guang was the second emperor of the Sui Dynasty Acting emperor.
Li Shimin was the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty.
2. They were all accomplished emperors
During his tenure, Yang Guang built the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.
Li Shimin initiated the Zhenguan rule during his tenure.
3. They all love literature
Yang Guang occupies an important position in the history of literature. "Quan Sui Poems" contains more than 40 of Yang Guang's poems.
Li Shimin was quite famous for his calligraphy and literary works. With his vigorous promotion, encouragement and support, calligraphy, literature and art flourished in the Tang Dynasty.
2. The similarities between Yang Guang and Li Shimin
Both have historical questions about killing their brothers and seizing the throne.
3. The demise of the Sui Dynasty cannot be entirely blamed on Yang Guang
The demise of the Sui Dynasty is certainly related to Yang Guang's tyranny and political reforms, which led to chaos in the world and the rise of all heroes. But this was just the trigger for the demise of the Sui Dynasty. This account cannot be placed entirely on Yang Guang. Because the fundamental reason for the collapse of the Sui Dynasty was the unstable foundation of rule.
The Sui Dynasty was a unified dynasty established after China experienced a long period of division between the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Its situation was quite similar to that of the Qin Dynasty. It was extremely powerful on the outside, but under the surface of unity there were undercurrents of various separatist forces. There are profound unrest factors buried within the ruling class, and the foundation of rule is very unstable. This inherent flaw of the Sui regime itself is the fundamental reason why the Sui Dynasty quickly perished at the time of its prosperity.
4. The Sui Dynasty laid a certain foundation for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty
The Sui Dynasty was an important dynasty that inherited the Southern and Northern Dynasties and initiated the Tang Dynasty. Historians often refer to it and the Tang Dynasty as the Sui and Tang Dynasties. . The Sui Dynasty unified the world and ended the nearly 300 years of division since the end of the Eastern Jin Dynasty. The Sui Dynasty initiated the imperial examination, opened the Grand Canal, developed the handicraft industry, and prospered commerce and foreign trade, laying a certain foundation for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. In this regard, Yang Guang still has historical merits.
5. Yang Guang’s merit lies in benefiting future generations, and Li Shimin’s merit lies in leaving a name for future generations.
Yang Guang dug canals, initiated imperial examinations, and smoothed the Silk Road to benefit future generations. The Grand Canal still benefits the people today. Li Shimin was mainly good at accepting advice and left a good reputation as an enlightened monarch, which was also learned by those who came after him.