The Embers of Hongnong: From a Weed in Troubled Times to a Foundation of the Kaihuang Era

Yang Heng transmigrates into the chaotic Later Zhao era. Using his foresight and intelligence, he survives the conflict between the Hu and Han peoples and reclaims his identity as a member of the Hongnong Yang clan. He establishes himself on the frontier, amasses wealth through carefully targeted trade, and gathers key talent: scholars, martial artists, and men of humble birth. Anticipating the outcome of the Battle of Fei River, he moves resources and talent west to Guanzhong and Longyou in advance, befriends powerful families, and quietly lays the groundwork for a private army. After Northern Wei unifies the realm, Yang Heng puts down roots in Guanzhong and forms marriage ties with Xianbei nobles. On his lands, he pioneers an improved system of hereditary military households, granting land, enforcing strict training, and selecting solely on merit. He builds a vast “Yang faction” network: setting up academies to train trusted talent in both civil and military affairs, extending its influence through Northern Wei's military and government, establishing a commercial intelligence network, and carefully arranging marriages with the great families of Guanzhong. Deeply involved in Northern Wei politics, he foresees the Rebellion of the Six Garrisons and makes preparations in secret. When rebellion breaks out among the Six Garrisons, the Yang faction openly supports Northern Wei while quietly expanding its strength. When Northern Wei splits, it becomes a key ally of Yuwen Tai in Western Wei and Northern Zhou, and its military household and equal-field systems become the foundation of the state. The Yang faction's talent fills the court and government, and its power surpasses that of the imperial house. In his old age, Yang Heng entrusts his successor with a century-long plan to help Yang Jian ascend the throne. After Yang Heng's time, the Yang clan remains unshaken amid Northern Zhou's power struggles, continuously supplying talent and strengthening its foundations. It devotes itself to raising Yang Jian, a direct descendant and son of Yang Zhong, helping him build a record of service and a network of connections. When Emperor Xuan of Zhou dies suddenly, the Yang clan draws on the immense power it has built over a century, political, military, financial, and intelligence, to help Yang Jian swiftly take control of the court and suppress his opponents. On the eve of the founding of the Sui dynasty, the Yang clan gathers at its ancestral shrine to pay tribute to Yang Heng's keepsakes. “Great Ancestor, four generations of effort have laid the foundations of Kaihuang. The flourishing Great Sui will fulfill your wish.” In the dawn light, the city of Chang'an awaits a new dynasty.