隋朝杨坚，历史上评为“圣人可汗”，是隋朝开国皇帝。他的生平充满了传奇色彩，尤其是在他夺取政权并统一天下的过程中。杨坚出身于弘农杨氏家族，是东汉太尉杨震的十四世孙，他的祖父被北魏赐姓普六茹，并官至柱国、大司空。
在北周时期，杨坚因为貌美而引起宇文邕、宇文宪等人的疑心，但他通过化险为夷，最终避免了一场杀身之祸。他后来因长女被封为皇后的缘故，又晋升为柱国大将军、大司马。在宇文赟即位后，虽然对他有所猜忌，但由于他的谨慎和机智，没有遭到处决。
当宇文赟死后，由于年仅6岁的小儿子即位，无力掌控朝政，杨坚借此机会开始篡夺北周大权。他先是骗走宗室五王，再任用韦孝宽消灭了对自己有威胁的人物，最终在581年2月，被授予禅让之命，即位成为隋炀帝，也就是史称的“开皇”时代。
作为一位伟大的政治家和军事家，杨坚结束了300年的分裂状态，将全国统一 beneath his rule. He promoted Han culture and eliminated the remnants of the Xiongnu and other non-Han peoples in the north. His reign is known as "The Golden Age of Chinese History" because of its cultural, economic, and political achievements.
Yang Jian was a strong believer in Confucianism and encouraged education throughout his empire. He also established a system for selecting officials based on merit rather than birth or wealth. This led to a more efficient government that was less corrupt than previous dynasties.
In terms of military conquests, Yang Jian launched campaigns against both Northern Qi and Chen dynasty to unify China under one ruler. After defeating these enemies, he established the capital at Luoyang and began constructing new infrastructure projects such as canals, roads, and bridges.
Despite his many accomplishments, Yang Jian's life ended tragically when he died suddenly in 604 AD at the age of 63 due to illness or poisoning by courtiers who feared his power would lead to their downfall.
Overall, Yang Jian's legacy as an emperor is complex but significant for Chinese history. He united China after centuries of division through warlordism; promoted Han culture over barbarian influences; strengthened central authority with merit-based bureaucracy; expanded trade networks across Asia; built monumental architecture like canals & roads that still exist today – all while ensuring peace within society by promoting Confucian values & fostering an environment where knowledge could flourish among citizens!