Sui dynasty

589: the Yangtze crossed at several points

A coordinated Sui invasion crossed the Yangtze at several points in 589 and converged on the Chen capital, Jiankang, in modern Nanjing.

After limited fighting at the northern gate, a Chen general opened the principal southern gate to the Sui forces.

Chen Shubao in the well

The last Chen ruler, Chen Shubao, was discovered hiding in a dry well with two favored consorts and taken prisoner.

With him captured, Chen governors along the Yangtze began surrendering; thirty prefectures, a hundred commanderies and four hundred counties passed into Sui hands.

Chen Shubao was not killed at the fall of his capital. He was carried north and lived until 604.

The emperor who stayed north

Yang Jian — Emperor Wen — ordered and prepared the conquest but did not go. His son Yang Guang, Prince of Jin, was nominal commander of the main army, with Gao Jiong helping direct it.

Upstream, Yang Su's several thousand vessels, called "Yellow Dragons," defeated the Chen river defenses and prevented an effective coordinated defense of the capital.

Taking Jiankang did not settle the south: the city was ordered demolished afterward, the Chen elite was moved north, and resistance continued in coastal and southern districts.