《资治通鉴·隋纪·隋纪一》
杨素深得隋文帝的宠信，对他言听计从，跟随杨素征战的将士，有功必赏，至于别的将士，虽然有大功，却经常受到朝中文官的压制，所以杨素虽然残忍，将士们也愿意跟随他。
素时贵幸，言无不从，其从素行者，微功必录，至他将虽有大功，多为文吏所谴却，故素虽残忍，士亦以此愿从焉。
Yang Su had won Emperor Wen's trust and favor, who listened to everything he said. The generals and soldiers who followed Yang Su into battle were always rewarded for their achievements, whereas other generals and soldiers were often suppressed by the civil officials at the imperial court, despite their great achievements. Therefore, although Yang Su was cruel, his generals and soldiers were willing to follow him.