170 Ban Gu on Qin

A6.114…117

On the 15th day of the 10th month of the 17th year of Emperor Xiaoming of Han (74 AD), Ban Gu said:

The Zhou Dynasty's rule was over. According to the law of the transformation of the five virtues, a benevolent monarch would not replace the mother's virtue with the son's virtue. However, the Qin Dynasty just did that, the rule of the First Emperor Lu Zheng was cruel and tyrannical. However, he was able to annex the world at the age of thirteen as a vassal, indulge in lust, and raise his clan. He reigned for thirty-seven years, with his military force everywhere, making political decrees and passing them on to future emperors. He probably received the power of a saint, and the Yellow River God gave him cheats books, his body was backed up by the Wolf and Fox Stars of arrows and crossbows, his feet were on the Three Stars of Punishment, and the Heavens helped him to drive away the rebellion, and he was finally called the First Emperor.

After the death of the First Emperor, Hu Hai was very stupid. The Lishan Mausoleum was not yet completed, and he wanted to build the Afang Palace just to fulfill the will of the First Emperor. He said: "Anyone who is noble and owns the world can do whatever he wants. How can a minister try to abolish what the previous emperor did?" He killed Li Si and Feng Quji and appointed Zhao Gao. His words are really heartbreaking! He has a human head, but he makes the sound of livestock. Without power, one cannot boast. If one's sins are not serious, one will not perish easily. In the end, the throne cannot be retained. Cruelty and tyranny can only make the reign shorter. Although the Qin State occupied a favorable terrain, it still could not be preserved. 

Ziying succeeded to the throne according to the order, wearing a jade crown, gorgeous clothes, and a yellow umbrella on his car. All officials followed him to worship the ancestral temples. If a villain sits in a position that he shouldn't sit in, he will definitely be confused and live in complacency. However, Ziying had long-term ambitions. He eliminated his doubts, and the father and son together took decisive measures. Right inside the door, they easily killed Zhao Gao and defeated the traitor for the First Emperor and the Second Emperor. After Zhao Gao's death, the guests and relatives had not been fully comforted, the meal had not been swallowed, and the wine had not been touched, that the Chu soldiers had slaughtered Guanzhong, and the real master had descended on Bashang. Ziying rode a white horse in a plain car, tied his neck with a silk rope, and held the talisman and seal in his hands to surrender to the future Emperor Gao. Just like Zheng Bo holding a thatched banner and a phoenix knife, King Zhuang of Chu retreated seven miles. The Yellow River cannot be stopped if it bursts, and a fish cannot be restored if it rot. Jia Yi and Sima Qian said: "If Ziying had the talent of an ordinary monarch and only had ministers of average talent, even if Shandong rebelled, the land of Qin could still be preserved, and the sacrifices to the ancestral temple would not be cut off." The long-term decline of Qin led to the collapse of the world. Even if there were talents like Dan the Duke of Zhou, no way to display his cleverness. However, they blamed a new monarch who had just ascended the throne for this. It was wrong! 

There is a folk rumor that evil originated from Qin Shihuang and reached its peak during the reign of Hu Hai. This is reasonable. Jia Yi and Sima Qian blamed the new monarch again, saying that the land of Qin could have been preserved. This is what people call, that there’s no understanding the changes of the times. Ji Ji surrendered to Qi by offering the city of Xi, and the Spring and Autumn Annals did not mention his name to show praise. When I read the "Qin Annals", came to Ziying's chariots torn Zhao Gao apart, I never failed to praise his decisiveness, and also pity his ambition. Ziying has done his best in terms of life and death.

孝明皇帝十七年十月十五日乙丑，曰：

周历已移，仁不代母。秦直其位，吕政残虐。然以诸侯十三，并兼天下，极情纵欲，养育宗亲。三十七年，兵无所不加，制作政令，施于后王。盖得圣人之威，河神授图，据狼、狐，蹈参、伐，佐政驱除，距之称始皇。

始皇既殁，胡亥极愚，郦山未毕，复作阿房，以遂前策。云“凡所为贵有天下者，肆意极欲，大臣至欲罢先君所为”。诛斯、去疾，任用赵高。痛哉言乎！人头畜鸣。不威不伐恶，不笃不虚亡，距之不得留，残虐以促期，虽居形便之国，犹不得存。

子婴度次得嗣，冠玉冠，佩华绂，车黄屋，从百司，谒七庙。小人乘非位，莫不怳忽失守，偷安日日，独能长念卻虑，父子作权，近取于户牖之间，竟诛猾臣，为君讨贼。高死之后，宾婚未得尽相劳，餐未及下咽，酒未及濡唇，楚兵已屠关中，真人翔霸上，素车婴组，奉其符玺，以归帝者。郑伯茅旌鸾刀，严王退舍。河决不可复壅，鱼烂不可复全。贾谊、司马迁曰：“向使婴有庸主之才，仅得中佐，山东虽乱，秦之地可全而有，宗庙之祀未当绝也。”秦之积衰，天下土崩瓦解，虽有周旦之材，无所复陈其巧，而以责一日之孤，误哉！俗传秦始皇起罪恶，胡亥极，得其理矣。复责小子，云秦地可全，所谓不通时变者也。纪季以酅，春秋不名。吾读秦纪，至于子婴车裂赵高，未尝不健其决，怜其志。婴死生之义备矣。

The end of A6

169 The Genealogy of Qin

A6.72…113

Duke Xiang ascended the throne and reigned for twelve years. He began to build Xizhi. He was buried in Xichui. He gave birth to Duke Wen.

Duke Wen ascended the throne and lived in the Xichui Palace. He died after 50 years on the throne and was buried in Xichui. He gave birth to Duke Jing.

Duke Jing died before he ascended the throne. Duke Xian was born.

Duke Xian reigned for twelve years and lived in Xixinyi. After his death, he was buried in Yayi. He gave birth to Duke Wu, Duke De, and Chuzi.

Chuzi reigned for six years and lived in Xiling. Three Shuzhangs (Chief Ministers), Fuji, Weilei, and Canfu, led bandits to kill Chuzi in Biyan and buried him in Yayi. Duke Wu succeeded to the throne.

Duke Wu reigned for 20 years. He lived in the Feng Palace in Pingyang. He was buried in the southeast of Xuanyang. The three Shuzhangs were executed. Duke De succeeded to the throne.

Duke De reigned for two year. He lived in the Dazheng Palace in Yongyi. He gave birth to Duke Xuan, Duke Cheng, and Duke Mu. He was buried in Yangyi. He began to set up the Fu days to ward off summer heat and plague.

Duke Xuan reigned for the twelfth year. He lived in Yang Palace. He was buried in Yangyi. He began to record the intercalary month.

Duke Cheng reigned for four years and lived in the palace in Yongyi. He was buried in Yangyi. Qi attacked Shanrong and Guzhu.

Duke Mu reigned for thirty-nine years. The emperor gave him the title of hegemon. He was buried in Yongyi. During his lifetime, Duke Mu humbly learned from the palace guards. He gave birth to Duke Kang.

Duke Kang reigned for twelve years. He lived in Gaoqin in Yongyi. He was buried in Qushe. He gave birth to Duke Gong.

Duke Gong reigned for five years. He lived in Gaoqin in Yongyi. He was buried south of the tomb of Duke Kang in Qushe. He gave birth to Duke Huan.

Duke Huan reigned for twenty-seven years. He lived in Taiqin in Yongyi. He was buried north of Yiliqiu. He gave birth to Duke Jing.

Duke Jing (Xi) reigned for forty years. He lived in Gaoqin in Yongyi. He was buried south of Qiuli. He gave birth to Duke Bi.

Duke Bi (Ai) reigned for thirty-six years. He was buried north of Cheli. He gave birth to Duke Yi.

Duke Yi did not ascend the throne. After his death, he was buried in Zuogong. He gave birth to Duke Hui.

Duke Hui reigned for ten years. He was buried in Cheli. He gave birth to Duke Dao.

Duke Dao reigned for fifteen years. Buried west of the tomb of Duke Xi (Jing). Built a city in Yongyi. Gave birth to Duke Cigong.

Duke Cigong (Ligong) reigned for thirty-four years. Buried in Ruli. Gave birth to Duke Zao and Duke Huai. In the tenth year of Duke Cigong, a comet appeared.

Duke Zao reigned for fourteen years. Lived in Shouqin. Buried south of the tomb of Duke Dao. In the first year of Duke Zao, a comet appeared.

Duke Huai returned from Jin. Reigned for four years. Buried in Liyu. Gave birth to Duke Ling. Duke Huai committed suicide due to the besiege of the minsters.

Duke Suling (Ling), the son of Zhaozi. Lived in Jingyang. Reigned for ten years. Buried west of the tomb of Duke Dao. Gave birth to Duke Jian.

Duke Jian returned from Jin. Reigned for fifteen years. Buried west of the tomb of Duke Xi (Jing). Gave birth to Duke Hui. In the seventh year of Duke Jian, people began to carry swords.

Duke Hui reigned for thirteen years. Buried in Lingyu. Gave birth to Duke Chu.

Duke Chu reigned for two years. Duke Chu committed suicide and was buried in Yongyi.

Duke Xian (son of Duke Ling) reigned for 23 years. Buried in Xiaoyu. Gave birth to Duke Xiao.

Duke Xiao reigned for 24 years. Buried in Diyu. Gave birth to King Huiwen. In the 13th year of Duke Xiao, the capital was built in Xianyang.

King Huiwen reigned for 27 years. Buried in Gongling. Gave birth to King Daowu.

King Daowu (Wu) reigned for 4 years. Buried in Yongling.

King Zhaoxiang (half brother of King Wu, grandson of King Huiwen) reigned for 56 years. Buried in Chaiyang. Gave birth to King Xiaowen.

King Xiaowen reigned for 1 year. Buried in Shouling. Gave birth to King Zhuangxiang.

King Zhuangxiang reigned for 3 years. Buried in Chaiyang. Gave birth to the First Emperor. Lü Buwei was prime minister.

In the seventh year after Duke Xian ascended the throne, he began to set up markets. In the tenth year, he established a household registration system, with every five households organized into a group.

In the sixteenth year of Duke Xiao's reign, peach and plum trees bloomed in winter.

King Huiwen ascended the throne 19 years after his birth. In the second year of his reign, he began to issue coins. A newborn baby said, "The Qin State will be king."

King Daowu ascended the throne nineteen years after he was born. Three years after he ascended the throne, the Wei River turned red for three days.

King Zhaoxiang ascended the throne at the age of 19. Four years after he ascended the throne, he began to set up boundaries between fields.

King Xiaowen ascended the throne fifty-three years after he was born.

King Zhuangxiang ascended the throne thirty-two years after he was born. Two years after he ascended the throne, he conquered the Taiyuan area. In the first year of King Zhuangxiang, he implemented amnesty, rewarded the meritorious officials of the previous king, showed kindness to the royal family and relatives, and promoted benevolence to the people. The Eastern Zhou Dynasty and its princes plotted against the Qin State, and the Qin State sent Prime Minister Lu Buwei to destroy it and completely annex its territory. The Qin State did not cut off the Zhou Dynasty's sacrifices, and granted the land of Yangren to the King of Zhou, allowing him to continue the sacrifices there to the ancestors of Zhou.

The First Emperor reigned for thirty-seven years. Buried in Liyi. Gave birth to the Second Emperor. He ascended the throne thirteen years after the First Emperor was born.

The Second Emperor reigned for three years. Buried in Yichun. Zhao Gao served as prime minister and was granted the title of Marquis Anwu. The Second Emperor ascended the throne twelve years after the birth of the Second Emperor.

The above is the genealogy from Duke Xiang of Qin to the Second Emperor, a total of 610 years.

襄公立，享国十二年。初为西畤。葬西垂。生文公。

文公立，居西垂宫。五十年死，葬西垂。生静公。

静公不享国而死。生宪公。

宪公享国十二年，居西新邑。死，葬衙。生武公、德公、出子。

出子享国六年，居西陵。庶长弗忌、威累、参父三人，率贼贼出子鄙衍，葬衙。武公立。

武公享国二十年。居平阳封宫。葬宣阳聚东南。三庶长伏其罪。德公立。

德公享国二年。居雍大郑宫。生宣公、成公、缪公。葬阳。初伏，以御蛊。

宣公享国十二年。居阳宫。葬阳。初志闰月。

成公享国四年，居雍之宫。葬阳。齐伐山戎、孤竹。

缪公享国三十九年。天子致霸。葬雍。缪公学著人。生康公。

康公享国十二年。居雍高寝。葬竘社。生共公。

共公享国五年，居雍高寝。葬康公南。生桓公。

桓公享国二十七年。居雍太寝。葬义里丘北。生景公。

景公享国四十年。居雍高寝，葬丘里南。生毕公。

毕公享国三十六年。葬车里北。生夷公。

夷公不享国。死，葬左宫。生惠公。

惠公享国十年。葬车里。生悼公。

悼公享国十五年。葬僖公西。城雍。生剌龚公。

剌龚公享国三十四年。葬入里。生躁公、怀公。其十年，彗星见。

躁公享国十四年。居受寝。葬悼公南。其元年，彗星见。

怀公从晋来。享国四年。葬栎圉氏。生灵公。诸臣围怀公，怀公自杀。

肃灵公，昭子子也。居泾阳。享国十年。葬悼公西。生简公。

简公从晋来。享国十五年。葬僖公西。生惠公。其七年。百姓初带剑。

惠公享国十三年。葬陵圉。生出公。

出公享国二年。出公自杀，葬雍。

献公享国二十三年。葬嚣圉。生孝公。

孝公享国二十四年。葬弟圉。生惠文王。其十三年，始都咸阳。

惠文王享国二十七年。葬公陵。生悼武王。

悼武王享国四年，葬永陵。

昭襄王享国五十六年。葬茝阳。生孝文王。

孝文王享国一年。葬寿陵。生庄襄王。

庄襄王享国三年。葬茝阳。生始皇帝。吕不韦相。

献公立七年，初行为市。十年，为户籍相伍。

孝公立十六年。时桃李冬华。

惠文王生十九年而立。立二年，初行钱。有新生婴儿曰“秦且王”。

悼武王生十九年而立。立三年，渭水赤三日。

昭襄王生十九年而立。立四年，初为田开阡陌。

孝文王生五十三年而立。

庄襄王生三十二年而立。立二年，取太原地。庄襄王元年，大赦，脩先王功臣，施德厚骨肉，布惠于民。东周与诸侯谋秦，秦使相国不韦诛之，尽入其国。秦不绝其祀，以阳人地赐周君，奉其祭祀。

始皇享国三十七年。葬郦邑。生二世皇帝。始皇生十三年而立。

二世皇帝享国三年。葬宜春。赵高为丞相安武侯。二世生十二年而立。

右秦襄公至二世，六百一十岁。

168 Jia Yi on Qin 7

A6.71

Now that the Second Emperor has ascended the throne, people all over the world are craning their necks to see what he will do. People who feel cold look for clothes, and people who are hungry look for food. The outcry of the people over the world are the motivation for their new master. This means that the wishes of the toiling masses can be easily satisfied with benevolent policies. If the Second Emperor had the ability of an ordinary monarch, he would appoint loyal and virtuous ministers. And together with his ministers, he would focus on national affairs, correct the mistakes of the previous emperor, grant land to the descendants of meritorious officials, establish vassal states, govern the country with courtesy, pardon prisoners and reduce killing,  abolish the punishment of confiscating official slaves and defiling people's bodies, allow the prisoners to return to their hometowns, open the treasury and distribute the wealth, and help the lonely and poor, reduce taxes and corvée, help the people out of their difficulties, and reduce the criminal law to continue the previous policy, so that the people can start a new life, improve their conduct, and each carefully restrain themselves, meet the wishes of the people, and then use power to govern the world, and the world will be stable. Within the four seas, everyone will live and work happily, and the only fear will be the unrest. Even if there are cunning people, they will not have the idea of ​​betraying the emperor. Then the lawless treacherous ministers will not be able to cover up their plots, and the evil deeds of violence can be stopped. The Second Emperor did not adopt this method, but became more tyrannical and unjust, destroyed the ancestral temples, harmed the subjects, and began to build the Afang Palace. He formulated harsh laws and severe punishments. Officials handled government affairs very harshly, rewards and punishments were inappropriate, taxes and corvée were unlimited, and there were many things in the world that officials could not handle. The people were poor and the monarch could not appease them. After that, treacherous and deceitful people rebelled at the same time, and the whole country concealed each other. More and more people were convicted, and the people who were punished and killed blocked the roads, and the people of the world suffered greatly. From the king and ministers to the common people, everyone felt that they were in a dangerous situation, in poverty and suffering, and could not be at ease in their positions, so they were easily shaken. Therefore, Chen She did not need to have the talents of Shang Tang or King Wu of Zhou, nor did he need to have the status of a Duke. He only raised his arms in the Township of Daze, the Great Lake, and the people of the world responded in unison. This was because the people felt that they were in a dangerous situation. This is how the ancient sage kings were able to see through the changes and developments of things to know the key to the survival of the country. Therefore, the way to rule the people was to keep them stable. Even if there were a few ministers who did evil things, they would definitely not get any respond from the people. So it is said that "people who live a stable life can be promoted to benevolence and righteousness, while people in dangerous situations are easy to do evil with them." This is the reason. The emperor is the son of heaven and has the world's wealth, but he himself cannot be saved from being killed, it is precisely because he failed to correct mistakes and uphold justice in a timely manner! This is the mistake of the Second Emperor.

今秦二世立，天下莫不引领而观其政。夫寒者利裋褐而饥者甘糟糠，天下之嗷嗷，新主之资也。此言劳民之易为仁也。乡使二世有庸主之行，而任忠贤，臣主一心而忧海内之患，缟素而正先帝之过，裂地分民以封功臣之后，建国立君以礼天下，虚囹圉而免刑戮，除去收帑汙秽之罪，使各反其乡里，发仓廪，散财币，以振孤独穷困之士，轻赋少事，以佐百姓之急，约法省刑以持其后，使天下之人皆得自新，更节修行，各慎其身，塞万民之望，而以威德与天下，天下集矣。即四海之内，皆讙然各自安乐其处，唯恐有变，虽有狡猾之民，无离上之心，则不轨之臣无以饰其智，而暴乱之奸止矣。二世不行此术，而重之以无道，坏宗庙与民，更始作阿房宫，繁刑严诛，吏治刻深，赏罚不当，赋敛无度，天下多事，吏弗能纪，百姓困穷而主弗收恤。然后奸伪并起，而上下相遁，蒙罪者众，刑戮相望于道，而天下苦之。自君卿以下至于众庶，人怀自危之心，亲处穷苦之实，咸不安其位，故易动也。是以陈涉不用汤武之贤，不藉公侯之尊，奋臂于大泽而天下响应者，其民危也。故先王见始终之变，知存亡之机，是以牧民之道，务在安之而已。天下虽有逆行之臣，必无响应之助矣。故曰“安民可与行义，而危民易与为非”，此之谓也。贵为天子，富有天下，身不免于戮杀者，正倾非也。是二世之过也。

167 Jia Yi on Qin 6

A6.68|69|70

Moreover, the Qin Dynasty was not small or weak at that time. The land of Yongzhou, the ruggedness of Mount Xiao and the fortification of Hangu Pass were the same as before. Chen She's status was not more noble than that of the kings of Qi, Chu, Yan, Zhao, Han, Song, Wei, Zhongshan and other countries at that time; the hoes and wooden sticks they held were not as sharp as the hooks, halberds and spears; these soldiers guarding the border could not be compared with the armies of the six countries; their foresight and ability to march and fight were not as good as those of the wise men of the six countries at that time. However, the situation of success and failure has changed dramatically, and the achievements created are also completely opposite. Between the power and the strength of the six states in Shandong, and that of Chen She, there is no comparison. The Qin State, with its small territory and the power of a thousand chariots, attracted subjects from all over the world and eventually made princes of various countries, who was of the same status , come to pay homage. This took more than a hundred years. And after that, the Qin State regarded the four directions of heaven and earth as private property, and built Mount Xiao and Hangu Pass as palaces. Then one person rose up and destroyed seven ancestral temples, and Qin died in the hands of others, being ridiculed by the world. Why? Because the Qin State did not practice benevolence and justice, and the situation of being offensive or defensive had changed. 

The Qin State unified the world, annexed the princes, proclaimed itself emperor facing south, and governed the entire country. People from all over the world came to submit to it. Why was this so? The answer is this. Because there has been no emperor unifying the world for a long time since ancient times. The Zhou Dynasty gradually declined, the Five Hegemons had passed away, and the emperor's decrees could not be passed on to the world, so the princes fought against foreign countries by force, the strong invaded the weak, the majority bullied the minority, and the wars continued, and the people were exhausted. Now the King of Qin is facing the south to govern the world, which means there is an emperor above. All living beings hope to live and work in peace, and no one does not humbly respect the emperor. At this time, maintaining power and consolidating the foundation is the key to the safety of the country. 

The King of Qin had a greedy and mean heart, he was self-righteous, did not trust meritorious officials, did not get close to scholars and common people, abandoned the laws of the previous kings, established personal authority, banned books and implemented harsh laws, put tactics and force before benevolence and morality, and used cruelty as the prelude to rule the world. Those who annex the world advocate tactics and force, while those who stabilize the world advocate adapting to the situation. This means that the methods of taking the world and keeping the world are opposite. Qin ended the Warring States Period and became the king of the world, but the way of governance did not change, and the government orders did not change. This means that his methods of taking the world and keeping the world are not different. The King of Qin occupied the world alone, so his demise was not far away. If the King of Qin could refer to the ancient events and the history of the Shang and Zhou dynasties to formulate policies for governing the country, even if there were arrogant and extravagant monarchs in later generations, there would be no disasters of danger and destruction. Therefore, the three kings created the world, their names were famous for goodness and beauty, and their achievements were passed down for a long time.

且夫天下非小弱也，雍州之地，殽函之固自若也。陈涉之位，非尊于齐、楚、燕、赵、韩、魏、宋、卫、中山之君；鉏耰棘矜，非錟于句戟长铩也；適戍之众，非抗于九国之师；深谋远虑，行军用兵之道，非及乡时之士也。然而成败异变，功业相反也。试使山东之国与陈涉度长絜大，比权量力，则不可同年而语矣。然秦以区区之地，千乘之权，招八州而朝同列，百有余年矣。然后以六合为家，殽函为宫，一夫作难而七庙堕，身死人手，为天下笑者，何也？仁义不施而攻守之势异也。

秦并海内，兼诸侯，南面称帝，以养四海，天下之士斐然乡风，若是者何也？曰：近古之无王者久矣。周室卑微，五霸既殁，令不行于天下，是以诸侯力政，强侵弱，众暴寡，兵革不休，士民罢敝。今秦南面而王天下，是上有天子也。既元元之民冀得安其性命，莫不虚心而仰上，当此之时，守威定功，安危之本在于此矣。

秦王怀贪鄙之心，行自奋之智，不信功臣，不亲士民，废王道，立私权，禁文书而酷刑法，先诈力而后仁义，以暴虐为天下始。夫并兼者高诈力，安定者贵顺权，此言取与守不同术也。秦离战国而王天下，其道不易，其政不改，是其所以取之守之者无异也。孤独而有之，故其亡可立而待。借使秦王计上世之事，并殷周之迹，以制御其政，后虽有淫骄之主而未有倾危之患也。故三王之建天下，名号显美，功业长久。

166 Jia Yi on Qin 5

A6.66|67

When the King of Qin came to power, he inherited the great achievements left by the six previous kings. He raised a long whip to rule the country, annexed the two Zhous in the east and west, eliminated the princes, ascended the supreme throne and controlled the four directions of heaven and earth. He whipped the world, and his prestige shook the world. To the south, he conquered the Baiyue region and established the Guilin and Xiangjun commanderies. The leaders of the Baiyue all submitted and obeyed the Qin officials. The King of Qin also sent Meng Tian to the north to build the Great Wall as a defensive barrier, which made the Huns retreat more than 700 miles. The Huns did not dare to go south to herd horses, and the warriors did not dare to draw their bows for revenge. At this time, the King of Qin abandoned the laws of the ancient sage kings and burned the classics of the various schools of thought to fool the people. He destroyed famous cities, killed heroes, collected weapons from all over the world and concentrated them in Xianyang. The weapons were melted down and made into a large bell and twelve golden men in order to weaken the power of the people. Then he used Huashan Mountain as the city wall of Qin, used the Yellow River as a moat, occupied a city that was a million feet high, and overlooked the unfathomable river ditch as a barrier of defense. Excellent generals guarded the stronghold with powerful bows and crossbows, and loyal ministers and elite soldiers held sharp blades to check passers-by, and the world was thus stable. In the heart of the King of Qin, he thought that the solidity of Guanzhong was like a thousand-mile golden city, and his descendants could inherit the emperor's achievements from generation to generation. 

After the death of the King of Qin, his prestige frightened people far away. Chen She was a child of the poor, a commoner, and a convict. His talent was not as good as that of ordinary people. He was not as wise as Confucius or Mozi, nor as rich as Tao Zhu or Yidun. He walked in the ranks of soldiers, but he was able to rise from a group of low-ranking soldiers, lead a few hundred scattered ones, and turn around to attack the Qin State. They cut down trees to make weapons and held up bamboo poles as flags. People from all over the world gathered to respond, carrying food and following like a shadow. The heroes of Shandong rose up at the same time and destroyed the Qin clan. 

及至秦王，续六世之余烈，振长策而御宇内，吞二周而亡诸侯，履至尊而制六合，执棰拊以鞭笞天下，威振四海。南取百越之地，以为桂林、象郡，百越之君俯首系颈，委命下吏。乃使蒙恬北筑长城而守藩篱，卻匈奴七百余里，胡人不敢南下而牧马，士不敢弯弓而报怨。于是废先王之道，焚百家之言，以愚黔首。堕名城，杀豪俊，收天下之兵聚之咸阳，销锋铸鐻，以为金人十二，以弱黔首之民。然后斩华为城，因河为津，据亿丈之城，临不测之溪以为固。良将劲弩守要害之处，信臣精卒陈利兵而谁何，天下以定。秦王之心，自以为关中之固，金城千里，子孙帝王万世之业也。

秦王既没，余威振于殊俗。陈涉，瓮牖绳枢之子，甿隶之人，而迁徙之徒，才能不及中人，非有仲尼、墨翟之贤，陶朱、猗顿之富，蹑足行伍之间，而倔起什伯之中，率罢散之卒，将数百之众，而转攻秦。斩木为兵，揭竿为旗，天下云集响应，赢粮而景从，山东豪俊遂并起而亡秦族矣。

165 Jia Yi on Qin 4

A6.64|65

Duke Xiao of Qin held the stronghold of Hangu Pass and the land of Yongzhou. The king and his ministers held on firmly while looking at the Zhou Dynasty. They had the intention of sweeping the world, encompassing the universe, encompassing the four seas, and swallowing up the eight wildernesses. At that time, Lord Shang assisted him, and he established laws and regulations internally, worked hard on farming and weaving, and prepared for defense and war. Externally, he fought against the princes by forming alliances with other states, so the Qin people singlehanded took over the area beyond Xihe, the west of the Yellow River. 

After Duke Xiao died, King Hui and King Wu inherited the old business. According to the legacy, they annexed Hanzhong in the south, Ba and Shu in the west, reaped the fertile land in the east and took the key counties. The princes were afraid, and they held an alliance to weaken Qin. They did not care about precious objects, treasures, and fertile land so the people of the world joined forces and made friends with each other. At that time, Qi had Mengchang, Zhao had Pingyuan, Chu had Chunshen, and Wei had Xinling. These four lords were all wise and loyal, generous and loving, respected the virtuous, and valued the scholars, agreed to stay together to destroy Qin’s alliance, and joined forces with the people of Han, Wei, Yan, Chu, Qi, Zhao, Song, Wei, and Zhongshan. Therefore, the scholars of the six countries, such as Ning Yue, Xu Shang, Su Qin, and Du He, made plans for it. Qi Ming, Zhou Zui, Chen Zhen, Zhao Hua, Lou Huan, Zhai Jing, Su Li, and Yue Yi were all in agreement with it. Wu Qi, Sun Bin, Dai Tuo, Er Liang, Wang Liao, Tian Ji, Lian Po, and Zhao She controlled their troops. They often attacked Qin with ten times the land and millions of people. The Qin people opened the passes to welcome the enemy, and the armies of the nine countries fled and did not dare to advance. Qin did not have the cost of losing arrows and arrowheads, but the princes of the world were already trapped. So they dispersed the treaties and fought to cede land to Qin. Qin had spare strength to control its weakness, chasing the enemy to the north, The flowing blood was enough to make the shield floats. The Qin State took advantage of favorable conditions to divide the world and divide the mountains and rivers. Strong countries requested to submit and weak ones came to pay tribute. It stayed that way during the reigns of King Xiaowen and King Zhuangxiang, their reigns were short, and the country was peaceful, and nothing major happened.

秦孝公据殽函之固，拥雍州之地，君臣固守而窥周室，有席卷天下，包举宇内，囊括四海之意，并吞八荒之心。当是时，商君佐之，内立法度，务耕织，修守战之备，外连衡而斗诸侯，于是秦人拱手而取西河之外。

孝公既没，惠王、武王蒙故业，因遗册，南兼汉中，西举巴、蜀，东割膏腴之地，收要害之郡。诸侯恐惧，会盟而谋弱秦，不爱珍器重宝肥美之地，以致天下之士，合从缔交，相与为一。当是时，齐有孟尝，赵有平原，楚有春申，魏有信陵。此四君者，皆明知而忠信，宽厚而爱人，尊贤重士，约从离衡，并韩、魏、燕、楚、齐、赵、宋、卫、中山之众。于是六国之士有宁越、徐尚、苏秦、杜赫之属为之谋，齐明、周最、陈轸、昭滑、楼缓、翟景、苏厉、乐毅之徒通其意，吴起、孙膑、带佗、兒良、王廖、田忌、廉颇、赵奢之朋制其兵。常以十倍之地，百万之众，叩关而攻秦。秦人开关延敌，九国之师逡巡遁逃而不敢进。秦无亡矢遗镞之费，而天下诸侯已困矣。于是从散约解，争割地而奉秦。秦有余力而制其敝，追亡逐北，伏尸百万，流血漂卤。因利乘便，宰割天下，分裂河山，强国请服，弱国入朝。延及孝文王、庄襄王，享国日浅，国家无事。

164 Jia Yi on Qin 3

A6.63

The King of Qin was self-righteous and did not consult his ministers. He made mistakes but did not know how to correct them. The Second Emperor inherited this mistake and continued it without repentance. His cruel and brutal behavior worsened the disaster. Ziying was isolated and helpless. Isn't it normal that the three monarchs were confused and never woke up, and eventually lost their empire? At this time, there were people who were far-sighted and sensible in the world. However, people did not dare to correct their mistakes with all their loyalty. It was precisely because there were many taboos in the customs of Qin that people were killed before they could even say good words. Therefore, people all listened attentively, stood with their feet crossed, and kept silent. Therefore, the three monarchs violated the right way, the loyal ministers did not dare to advise, and the wise counselors did not dare to offer advice. The world was in chaos, and bad things were not reported to the court. Isn't it sad? The ancient sage kings knew that being deceived would harm the country, so they set up dukes, officials, and scholars to rectify laws and set penalties, so that the world was peaceful. When the country is strong, it can suppress violence, suppress rebellion, and make the people of the world submit. When the country is weak, the five hegemons conquered everywhere and made the princes submit. When the country is weaker, it strengthens its defense internally and relies on powerful countries externally, so that the country can survive. Therefore, when the Qin State was strong, it used harsh laws to shock the world; when it was weak, it led to resentment among the people and rebellion at home. Therefore, the Zhou Dynasty enfeoffed the princes to promote the right way, and it lasted for more than a thousand years without interruption. The Qin State lost both the root and the end, so it could not last long. From this, it can be seen that the thread of national security has been deviated. There is a folk proverb that says "Remember the past and learn from it for the future." Therefore, a gentleman who governs a country will observe the gains and losses of ancient times, examine the actions of the present, refer to the human feelings of the world, understand the principles of rise and fall, consider the changing situation, know how to make choices, and reform at the right time, so that the country can be stable and long-lasting.

秦王足己不问，遂过而不变。二世受之，因而不改，暴虐以重祸。子婴孤立无亲，危弱无辅。三主惑而终身不悟，亡，不亦宜乎？当此时也，世非无深虑知化之士也，然所以不敢尽忠拂过者，秦俗多忌讳之禁，忠言未卒于口而身为戮没矣。故使天下之士，倾耳而听，重足而立，拑口而不言。是以三主失道，忠臣不敢谏，智士不敢谋，天下已乱，奸不上闻，岂不哀哉！先王知雍蔽之伤国也，故置公卿大夫士，以饰法设刑，而天下治。其强也，禁暴诛乱而天下服。其弱也，五伯征而诸侯从。其削也，内守外附而社稷存。故秦之盛也，繁法严刑而天下振；及其衰也，百姓怨望而海内畔矣。故周五序得其道，而千余岁不绝。秦本末并失，故不长久。由此观之，安危之统相去远矣。野谚曰“前事之不忘，后事之师也”。是以君子为国，观之上古，验之当世，参以人事，察盛衰之理，审权势之宜，去就有序，变化有时，故旷日长久而社稷安矣。

163 Jia Yi on Qin 2

A6.62

Qin is backed by mountains and surrounded by the Yellow River. It is a country with barriers on all sides. Since Duke Mu, up to the King of Qin, more than 20 monarchs have dominated the vassal states. Did Qin have wise monarchs from generation to generation? It was determined by its geographical situation. Moreover, the vassal states once worked together to attack Qin. At this time, virtuous men and wise men emerged at the same time, excellent generals led soldiers, and a wise prime ministers offered strategies. However, because of the rugged terrain, they could not advance. Qin was able to open the pass to the armies of various countries and let them penetrate deep into the hinterland. As a result, millions of soldiers retreated and perished. Was it because the six countries were not strong enough in force and wisdom? This was because of the unfavorable terrain and inconvenient situation. Qin merged small towns into large cities, stationed troops in dangerous places for defense, built high camps to avoid fighting, closed the pass to resist the dangerous passes, and soldiers guarded with spears. The vassal states raised troops as civilians and formed an alliance for the sake of interests, and did not have the virtues of an emperor. The friendship between them was not deep, and the subordinates were not sincere in their submission. In name, they wanted to destroy Qin, but in reality, they wanted to profit from it. When they saw that Qin was difficult to invade due to its rugged terrain, they would definitely withdraw their troops. If Qin had rested and recuperated, waited for the princes to decline on their own, and then adopted and supported their poor people, and then issued orders to the king of the great country, there would be no worry that they would not be able to realize their ambitions throughout the world. Although he was the emperor and the richest man in the world, he was captured because his strategy to save himself from defeat was wrong. 

秦地被山带河以为固，四塞之国也。自缪公以来，至于秦王，二十余君，常为诸侯雄。岂世世贤哉？其势居然也。且天下尝同心并力而攻秦矣。当此之世，贤智并列，良将行其师，贤相通其谋，然困于阻险而不能进，秦乃延入战而为之开关，百万之徒逃北而遂坏。岂勇力智慧不足哉？形不利，势不便也。秦小邑并大城，守险塞而军，高垒毋战，闭关据阨，荷戟而守之。诸侯起于匹夫，以利合，非有素王之行也。其交未亲，其下未附，名为亡秦，其实利之也。彼见秦阻之难犯也，必退师。安土息民，以待其敝，收弱扶罢，以令大国之君，不患不得意于海内。贵为天子，富有天下，而身为禽者，其救败非也。

162 Jia Yi on Qin 1

A6.60|61

Taishigong the Grand Historian said: Qin's ancestor Bo Yi once created meritorious deeds during the time of Tang Yao and Yu Shun, and he was granted land and surnames. His clan gradually declined during the Xia and Shang dynasties. After the decline of the Zhou Dynasty, Qin rose and built cities on the western border. Since Mu Gong (Duke Mu), Qin gradually encroached on the princes and finally achieved the great cause of the First Emperor. The First Emperor believed that his achievements exceeded those of the Five Emperors and that the territory he ruled exceeded that of the Three Kings. He was ashamed to be compared with the Three Kings and Five Emperors. Jia Yi's argument is great! He said: 

Qin annexed princes for more than 30 counties in Shandong, repaired ferry crossings and passes, occupied steep fortresses, and trained soldiers to defend the country. However, Chen She relied on hundreds of scattered garrison soldiers, raised his arms and shouted, without bows, arrows, spears, halberds, and other weapons, only farm tools and sticks, and ate at the house whoever belonged to on the spot, and ran rampant throughout the world. The Qin people had dangerous terrain but could not defend it, had passes and bridges but could not block them, had long-handled spears but could not stab, and had strong bows and crossbows but could not shoot. The army of Chu rebels went deep into the hinterland and fought at Hongmen Ditch, but they did not encounter difficulties and crossed it easier than a fence. At that time, Shandong was in chaos, and the princes rose up, and heroes and talents successively proclaimed themselves kings. Qin State sent Zhang Han to lead the army to the east. Zhang Han used the heavy troops in his hands to threaten and seek personal gain from the court. The ministers were not trustworthy, which can be clearly seen from this incident. Prince Ziying was made king, but he did not wake up in the end. If Ziying had ordinary talents and only got ministers with medium talents, even if Shandong rebelled, Qin's old land could still be preserved, and the sacrifices to the ancestral temple would not be cut off.

太史公曰：秦之先伯翳，尝有勋于唐虞之际，受土赐姓。及殷夏之间微散。至周之衰，秦兴，邑于西垂。自缪公以来，稍蚕食诸侯，竟成始皇。始皇自以为功过五帝，地广三王，而羞与之侔。善哉乎贾生推言之也！曰：

秦并兼诸侯山东三十余郡，缮津关，据险塞，修甲兵而守之。然陈涉以戍卒散乱之众数百，奋臂大呼，不用弓戟之兵，鉏耰白梃，望屋而食，横行天下。秦人阻险不守，关梁不阖，长戟不刺，强弩不射。楚师深入，战于鸿门，曾无藩篱之艰。于是山东大扰，诸侯并起，豪俊相立。秦使章邯将而东征，章邯因以三军之众要市于外，以谋其上。群臣之不信，可见于此矣。子婴立，遂不寤。藉使子婴有庸主之材，仅得中佐，山东虽乱，秦之地可全而有，宗庙之祀未当绝也。

161 Qin Dynasty Falls

A6.59

Yan Le came back to report to Zhao Gao, who then summoned all the ministers and princes to tell them about the killing of the Second Emperor. Zhao Gao said, "Qin was originally just a kingdom. The First Emperor ruled the world, so he was called the emperor. Now the six kingdoms have re-established themselves as kings, and the territory of Qin is shrinking day by day, but it is just the title of emperor. This is not right. It should be called a king like in the past. This is appropriate." Zhao Gao appointed Prince Ziying, the son of the Second Emperor's elder brother, as the King of Qin. The Second Emperor was buried in Yichun Garden, south of Du County, with the rituals of the common people. Zhao Gao ordered Prince Ziying to fast, go to the ancestral temple to worship his ancestors, and accept the seal of the King of Qin. After fasting for five days, Ziying and his two sons conspired and said, "Prime Minister Zhao Gao killed the Second Emperor in Wangyi Palace. He was worried that the ministers would kill him, so he made me king under the pretext of morality. I heard that Zhao Gao had made an agreement with the State of Chu to establish himself as king in Guanzhong after destroying the Qin royal family. Now he asked me to fast and offer sacrifices to the ancestors, which is to take the opportunity to kill me in the ancestral temple. I will not go on the pretext of being sick. The prime minister will definitely come here in person, and we will kill him when he comes." Zhao Gao sent people to invite Ziying several times, but Ziying did not go. As expected, Zhao Gao came in person and said, "Ancestral temple sacrifices are important matters. How can the king not go?" Ziying assassinated Zhao Gao in the fasting palace, and then exterminated Zhao Gao's three clans in Xianyang for public display. Ziying was the King of Qin for forty-six days. The Chu general Pei Gong defeated the Qin army and entered Wuguan, so he stationed in Bashang and sent people to negotiate with Ziying to surrender. Ziying tied a silk rope around his neck, rode a white horse and plain carriage, held the emperor's seal and imperial seal, and surrendered on the roadside by the Zhi Dao Pavilion. Pei Gong then entered Xianyang, closed the palace and treasury, and returned to Bashang to station. More than a month later, the armies of the princes arrived. Xiang Ji was the leader of the princes' coalition army and killed Ziying and all the clans of the princes of Qin. In the end, he slaughtered the city of Xianyang, burned the palace, captured local young women, looted the treasures in the palace, and divided them among the princes. After the fall of Qin, its territory was divided into three parts and given to the King of Yong, the King of Sai, and the King of Di, known as the Three Qins. Xiang Yu was the Overlord of Western Chu, in charge of dividing the world and establishing princes, and the Qin Dynasty finally fell. Five years later, the Han Dynasty unified the world.

阎乐归报赵高，赵高乃悉召诸大臣公子，告以诛二世之状。曰：“秦故王国，始皇君天下，故称帝。今六国复自立，秦地益小，乃以空名为帝，不可。宜为王如故，便。”立二世之兄子公子婴为秦王。以黔首葬二世杜南宜春苑中。令子婴斋，当庙见，受王玺。斋五日，子婴与其子二人谋曰：“丞相高杀二世望夷宫，恐群臣诛之，乃详以义立我。我闻赵高乃与楚约，灭秦宗室而王关中。今使我斋见庙，此欲因庙中杀我。我称病不行，丞相必自来，来则杀之。”高使人请子婴数辈，子婴不行，高果自往，曰：“宗庙重事，王柰何不行？”子婴遂刺杀高于斋宫，三族高家以徇咸阳。子婴为秦王四十六日，楚将沛公破秦军入武关，遂至霸上，使人约降子婴。子婴即系颈以组，白马素车，奉天子玺符，降轵道旁。沛公遂入咸阳，封宫室府库，还军霸上。居月余，诸侯兵至，项籍为从长，杀子婴及秦诸公子宗族。遂屠咸阳，烧其宫室，虏其子女，收其珍宝货财，诸侯共分之。灭秦之后，各分其地为三，名曰雍王、塞王、翟王，号曰三秦。项羽为西楚霸王，主命分天下王诸侯，秦竟灭矣。后五年，天下定于汉。

160 Death of the Second Emperor

A6.58

Zhao Gao had said many times before that "the bandits in Guandong will not be able to do anything." Later, Xiang Yu captured Qin general Wang Li and others in Julu and continued to attack, causing the troops of Zhang Han and others to retreat again and again. They wrote to request reinforcements, and Yan, Zhao, Qi, Chu, Han, and Wei all declared themselves kings. Most of the areas east of Hangu Pass betrayed the Qin officials and responded to the princes, and the various princes also led their troops to advance westward. Pei Gong led tens of thousands of soldiers to capture Wuguan Pass and sent someone to contact Zhao Gao privately. Zhao Gao was afraid that the Second Emperor would be angry and kill him, so he claimed to be sick and did not go to the court. The Second Emperor dreamed that a white tiger bit the horse on the left side of his carriage and killed it. He was very depressed and puzzled, so he went to ask a dream interpreter. The dream interpreter said: "This is the work of the Jing River spirit." So the Second Emperor fasted in Wangyi Palace, prepared to offer sacrifices to the god of Jing River, and sank four white horses into the water. Afterwards, he sent another envoy to question Zhao Gao about the bandits. Zhao Gao was frightened, so he privately discussed with his son-in-law, Yan Le the Magistrate of Xianyang County, and his brother Zhao Cheng, saying that "The emperor did not listen to our advice, and now the situation is urgent, he wants to put the blame on us. I plan to replace the emperor with Prince Ying. Prince Ying was kind and frugal, and the people all listened to him. " He asked the Supervisor of Court Attendants to act as an his insider, pretending that there was a thief, and asked Yan Le to mobilize soldiers to hunt the thief down. He also kidnapped Yan Le's mother and placed her in his own residence. Yan Le led more than a thousand officers and soldiers to the gate of Wangyi Palace, tied up the guards, and said, "The thieves got in, why didn't you stop them?" The guards said: "The palace is heavily guarded, how could a thief get in?" Yan Le killed the guards and led his soldiers directly into the Wangyi Palace, shooting arrows as he walked. The eunuchs in the palace were terrified. Some fled, some resisted, and those who resisted were all killed. There were dozens of deaths. Supervisor of Court Attendants and Yan Le entered the palace together and shot arrows at the curtain where the Second Emperor was resting. The Second Emperor was furious and summoned the guards around him. The guards were afraid and dared not resist. There was a eunuch beside him who stayed with the Second Emperor and did not dare to leave. The Second Emperor fled to the inner room and said to his attendants: "Why didn't you tell me earlier? Things have come to this point!" The eunuch said: "I didn't dare to say it, so I was able to save my life. If I had said it earlier, I would have been killed. How could I be still alive now?" Yan Le walked up to the Second Emperor and listed his crimes and said: "You are arrogant and cruel. Everyone in the world has betrayed you. Please make your own plans." The Second Emperor said: "Can I see the prime minister?" Yan Le said: "No." The Second Emperor said: "I hope to get a county and be a vassal king there." Yan Le did not agree. The Second Emperor said again: "I hope to be a marquis of ten thousand households." Yan Le also did not agree. The Second Emperor said, "I hope to be a commoner with my wife and children, like all the other princes." Yan Le said, "I am following the order of the Prime Minister to kill you for the people of the world. Although you have said a lot, I dare not report it to the Prime Minister." Yan Le ordered his soldiers to move forward. The Second Emperor committed suicide.

高前数言“关东盗毋能为也”，及项羽虏秦将王离等钜鹿下而前，章邯等军数卻，上书请益助，燕、赵、齐、楚、韩、魏皆立为王，自关以东，大氐尽畔秦吏应诸侯，诸侯咸率其众西乡。沛公将数万人已屠武关，使人私于高，高恐二世怒，诛及其身，乃谢病不朝见。二世梦白虎齧其左骖马，杀之，心不乐，怪问占梦。卜曰：“泾水为祟。”二世乃斋于望夷宫，欲祠泾，沈四白马。使使责让高以盗贼事。高惧，乃阴与其婿咸阳令阎乐、其弟赵成谋曰：“上不听谏，今事急，欲归祸于吾宗。吾欲易置上，更立公子婴。子婴仁俭，百姓皆载其言。”使郎中令为内应，诈为有大贼，令乐召吏发卒，追劫乐母置高舍。遣乐将吏卒千余人至望夷宫殿门，缚卫令仆射，曰：“贼入此，何不止？”卫令曰：“周庐设卒甚谨，安得贼敢入宫？”乐遂斩卫令，直将吏入，行射，郎宦者大惊，或走或格，格者辄死，死者数十人。郎中令与乐俱入，射上幄坐帏。二世怒，召左右，左右皆惶扰不斗。旁有宦者一人，侍不敢去。二世入内，谓曰：“公何不蚤告我？乃至于此！”宦者曰：“臣不敢言，故得全。使臣蚤言，皆已诛，安得至今？”阎乐前即二世数曰：“足下骄恣，诛杀无道，天下共畔足下，足下其自为计。”二世曰：“丞相可得见否？”乐曰：“不可。”二世曰：“吾愿得一郡为王。”弗许。又曰：“愿为万户侯。”弗许。曰：“愿与妻子为黔首，比诸公子。”阎乐曰：“臣受命于丞相，为天下诛足下，足下虽多言，臣不敢报。”麾其兵进。二世自杀。

159 Horse or Deer

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In the third year (207 BC), Zhang Han and his men led their soldiers to surround Julu. Xiang Yu, the general of Chu, led his soldiers to rescue Julu. In winter, Zhao Gao served as prime minister and eventually interrogated Li Si and killed him. In summer, Zhang Han and his men had s few defeats in battles. The Second Emperor sent people to blame Zhang Han. Zhang Han was very scared and sent Sima Xin, the chief historian, to ask the court for instructions. Zhao Gao refused to meet him and did not trust him. Sima Xin was also very scared and ran away. Zhao Gao sent people to chase him but failed to catch him. Sima Xin met Zhang Han and said, "Zhao Gao has monopolized power in the court. The general will be executed no matter if the contributions made or not." Xiang Yu attacked the Qin army fiercely and captured Wang Li. Zhang Han and his men then led their troops to surrender to the princes. On the Jihai (Earth Overcomes Water ) day of the eighth month, Zhao Gao wanted to start a rebellion. He was afraid that his ministers would not support him, so he conducted an experiment in advance. He found a deer and presented it to the Second Emperor, saying, "This is a horse." The Second Emperor smiled and said, "The Prime Minister is wrong, right? You said the deer is a horse." Zhao Gao asked the ministers around him, some remained silent, some said it was a horse to please Zhao Gao, and some said it was a deer. Zhao Gao took the opportunity to secretly punish those who said it was a deer. Later, all the ministers were very afraid of Zhao Gao.

三年，章邯等将其卒围钜鹿，楚上将军项羽将楚卒往救钜鹿。冬，赵高为丞相，竟案李斯杀之。夏，章邯等战数卻，二世使人让邯，邯恐，使长史欣请事。赵高弗见，又弗信。欣恐，亡去，高使人捕追不及。欣见邯曰：“赵高用事于中，将军有功亦诛，无功亦诛。”项羽急击秦军，虏王离，邯等遂以兵降诸侯。八月己亥，赵高欲为乱，恐群臣不听，乃先设验，持鹿献于二世，曰：“马也。”二世笑曰：“丞相误邪？谓鹿为马。”问左右，左右或默，或言马以阿顺赵高。或言鹿，高因阴中诸言鹿者以法。后群臣皆畏高。

158 Emperor’s Voice

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In the winter of the second year (208 BC), Zhou Zhang and other generals sent by Chen She arrived in the west with hundreds of thousands of troops. The Second Emperor was greatly alarmed and discussed with his ministers, "What should we do?" The Junior Minister Zhang Han said, "The bandits have already arrived and are strong. We cannot reach them in time if we send troops from adjacent counties. There are many prisoners in Lishan. Please pardon them and give them weapons to fight them." The Second Emperor pardoned the whole country and sent Zhang Han to lead the army. He defeated Zhou Zhang's army and Zhang fled, and then Zhang was killed in Caoyang. Then the Second Emperor sent more reinforcements, there were chief historians Sima Xin and Dong Yi, to assist Zhang Han in fighting the bandits. They killed Chen Sheng in Chengfu, defeated Xiang Liang in Dingtao, and destroyed Wei Ju in Linji. The famous bandit generals in Chu were all killed, so Zhang Han crossed the river to the north and attacked Zhao Xie the new King of Zhao and others in Julu.

Zhao Gao advised the Second Emperor, "The late emperor ruled the country for a long time, so the ministers did not dare to do bad things or say bad things. Now your Majesty is young and has just ascended the throne, how can you make decisions with the ministers in the court? If something goes wrong, your shortcomings will be exposed in front of the ministers. The emperor calls himself "Zhen Myself ", so it is not easy for people to hear his voice." So the Second Emperor often lived in the palace and made decisions with Zhao Gao. From then on, the ministers rarely had the opportunity to see the emperor, and there were more and more bandits. The court kept dispatching soldiers from Guanzhong to the east to attack the them. Right Prime Minister Feng Quji, Left Prime Minister Li Si, and General Feng Jie advised: "Bandits from all over Guandong rose up at the same time. Qin sent troops to suppress them and killed many people, but the rebellion has not been quelled. There are too many bandits because the people are too tired from garrisoning, transporting, and labor, and the taxes are too heavy. Please temporarily stop the construction of Afang Palace and reduce garrisoning and transportation in all directions." The Second Emperor said, “I have heard that Han Feizi once said, ‘The rafters of the houses of Yao and Shun were not repaired, the thatched roofs were not repaired, and they ate and drank from clay bowls. Even the gatekeepers were not so shabby. Great Yu dug the Longmen to open up the road to Great Xia, dredged the accumulated water of the Yellow River and led it into the sea. He personally took the planks and earthen hoes and rubbed off the sweat hairs on his calves. Now the slaves' labor would not be more severe than this.' Those who are noble and own the world should do whatever they want, mainly by strictly enforcing the known laws, people below will not dare to do bad things, and the whole world can be controlled. For example, the monarchs of Yu and Xia, although they were the emperors, personally engaged in poor work and set an example for the people. What is the use of laws in this case? I am the emperor of ten thousand chariots, but I am not worthy of the title. I want to build a thousand chariots and set up ten thousand chariots to match the title. Moreover, the late emperor was born in the feudal lords, and later annexed the world. Now the world has been pacified. He can drive out the barbarians from all directions to stabilize the borders, and build palaces to show his pride. You have all seen the process of the late emperor's achievements. Now, within two years of my accession to the throne, various bandits have risen up at the same time. You cannot stop them, and you want to abolish the policies implemented by the late emperor. First you cannot repay the late emperor, and second you cannot be loyal to me. Why do you hold such a high position? "He handed Feng Quji, Li Si, and Feng Jie to the jailer and investigated their various crimes. Feng Quji and Feng Jie said, "Generals and ministers cannot be insulted." So they committed suicide. Li Si was finally imprisoned and suffered Five Punishments.

二年冬，陈涉所遣周章等将西至戏，兵数十万。二世大惊，与群臣谋曰：“柰何？”少府章邯曰：“盗已至，众强，今发近县不及矣。郦山徒多，请赦之，授兵以击之。”二世乃大赦天下，使章邯将，击破周章军而走，遂杀章曹阳。二世益遣长史司马欣、董翳佐章邯击盗，杀陈胜城父，破项梁定陶，灭魏咎临济。楚地盗名将已死，章邯乃北渡河，击赵王歇等于钜鹿。

赵高说二世曰：“先帝临制天下久，故群臣不敢为非，进邪说。今陛下富于春秋，初即位，柰何与公卿廷决事？事即有误，示群臣短也。天子称朕，固不闻声。”于是二世常居禁中，与高决诸事。其后公卿希得朝见，盗贼益多，而关中卒发东击盗者毋已。右丞相去疾、左丞相斯、将军冯劫进谏曰：“关东群盗并起，秦发兵诛击，所杀亡甚众，然犹不止。盗多，皆以戍漕转作事苦，赋税大也。请且止阿房宫作者，减省四边戍转。”二世曰：“吾闻之韩子曰：‘尧舜采椽不刮，茅茨不翦，饭土塯，啜土形，虽监门之养，不觳于此。禹凿龙门，通大夏，决河亭水，放之海，身自持筑臿，胫毋毛，臣虏之劳不烈于此矣。’凡所为贵有天下者，得肆意极欲，主重明法，下不敢为非，以制御海内矣。夫虞、夏之主，贵为天子，亲处穷苦之实，以徇百姓，尚何于法？朕尊万乘，毋其实，吾欲造千乘之驾，万乘之属，充吾号名。且先帝起诸侯，兼天下，天下已定，外攘四夷以安边竟，作宫室以章得意，而君观先帝功业有绪。今朕即位二年之间，群盗并起，君不能禁，又欲罢先帝之所为，是上毋以报先帝，次不为朕尽忠力，何以在位？”下去疾、斯、劫吏，案责他罪。去疾、劫曰：“将相不辱。”自杀。斯卒囚，就五刑。

157 Chen Sheng Rebellion

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In April, the Second Emperor returned to Xianyang and said, "The late emperor thought the palace in Xianyang was too small, so he built the Afang Palace. The late emperor passed away before the palace was completed, so construction had to be stopped and all the craftsmen and slaves were transferred to Mount Li to build the mausoleum. Now that the construction of Mount Li has been completed, if we do not continue to build the Afang Palace, it would be against the will of the late emperor." So he ordered to continue the construction of Afang Palace. The Second Emperor ordered to pacify the barbarians in all directions and implement the strategy of the First Emperor. He also recruited 50,000 soldiers to garrison in Xianyang and taught them horseback riding and archery. With dogs, horses and livestock, a lot of food was consumed every day. It was estimated that the storage was not enough, so he ordered the transportation of food for people and fodder for livestock from the counties. And those responsible for transportation needed to bring their own supplies , and the people within 300 miles of Xianyang could not eat the transported grain. The laws implemented by the Second Emperor were even more stringent.

In July, Chen Sheng (also Chen She) and other soldiers guarding the border rebelled in the former land of Chu as "Zhang Chu". Chen Sheng proclaimed himself the King of Chu, lived in Chen County, and sent his generals to conquer land. Young men in the counties and prefectures of Shangdong areas suffered greatly from the oppression of Qin officials, so they rose up in rebellion and killed the local county officials in response to Chen Sheng. They also established themselves as Princes and marched westward together, under the banner of attacking Qin. The number of people who rebelled was countless. An envoy returned from a mission to the East and told the Second Emperor about the rebellion. The Second Emperor was very angry and handed him over to the jailer for punishment. After that, the messengers returned and the Second Emperor asked about the situation, they all replied, "Those people are just a group of thieves. The local county officials have sent people to hunt them down one by one. Now they have all been captured. It is not worth your Majesty's worry." The Second Emperor was very happy to hear this. In the same time, Wu Chen proclaimed himself King of Zhao, Wei Ju proclaimed himself King of Wei, Tian Dan proclaimed himself King of Qi. Pei Gong raised his army in Pei County. Xiang Liang raised his army in Kuaiji.

四月，二世还至咸阳，曰：“先帝为咸阳朝廷小，故营阿房宫。为室堂未就，会上崩，罢其作者，复土郦山。郦山事大毕，今释阿房宫弗就，则是章先帝举事过也。”复作阿房宫。外抚四夷，如始皇计。尽徵其材士五万人为屯卫咸阳，令教射狗马禽兽。当食者多，度不足，下调郡县转输菽粟刍藁，皆令自赍粮食，咸阳三百里内不得食其谷。用法益刻深。

七月，戍卒陈胜等反故荆地，为“张楚”。胜自立为楚王，居陈，遣诸将徇地。山东郡县少年苦秦吏，皆杀其守尉令丞反，以应陈涉，相立为侯王，合从西乡，名为伐秦，不可胜数也。谒者使东方来，以反者闻二世。二世怒，下吏。后使者至，上问，对曰：“群盗，郡守尉方逐捕，今尽得，不足忧。”上悦。武臣自立为赵王，魏咎为魏王，田儋为齐王。沛公起沛。项梁举兵会稽郡。

156 Zhao Gao’s Advice

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After arriving in Liaodong, the Second Emperor returned to the capital.

At this time, the Second Emperor adopted Zhao Gao's advice and announced the decree. He privately planned with Zhao Gao and said, "The ministers are disobedient, the power of the officials is still very strong, and the princes will compete with me for the throne. What should I do?" Zhao Gao said, "I wanted to say it but didn't dare to. The ministers of the previous emperor were all prestigious dignitaries who had been famous for generations. They had created meritorious deeds and passed them down from generation to generation for a long time. Now I have always been of humble status. It is because of Your Majesty's trust and promotion that I have been in a high position and can be in charge of the affairs of the palace. The ministers are very dissatisfied in their hearts. They are very obedient to me on the surface, but they are not convinced in their hearts. Now that your majesty is away, it is better to take this opportunity to investigate the county magistrates. If they are guilty, execute them. Your Majesty can use his prestige to intimidate the world, and on the other hand, also eliminate those whom you are dissatisfied with in your life. In today's era, we don’t have to be civil when using military means. I hope Your Majesty can adapt to the times and not hesitate, and take action before the ministers have time to plan. A wise monarch can adopt the survivors, make the humble noble, make the poor rich, and make the distant people submit, so that there will be harmony between the upper and lower levels, and the country will be stable. "The Second Emperor said: "Very good." So he had many ministers and princes killed and even implicated the guards around the emperor. No one was spared, and six sons of the First Emperors were executed in Du County. Prince Jiang Lu and two other brothers were imprisoned in the inner palace and finally deliberated their crimes separately. The Second Emperor sent an executor to Jiang Lu and said, 

“Prince, your behavior does not reflect your position as a royal servant, you deserve the punishment of death, I am here to make sure of it.” Jiang Lu said, "I have never dared to disobey the command of the court ceremonies; I have never dared to disobey the etiquette in the court; I have never dared to make mistakes accepting orders or responding to inquiries. What do you mean that I am not a loyal servant of his Majesty? I hope I will know the crime I have committed before I die." The envoy said, "I did not participate in the decision-making, I just followed the imperial edict." Jiang Lu then looked up to the sky and shouted three times, saying, "Oh, Old Heaven! I am innocent!" The three brothers all drew their swords and committed suicide with tears. All the children of the royal family were very shocked and scared. The ministers who gave advice would be considered slander, so the ministers took their salaries to seek a place to live, and all the people were in fear. 

遂至辽东而还。

于是二世乃遵用赵高，申法令。乃阴与赵高谋曰：“大臣不服，官吏尚强，及诸公子必与我争，为之柰何？”高曰：“臣固愿言而未敢也。先帝之大臣，皆天下累世名贵人也，积功劳世以相传久矣。今高素小贱，陛下幸称举，令在上位，管中事。大臣鞅鞅，特以貌从臣，其心实不服。今上出，不因此时案郡县守尉有罪者诛之，上以振威天下，下以除去上生平所不可者。今时不师文而决于武力，愿陛下遂从时毋疑，即群臣不及谋。明主收举余民，贱者贵之，贫者富之，远者近之，则上下集而国安矣。”二世曰：“善。”乃行诛大臣及诸公子，以罪过连逮少近官三郎，无得立者，而六公子戮死于杜。公子将闾昆弟三人囚于内宫，议其罪独后。二世使使令将闾曰：“公子不臣，罪当死，吏致法焉。”将闾曰：“阙廷之礼，吾未尝敢不从宾赞也；廊庙之位，吾未尝敢失节也；受命应对，吾未尝敢失辞也。何谓不臣？愿闻罪而死。”使者曰：“臣不得与谋，奉书从事。”将闾乃仰天大呼天者三，曰：“天乎！吾无罪！”昆弟三人皆流涕拔剑自杀。宗室振恐。群臣谏者以为诽谤，大吏持禄取容，黔首振恐。

155 Emperor the Second

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In the first year of the Second Emperor (209 BC), Hu Hai was 21 years old. Zhao Gao was appointed as the Imperial Palace Attendant and was entrusted with important matters. The Second Emperor issued an edict to increase the number of livestock used for the First Emperor's mausoleum and ancestral temples, to raise the level of sacrifices to famous mountains and rivers, and to ask his ministers to discuss ways to honor the First Emperor's temple. All the ministers kowtowed and said: "In ancient times, there were seven ancestral temples, five for the princes, and three for the ministers. Even after ten thousand years, they could not be destroyed. Now the Temple of the First Emperor is the highest-level temple. People from all over the world offer tributes and increase the sacrificial animals. The rituals are very complete and there is no need to increase it. Some of the temples of the previous kings are in Xiyong and some are in Xianyang. According to the etiquette of the emperor, Your Majesty should personally hold the wine cup to worship the Temple of the First Emperor. The ancestral temples from Duke Xiang and below have been destroyed, and there are a total of seven ancestral temples. The ministers offer sacrifices according to the etiquette to respect the Temple of the First Emperor as the emperor's ancestral temple. The emperor should call himself "Zhen Myself " again."

The Second Emperor discussed with Zhao Gao and said: "I am young and have just ascended the throne. The people have not yet submitted. The former emperor toured the counties to show his strength and use his power to make the people of the country submit. Now that the world is stable and he does not go out to tour, it shows weakness and cannot make the people of the world submit." In spring, the Second Emperor toured the counties eastward, and Li Si accompanied him. After arriving at Mount Jieshi, they traveled along the coast and south to Kuaiji. They also engraved words on the stone tablets erected by the First Emperor, and the names of the ministers accompanying him were engraved next to the stone tablets to highlight the great achievements of the previous emperor:

The emperor said: "These stone tablets were all erected by the First Emperor. Now I have inherited the title of emperor, but the words engraved on these stone tablets do not call the First Emperor. After a long time, it will look like they were erected by later successors, which is not worthy of the great achievements of the First Emperor." Prime Minister Li Si, Minister Feng Quji, and Imperial Censor Chen De risked their lives to make a suggestion: "We request that all the edicts be engraved on the stone tablets, so that it will be clear. We risked our lives to make this request." The decree said: "Okay." 

二世皇帝元年，年二十一。赵高为郎中令，任用事。二世下诏，增始皇寝庙牺牲及山川百祀之礼。令群臣议尊始皇庙。群臣皆顿首言曰：“古者天子七庙，诸侯五，大夫三，虽万世世不轶毁。今始皇为极庙，四海之内皆献贡职，增牺牲，礼咸备，毋以加。先王庙或在西雍，或在咸阳。天子仪当独奉酌祠始皇庙。自襄公已下轶毁。所置凡七庙。群臣以礼进祠，以尊始皇庙为帝者祖庙。皇帝复自称‘朕’。”

二世与赵高谋曰：“朕年少，初即位，黔首未集附。先帝巡行郡县，以示强，威服海内。今晏然不巡行，即见弱，毋以臣畜天下。”春，二世东行郡县，李斯从。到碣石，并海，南至会稽，而尽刻始皇所立刻石，石旁著大臣从者名，以章先帝成功盛德焉：

皇帝曰：“金石刻尽始皇帝所为也。今袭号而金石刻辞不称始皇帝，其于久远也如后嗣为之者，不称成功盛德。”丞相臣斯、臣去疾、御史大夫臣德昧死言：“臣请具刻诏书刻石，因明白矣。臣昧死请。”制曰：“可。”

154 Mount Li

A6.47

They returned to Xianyang via the expressway and then announced the death of Qin Emperor the First. In September, the Emperor  was buried in Mount Li. When he ascended the throne, Qin Emperor the First had Mount Li dug to build his mausoleum. When he had annexed the world, he conscripted more than 700,000 prisoners from all over the country, dug the ground to the depth of three springs, and poured melted liquid copper into the ground to make an outer coffin. The interior of the mausoleum was filled with palaces, government offices, rare and exotic treasures. And he ordered craftsmen to make mechanisms with bows and crossbows, that anyone who dug up the mausoleum and approached the tomb would be shot. Mercury was used to make rivers, lakes and seas in the tomb, and mechanisms were used to make them flow into and out of each other. There were the sun, moon and stars above and mountains and rivers below. There were candles made from mermaid fat estimated to last for a long time. Emperor the Second said, "It is not appropriate to release the concubines in the late emperor's harem who have no sons." He ordered them to be buried with the First Emperor, and a lot of them died. After the burial, some said that the craftsmen had built a mechanism and knew clearly what treasures were hidden inside, and the news of the treasures might leak out. So after the funeral was completed, the burial objects were sealed in the tomb chamber, and the middle door of the mausoleum was closed, and then the outer door was closed, and all the craftsmen and people who carried the burial objects were locked in the mausoleum, and no one escaped. They also planted grass and trees on the tomb mound to make it look like a hill.

行从直道至咸阳，发丧。太子胡亥袭位，为二世皇帝。九月，葬始皇郦山。始皇初即位，穿治郦山，及并天下，天下徒送诣七十余万人，穿三泉，下铜而致椁，宫观百官奇器珍怪徙臧满之。令匠作机弩矢，有所穿近者辄射之。以水银为百川江河大海，机相灌输，上具天文，下具地理。以人鱼膏为烛，度不灭者久之。二世曰：“先帝后宫非有子者，出焉不宜。”皆令从死，死者甚众。葬既已下，或言工匠为机，臧皆知之，臧重即泄。大事毕，已臧，闭中羡，下外羡门，尽闭工匠臧者，无复出者。树草木以象山。

153 Abalone’s Stench

A6.46

When he arrived at the Ferry Ping Yuan, he fell ill. The First Emperor hated to talk about death, and so none of his ministers dared to talk about it. But his illness became more serious, so he wrote an imperial edict with the imperial seal and sent it to Prince Fusu, saying: "Come back quickly to attend the funeral and bury me in Xianyang." The edict was sealed and was placed with the Imperial Chariot Officer Zhao Gao, but did not handed over to the messenger. On the Bingyin day of the seventh month, the First Emperor died on the Shaqiu, the Dunes, platform. Prime Minister Li Si was afraid that the news of the Emperor's death outside the palace would cause disturbances among the princes and the whole country, so he kept it secret and made no announcement. The coffin was on a conditioned carriage, and the eunuchs who had been favored before stayed to accompany it, and the food were delivered to the carriage as usual. All officials reported their affairs as usual, and the eunuchs approved their reports from the carriage. At that time, only his son Hu Hai, and Zhao Gao and five or six favored eunuchs knew that the emperor was dead. Zhao Gao had taught Hu Hai calligraphy and prison laws and legal affairs, so Hu Hai favored him privately. Gao, Prince Hu Hai, and Prime Minister Si conspired to destroy the seal given to Prince Fusu by the First Emperor, and falsely claimed that Prime Minister Si received the Emperor's will in Shaqiu and made his son Hu Hai the crown prince. He also sent a letter to Prince Fusu and Meng Tian, ​​accusing them of crimes and granting them death. The details are in the biography of Li Si. They then traveled from Jingxing to Jiuyuan. It was hot summer days, and the carriage gave off a foul smell, so Zhao Gao ordered the accompanying officials to load one dan (approximately 30 kg) of abalone into their carriages to cover up the stench of the corpse. 

至平原津而病。始皇恶言死，群臣莫敢言死事。上病益甚，乃为玺书赐公子扶苏曰：“与丧会咸阳而葬。”书已封，在中车府令赵高行符玺事所，未授使者。七月丙寅，始皇崩于沙丘平台。丞相斯为上崩在外，恐诸公子及天下有变，乃秘之，不发丧。棺载辒凉车中，故幸宦者参乘，所至上食。百官奏事如故，宦者辄从辒凉车中可其奏事。独子胡亥、赵高及所幸宦者五六人知上死。赵高故尝教胡亥书及狱律令法事，胡亥私幸之。高乃与公子胡亥、丞相斯阴谋破去始皇所封书赐公子扶苏者，而更诈为丞相斯受始皇遗诏沙丘，立子胡亥为太子。更为书赐公子扶苏、蒙恬，数以罪，赐死。语具在李斯传中。行，遂从井陉抵九原。会暑，上辒车臭，乃诏从官令车载一石鲍鱼，以乱其臭。

152 Giant Fish

A6.45

On his way back, the First Emperor passed through Wu County and crossed the Yangtze River by boat. He went up the coast and headed north to Langye. The Taoist Xu Fu and others went to the sea to look for the magic medicine. After many years, they still couldn't find it. Their expenses were too high and were afraid of being punished . So they lied to the First Emperor, "The magic medicine in Penglai can be found, but I am always troubled by big mackerel, so I can't go to Penglai. I hope some people who are good at archery to accompany me. When I see a big fish, I will shoot it with a crossbow." The First Emperor fought with a human-figured sea god in his dream. The First Emperor asked someone to divine this dream. The doctor said, "The water god is invisible. He uses big fish and Jiaolong as signs. Now your majesty prays and worships devoutly, but such an evil god still comes. It should be getting rid, and then the good god will appear." So the First Emperor ordered the people on the sea to carry tools to catch and kill big fish, and he brought a crossbow to wait for the giant fish to appear and shoot to kill. He went north from Langye to Rongcheng Mountain, but he didn't encounter any. When he reached Zhifu Mountain, he finally saw giant fishes and shot one dead. Then the First Emperor sailed west along the coast.

还过吴，从江乘渡。并海上，北至琅邪。方士徐巿等入海求神药，数岁不得，费多，恐谴，乃诈曰：“蓬莱药可得，然常为大鲛鱼所苦，故不得至，愿请善射与俱，见则以连弩射之。”始皇梦与海神战，如人状。问占梦，博士曰：“水神不可见，以大鱼蛟龙为候。今上祷祠备谨，而有此恶神，当除去，而善神可致。”乃令入海者赍捕巨鱼具，而自以连弩候大鱼出射之。自琅邪北至荣成山，弗见。至之罘，见巨鱼，射杀一鱼。遂并海西。

151 Stone Tablet Engraved

A6.43|44

In the thirty-seventh year, on the Guichou day of the 10th month, the First Emperor went on a trip. The left prime minister Li Si accompanied him on the trip, while the right prime minister Feng Quji stayed behind in the capital. The youngest son of the First Emperor, Hu Hai, was very envious and asked to accompany him, and the First Emperor agreed. In November, the First Emperor and his entourage went to Yunmengze, the Cloud Dream Lake, and offered sacrifices to Yu Shun in the direction of Jiuyi Mountain. They sailed downstream on the Yangtze River, visited Ji Ke, and crossed Jiangzhu. They passed Danyang and arrived in Qiantang. Facing Zhejiang, the waves were turbulent, so they traveled 120 miles west and crossed through a narrow place. The First Emperor climbed Mount Kuaiji, offered sacrifices to Great Yu, looked at the South China Sea, and erected a stone tablet on the mountain to praise the merits of the Qin Dynasty. The inscription said: 

The emperor made great achievements and unified the country, and his benevolence was long-lasting. In the thirty-seventh year, the emperor personally toured the country and traveled all over the country. He climbed up Mount Kuaiji and observed the customs and habits of the people, all of whom were very respectful. The officials praised the merits of the Qin dynasty, reviewed its achievements, and recalled the emperor's wise decisions. The Sage of Qin governed the country, established the criminal law system, and promoted the old rules. For the first time, laws and regulations were established, the duties of various officials were clarified, and a long-lasting system was established. The six kings were tyrannical and absurd, greedy and violent, arrogant and cruel, and they took advantage of their power to dominate. They were tyrannical and presumptuous, and they became more and more arrogant by relying on their military force, and they launched wars many times. They also secretly sent envoys to each other and united to resist the State of Qin. Their behavior was despicable. They plotted treacherous conspiracies at home and invaded the borders of Qin abroad, thus causing disaster. The Qin State upheld justice, sent troops to suppress the rebellion, and eliminated the rebels. The holy virtue spreads far and wide, and everyone in heaven and earth, in all directions, enjoys endless blessings. The emperor unified the country and handled all affairs in an orderly manner. and peace prevailed far and wide. He planned and managed all things, examined the nature of things, and established each person's status. No matter whether one is high or low, good or bad, one can give advice to the emperor without hiding anything. Covering up one's own mistakes, boasting about one's righteousness, remarrying after having a son, and betraying one's dead husband are all acts of infidelity. Isolate the inside and the outside, prohibit promiscuity and debauchery, and require men and women to observe etiquette and maintain purity and integrity. If a husband has an affair with someone else, killing him is not a crime, and this is how men will abide by moral standards. If a wife runs away and remarries, her son cannot acknowledge her as his mother, and this way the customs will be honest and upright. We will make great efforts to rectify social customs, create a good social atmosphere, and bring peace to the world. People all abide by the laws, live in harmony and happiness, are honest and diligent, and all obey the laws of the country. The people value pure character, are willing to abide by unified laws, and jointly protect a peaceful and harmonious country. Future generations should respectfully abide by the common laws, so that the country can enjoy long-term stability and avoid the worry of overthrow. The ministers who followed him sang praises of his merits and requested that a stone tablet be engraved to glorify him for eternity.

三十七年十月癸丑，始皇出游。左丞相斯从，右丞相去疾守。少子胡亥爱慕请从，上许之。十一月，行至云梦，望祀虞舜于九疑山。浮江下，观籍柯，渡海渚。过丹阳，至钱唐。临浙江，水波恶，乃西百二十里从狭中渡。上会稽，祭大禹，望于南海，而立石刻颂秦德。其文曰：

皇帝休烈，平一宇内，德惠脩长。三十有七年，亲巡天下，周览远方。遂登会稽，宣省习俗，黔首斋庄。群臣诵功，本原事迹，追首高明。秦圣临国，始定刑名，显陈旧章。初平法式，审别职任，以立恒常。六王专倍，贪戾傲猛，率众自强。暴虐恣行，负力而骄，数动甲兵。阴通间使，以事合从，行为辟方。内饰诈谋，外来侵边，遂起祸殃。义威诛之，殄熄暴悖，乱贼灭亡。圣德广密，六合之中，被泽无疆。皇帝并宇，兼听万事，远近毕清。运理群物，考验事实，各载其名。贵贱并通，善否陈前，靡有隐情。饰省宣义，有子而嫁，倍死不贞。防隔内外，禁止淫泆，男女絜诚。夫为寄豭，杀之无罪，男秉义程。妻为逃嫁，子不得母，咸化廉清。大治濯俗，天下承风，蒙被休经。皆遵度轨，和安敦勉，莫不顺令。黔首脩絜，人乐同则，嘉保太平。后敬奉法，常治无极，舆舟不倾。从臣诵烈，请刻此石，光垂休铭。

150 Mars in Heart

A6.42

In the thirty-sixth year (211 BC), Mars moved to the position of the Heart Constellation ( Shiji error, it happened in the next year). A meteor fell in Dongjun county and turned into a rock on the ground. Someone carved on it saying that "After the death of the First Emperor, the world will be divided." When the First Emperor heard about it, he sent imperial censors to question about it, but no one admitted it. He killed them all whoever lived close by the rock and burned the rock. The First Emperor was unhappy, so he asked the doctors to write poems about immortals and true masters , and ordered musicians to sing and play the poems when he traveled around the world. In autumn, an envoy passed through Pingshu expressway in Huayin from Guandong at night. Someone held a jade and stopped the envoy, and said: “Send it to the Lord of Haochi for me." He also took the opportunity to say, "Zulong the dragon ancestor will die this year." The envoy asked why, but he disappeared and left the jade. The envoy presented the jade and reported it. The First Emperor was silent for a long time and said, "The mountain ghost can only know the events of one year." He retreated and said, "Zulong is the ancestor of human beings." He asked the imperial librarian to look at the jade, and it was identified as the jade sunk during crossing the river in the 28th year. So the First Emperor divined, and the hexagram showed that it was auspicious to travel. 30,000 households were made move to Yuzhong in Beihe, and their titles of nobility were promoted by one level.

三十六年，荧惑守心。有坠星下东郡，至地为石，黔首或刻其石曰“始皇帝死而地分”。始皇闻之，遣御史逐问，莫服，尽取石旁居人诛之，因燔销其石。始皇不乐，使博士为仙真人诗，及行所游天下，传令乐人歌弦之。秋，使者从关东夜过华阴平舒道，有人持璧遮使者曰：“为吾遗滈池君。”因言曰：“今年祖龙死。”使者问其故，因忽不见，置其璧去。使者奉璧具以闻。始皇默然良久，曰：“山鬼固不过知一岁事也。”退言曰：“祖龙者，人之先也。”使御府视璧，乃二十八年行渡江所沈璧也。于是始皇卜之，卦得游徙吉。迁北河榆中三万家。拜爵一级。

149 Alchemist

A6.41

Hou Sheng and Lu Sheng discussed together and said, "The First Emperor was a man of strong and stubborn character. He raised up the princes and unified the world. He thought that no one in ancient times could match him. He only trusted the prison guards, and the prison guards were favored by him. Although there were seventy doctors, they were specially reserved and not used. The prime minister and other ministers were all entrusted with tasks and relied on him for their opinions. The Emperor enjoyed using punishment and killing to intimidate people. People under the emperor were afraid of crime and wanted to keep their salaries, so no one dared to be loyal to him. The Emperor did not hear of his mistakes and became more arrogant, while the people were frightened and deceiving him to gain his favor. The Qin Dynasty's laws prohibited the use of two kinds of magic at the same time, and those who failed to get the results would be sentenced to death. However, there were more than 300 people who were fortune-telling the stars and clouds, all of them good people. They were afraid of the taboo and all were flattering the emperor in a tactful way, no one dared to point out his mistakes. All matters in the world, big or small, were decided by the emperor. The emperor even used scales to measure books, and made reports day and night. He could not rest if his reports were not up to standard. He is so obsessed with power that we cannot find an elixir for him." So they fled. When the First Emperor heard of his escape, he was furious and said, "I had previously collected all the books in the world and removed all the useless ones. I summoned many scholars of literature and alchemy to bring peace to the country. The alchemists wanted to practice to find a miraculous medicine. Now I heard that Han Zhong left without reporting, and Xu Fu and others spent millions of dollars but still could not find the medicine. Every day, only some villains report to me for their own benefit. I have given Lu Sheng and others great honors and gifts, but now they slander me and emphasize my lack of virtue. I have sent people to investigate all the students in Xianyang. Some of them made false statements to confuse the people." So he sent the imperial censors to investigate all the students. The students reported to each other and removed themselves. More than 460 people who violated the ban were all killed in Xianyang to let the world know and punish them in the future. More people were exiled to the border. The eldest son of the First Emperor, Fusu, advised, "The world has just been settled, and the people in distant places have not yet gathered. All the students recite Confucius. Now the emperor has severely punished them. I am afraid that the world will be in turmoil. I hope the emperor will investigate it." The First Emperor was angry and sent Fusu to the north to supervise Meng Tian in Shangjun.

侯生卢生相与谋曰：“始皇为人，天性刚戾自用，起诸侯，并天下，意得欲从，以为自古莫及己。专任狱吏，狱吏得亲幸。博士虽七十人，特备员弗用。丞相诸大臣皆受成事，倚辨于上。上乐以刑杀为威，天下畏罪持禄，莫敢尽忠。上不闻过而日骄，下慑伏谩欺以取容。秦法，不得兼方不验，辄死。然候星气者至三百人，皆良士，畏忌讳谀，不敢端言其过。天下之事无小大皆决于上，上至以衡石量书，日夜有呈，不中呈不得休息。贪于权势至如此，未可为求仙药。”于是乃亡去。始皇闻亡，乃大怒曰：“吾前收天下书不中用者尽去之。悉召文学方术士甚众，欲以兴太平，方士欲练以求奇药。今闻韩众去不报，徐巿等费以巨万计，终不得药，徒奸利相告日闻。卢生等吾尊赐之甚厚，今乃诽谤我，以重吾不德也。诸生在咸阳者，吾使人廉问，或为訞言以乱黔首。”于是使御史悉案问诸生，诸生传相告引，乃自除。犯禁者四百六十余人，皆阬之咸阳，使天下知之，以惩后。益发谪徙边。始皇长子扶苏谏曰：“天下初定，远方黔首未集，诸生皆诵法孔子，今上皆重法绳之，臣恐天下不安。唯上察之。”始皇怒，使扶苏北监蒙恬于上郡。 

148 True Master

A6.40

Lu Sheng advised the First Emperor: "We have not found the magic medicine of Lingzhi and the immortals, it seems that some force is stopping us. The immortal recipe says that the monarch should always hide his whereabouts to avoid evil spirits. Only by avoiding the evil spirits will the true master descend. If the ministers knew where the monarch lived, it would hinder the arrival of the true master. True master will not get wet when they enter water, and will not be burned when they enter fire. They can ride on clouds and mist, and their lifespan is as long as the heaven and earth. Today, His Majesty is unable to keep his mind clear and free from desires when governing the country. Therefore, I suggest that Your Majesty's place of residence should not be known to others, so that the elixir of immortality can be found." The First Emperor said: "I admire the True Master, so from now on I will call myself 'True Master' instead of 'Zhen myself ." He then ordered that all 270 palaces within 200 miles of Xianyang be connected by plank roads, and that curtains, bells, drums, and beauties be placed inside them, and any changes to the layout were prohibited. Anyone who leaked the information about where the First Emperor had arrived would be put to death. Once, Qin Shihuang came to Liangshan Palace and saw from the mountain that the prime minister had a large number of carriages and entourage, which made him dissatisfied. Someone in the palace told the prime minister about this, and the prime minister then reduced the number of carriages and horses that accompanied him. The First Emperor was so angry that he said, "Someone in the palace actually leaked my words!" He then questioned the people around him, but no one admitted it. The First Emperor then ordered the arrest of all those present and had them all killed. From then on, no one knew the whereabouts of him. The First Emperor listened to reports from his ministers, and his ministers received orders and made decisions in the Xianyang Palace. 

卢生说始皇曰：“臣等求芝奇药仙者常弗遇，类物有害之者。方中，人主时为微行以辟恶鬼，恶鬼辟，真人至。人主所居而人臣知之，则害于神。真人者，入水不濡，入火不爇，陵云气，与天地久长。今上治天下，未能恬倓。愿上所居宫毋令人知，然后不死之药殆可得也。”于是始皇曰：“吾慕真人，自谓‘真人’，不称‘朕’。”乃令咸阳之旁二百里内宫观二百七十复道甬道相连，帷帐钟鼓美人充之，各案署不移徙。行所幸，有言其处者，罪死。始皇帝幸梁山宫，从山上见丞相车骑众，弗善也。中人或告丞相，丞相后损车骑。始皇怒曰：“此中人泄吾语。”案问莫服。当是时，诏捕诸时在旁者，皆杀之。自是后莫知行之所在。听事，群臣受决事，悉于咸阳宫。

147 Afang Palace

A6.39

In the thirty-fifth year, clean up the roads, a new road was built from Jiuyuan to Yunyang, and mountains were dug through and valleys were filled to make the road accessible. The Emperor thought there were too many people in Xianyang, and the palaces of the previous kings were too small. And he heard that King Wen of Zhou had his capital in Feng, and King Wu of Zhou had his capital in Hao. Then the area between Feng and Hao should be the capital of the emperor. So he built the imperial palace in Shanglin Garden in Weinan. First, he built a grand hall up in front, Afang, which was 500 steps from east to west and more than 500 ft from north to south. It could accommodate 10,000 people on the top and a Wuzhang Banner with 50 ft tall pole on the bottom. A gallery corridor was built around it, from the bottom of the hall to Nanshan. The top of Nanshan was marked as a gate. A double-story road was built, crossing the Wei River from Afang and connecting to Xianyang, to symbolize the sky pole, with a gallery road across the Han River and reaching the camp. Afang Palace was not completed yet; when it was completed, he wanted to choose a name more famous. The palace was built in Afang, so the world called it Afang Palace. There were more than 700,000 prisoners in the hidden palace, so they were divided into Afang Palace or Lishan. Stone coffins were taken from the northern mountains, and materials from Shu and Jing were all brought in. There were 300 palaces in Guanzhong and more than 400 outside the pass. So a stone in the middle of Qujie on the east sea was built to serve as the east gate of Qin. 30,000 households were moved to Liyi and 50,000 households were moved to Yunyang, and they would all get ten years of tax relief.

三十五年，除道，道九原抵云阳，堑山堙谷，直通之。于是始皇以为咸阳人多，先王之宫廷小，吾闻周文王都丰，武王都镐，丰镐之间，帝王之都也。乃营作朝宫渭南上林苑中。先作前殿阿房，东西五百步，南北五十丈，上可以坐万人，下可以建五丈旗。周驰为阁道，自殿下直抵南山。表南山之颠以为阙。为复道，自阿房渡渭，属之咸阳，以象天极阁道绝汉抵营室也。阿房宫未成；成，欲更择令名名之。作宫阿房，故天下谓之阿房宫。隐宫徒刑者七十余万人，乃分作阿房宫，或作丽山。发北山石椁，乃写蜀、荆地材皆至。关中计宫三百，关外四百余。于是立石东海上朐界中，以为秦东门。因徙三万家丽邑，五万家云阳，皆复不事十岁。

146 Book Burning

A6.38

The First Emperor held a banquet at the Xianyang Palace and seventy doctors came to celebrate his birthday. The martial minister Zhou Qingchen sang a eulogy: "In the past, the Qin territory was only a thousand miles, but thanks to Your Majesty's divine wisdom, you pacified the country and exiled the barbarians. Wherever the sun and the moon shine, everyone is submissive. The princes are divided into counties, and everyone is happy and peaceful, without the danger of war, and it will be passed down for tens of thousands of generations. Since ancient times, no one has ever come close to Your Majesty's power and virtue." The First Emperor was pleased. Doctor Chunyu Yue from Qi said: "I heard that the kings of Yin and Zhou lived for more than a thousand years, and they granted their sons and nephews meritorious officials and made themselves branches and assistants. Now Your Majesty has the whole country, but your sons and nephews are ordinary people. Finally, you have ministers like Tian Chang and the six ministers, but no one to help you. How can you save each other? It is unheard of that things can last long without learning from the ancients. Now Qingchen is flattering you to make Your Majesty's mistakes more serious. He is not a loyal minister." The First Emperor agreed to his proposal. Prime Minister Li Si said: "The Five Emperors did not repeat each other, and the Three Dynasties did not succeed one another. Each ruled in its way. They were not contradictory, but the times changed. Now Your Majesty has created a great cause and established a merit that will last for tens of thousands of generations. This is beyond the knowledge of foolish scholars. Moreover, what Chunyu Yue said was the affairs of the Three Dynasties, why should we follow it? In other times, the princes fought each other and invited scholars to travel over. Today, the world has been settled down and the laws have been issued. While the common people are devoted to agriculture and handicrafts at home, scholars should learn the laws and prohibitions well. Now if the students do not learn from the present but learn from the past, they would criticize the present and confuse the people. Prime Minister Li Si said without hesitation: In ancient times, the world was scattered and chaotic, and could not be unified.  Therefore, the princes fought together, and all talked about the past to harm the present and embellish the truth with false words. People were good at what they learned privately to criticize what the emperor had established. Now the emperor has unified the world and made clear what is black and what is white, and all were set with one supreme standard. If private schools teach illegally, when people hear the order, they will discuss it with their own knowledge. If they go in, they will disagree with it in their hearts, and if they go out, they will gossip about it. They will boast of their master for fame, and take different things as superiority, and lead the subordinates to slander. If such behavior is not prohibited, it will undermine the authority of the monarch and cause the cliques below to collude with each other. It is convenient to prohibit it. I ask the historians to burn all the records that are not from the Qin Dynasty. If anyone in the world dares to keep poems, books, and the words of the hundred schools of thought that are not the duties of the doctoral officials, they should all be taken to the governor and the lieutenant to be burned. Anyone who dares to talk about poems and books even occasionally will be executed. Anyone who compares the past with the present will get his own clan wiped out. Officials who know about it but do not report it will be punished with the same crime. Anyone who failed to burn the books within thirty days of the order would be tattooed and sent to build the Great Wall. The books that are not removed are books on medicine, divination, and tree planting. If you want to learn the law, take the officials as your teachers. " The first emperor Qin Shi Huang issued an edict saying, "Yes."

始皇置酒咸阳宫，博士七十人前为寿。仆射周青臣进颂曰：“他时秦地不过千里，赖陛下神灵明圣，平定海内，放逐蛮夷，日月所照，莫不宾服。以诸侯为郡县，人人自安乐，无战争之患，传之万世。自上古不及陛下威德。”始皇悦。博士齐人淳于越进曰：“臣闻殷周之王千余岁，封子弟功臣，自为枝辅。今陛下有海内，而子弟为匹夫，卒有田常、六卿之臣，无辅拂，何以相救哉？事不师古而能长久者，非所闻也。今青臣又面谀以重陛下之过，非忠臣。”始皇下其议。丞相李斯曰：“五帝不相复，三代不相袭，各以治，非其相反，时变异也。今陛下创大业，建万世之功，固非愚儒所知。且越言乃三代之事，何足法也？异时诸侯并争，厚招游学。今天下已定，法令出一，百姓当家则力农工，士则学习法令辟禁。今诸生不师今而学古，以非当世，惑乱黔首。丞相臣斯昧死言：古者天下散乱，莫之能一，是以诸侯并作，语皆道古以害今，饰虚言以乱实，人善其所私学，以非上之所建立。今皇帝并有天下，别黑白而定一尊。私学而相与非法教，人闻令下，则各以其学议之，入则心非，出则巷议，夸主以为名，异取以为高，率群下以造谤。如此弗禁，则主势降乎上，党与成乎下。禁之便。臣请史官非秦记皆烧之。非博士官所职，天下敢有藏诗、书、百家语者，悉诣守、尉杂烧之。有敢偶语诗书者弃市。以古非今者族。吏见知不举者与同罪。令下三十日不烧，黥为城旦。所不去者，医药卜筮种树之书。若欲有学法令，以吏为师。”制曰：“可。”

145 Jiaping the La Festival

A6.33|34|35|36|37

In December of the 31st year (216 BC), the La Festival was renamed "Jiaping". Six dan of rice and two sheep were given to the people of every li. The First Emperor went out incognito to inspect Xianyang. He was accompanied by four warriors. At night, he encountered thieves in Lanchi. The situation was dangerous. The warriors killed the thieves, so a large-scale search lasted for 20 days in Guanzhong. The price of rice reached 1,600 coins per dan.

In the 32nd year (215 BC), the First Emperor went to Jieshi Mountain and sent Lu Sheng, a man from Yan, to look for the two immortals Xianmen and Gaoshi. He engraved words on the Jieshi Gate. The First Emperor ordered the destruction of the city walls and the dikes to be dug through. The inscription said: 

The emperor dispatched troops and generals to punish the unjust and eliminate the rebels. He used force to eradicate the brutal rebels and used virtue to protect the innocent good people, which was what the people wanted. He rewarded those who had made contributions, and his grace extended to the livestock and nourished the land within the borders. The emperor exerted his prestige and annexed the princes with virtue, and for the first time achieved the unification and stability of the world. He destroyed the city walls, dug through the dikes, and leveled the dangerous obstacles. The terrain has been determined, the people have no worries, and the whole world is pacified. Men enjoy their fields, women cultivate their careers, and everything is in order. The emperor's grace spread to every industry, and people who had been wandering for a long time returned to their hometowns to farm and live and work in peace and contentment. All the ministers praise his heroic deeds and ask that this stone be engraved to set an example.

The First Emperor then sent Han Zhong, Hou Gong, and Shi Sheng to search for the immortal elixir. The First Emperor went to the northern border for inspection and returned to the capital via Shangjun. Lu Sheng, a man from Yan, returned from the sea and told stories about gods and ghosts. He took the opportunity to present a book he had copied, which said "the one who will destroy Qin is Hu." The First Emprior then sent General Meng Tian to mobilize 300,000 soldiers to attack the Hu people in the north and capture the land of Henan. In the thirty-third year (214 BC), the Emperor recruited fugitive criminals, sons-in-law, and merchants to conquer the Luliang area, where Guilin, Xiang, and Nanhai counties were established, and then recruits were sent to guard. The Xiongnu were driven out of the northwest. From Yuzhong along the Yellow River to the east, all the way to Yinshan, forty-four counties were established there, and cities were built on the banks of the Yellow River as fortresses. The First Emperor also sent Meng Tian to cross the Yellow River to occupy Gaoque, Yangshan, and Beijiazhong, and built fortresses to drive out the Rong people. The exiled prisoners were moved to fill the newly created counties. Civil sacrifices were prohibited. A comet appeared in the west. In the thirty-fourth year (213 BC), officials who made unfair judgments were sent to build the Great Wall or guard the Nanyue area.

三十一年十二月，更名腊曰“嘉平”。赐黔首里六石米，二羊。始皇为微行咸阳，与武士四人俱，夜出逢盗兰池，见窘，武士击杀盗，关中大索二十日。米石千六百。

三十二年，始皇之碣石，使燕人卢生求羡门、高誓。刻碣石门。坏城郭，决通隄防。其辞曰：

遂兴师旅，诛戮无道，为逆灭息。武殄暴逆，文复无罪，庶心咸服。惠论功劳，赏及牛马，恩肥土域。皇帝奋威，德并诸侯，初一泰平。堕坏城郭，决通川防，夷去险阻。地势既定，黎庶无繇，天下咸抚。男乐其畴，女修其业，事各有序。惠被诸产，久并来田，莫不安所。群臣诵烈，请刻此石，垂著仪矩。

因使韩终、侯公、石生求仙人不死之药。始皇巡北边，从上郡入。燕人卢生使入海还，以鬼神事，因奏录图书，曰“亡秦者胡也”。始皇乃使将军蒙恬发兵三十万人北击胡，略取河南地。

三十三年，发诸尝逋亡人、赘婿、贾人略取陆梁地，为桂林、象郡、南海，以適遣戍。西北斥逐匈奴。自榆中并河以东，属之阴山，以为四十四县，城河上为塞。又使蒙恬渡河取高阙、阳山、北假中，筑亭障以逐戎人。徙谪，实之初县。禁不得祠。明星出西方。三十四年，適治狱吏不直者，筑长城及南越地。