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。
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