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。