Tag: translation

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Han Book 1 Scroll 9 (continued)

The 1st year of Emperor Gaozu(206 B.C. continued)

A man from Huaiyin county, named Han Xin, came from a poor family and was unruly. He was neither recommended for a government position nor inclined to make a living through trade or labor. Instead, he spent his time around people, often relying on them for food and drink, which caused most to shun him. One day, while Han Xin was fishing outside the city walls, an old woman doing laundry nearby saw him starving and gave him some food. Han Xin expressed his gratitude, saying, “Aunty, I will reward you greatly someday.” The old woman was unimpressed and reproached him, “You’re a grown man who can’t even feed yourself. I gave you food out of pity, not because I expect anything in return.”

One day in downtown Huaiyin, a young butcher who liked to bully Han Xin confronted him: “You look tall and strong and like to wear swords and machetes, but I bet you’re a coward inside!” He challenged Han Xin publicly, saying, “If you’re not afraid of death, stab me; if you are, crawl between my legs!” Han Xin stared at the butcher for a long moment, then got down on his hands and knees, crawling under the butcher’s crotch before prostrating himself. The crowd burst into laughter, jeering at Han Xin.

When Xiang Liang revolted against Qin and led his troops across the Huai River, Han Xin joined his forces with his sword, serving under Xiang Liang but failing to distinguish himself. After Xiang Liang‘s defeat and death, Han Xin joined Xiang Yu’s army as a guard officer in his central command. Despite presenting several strategies, his ideas were dismissed by Xiang Yu. Later, when the King of Han entered Shu commandery, Han Xin left Chu‘s camp and joined his forces, where he remained unnoticed, serving as a logistics officer.

Han Xin was implicated in a case due for collective punishment, which was punishable by death. Thirteen of his fellow cohorts had already been executed, and it was Han Xin’s turn next. As he looked up, he saw the Duke of Teng, Xiahou Ying, and called out for help: “Does the king want to conquer the country? Why is he beheading a capable fighter?” Xiahou Ying, impressed by Han Xin‘s words and his stature, commuted his death sentence. After speaking with Han Xin at length, Xiahou Ying was delighted and introduced him to the King of Han, who appointed Han Xin as Colonel of Grain Procurer. Despite this promotion, Han Xin‘s role remained unremarkable.

Han Xin had several conversations with Xiao He, who was captivated by his potential. When the King of Han reached Nanzheng County, many of his subordinates missed their homeland in the east.  They sang folk songs together and many deserted along the way. Frustrated by his lack of advancement despite Xiao He and Xiahou Ying‘s endorsements, Han Xin also decided to leave. Upon hearing that Han Xin had fled, Xiao He, shocked, immediately chased after him without even informing the King of Han.

When someone reported to the King of Han, “Prime Minister Xiao He has run away,” the king was livid, feeling as though he had lost his right hand. Two days later, Xiao He returned to see the King of Han, who was both angry and relieved. The King demanded, “Why did you run away?” Xiao He replied, “I didn’t run away; I was chasing after a man who had fled.” When the King asked who that man was, Xiao He answered, “Han Xin.” The King of Han, still upset, retorted, “Dozens of generals have deserted, yet you ran after Han Xin? You are lying!” Xiao He explained, “Those other generals are easy to find, but Han Xin is a rare talent without equal. If Your Majesty only wishes to be King of Han, then Han Xin isn’t essential. But if you intend to conquer the entire realm, there is no better strategist than Han Xin. It all depends on your ambitions.”

The King of Han admitted, “I do want to return to the east. Who could bear staying in this desolate place for long?” Xiao He urged, “If that is your plan, then you must offer Han Xin a significant position to keep him from leaving.” The King of Han agreed, saying, “For your recommendation, I will make Han Xin a general.” Xiao He was unimpressed, responding, “He won’t stay for just a general’s rank.” The King of Han then said, “How about Grand Marshal?” Xiao He finally approved, “That would be appropriate!”

As the King of Han prepared to summon Han Xin, Xiao He advised him, “Your Majesty has treated people too casually. You call for someone to take a high position as if you were calling a child. That’s why Han Xin ran away in the first place. If you truly want him to accept the role, you must fast and pray, choose an auspicious day, and hold a ceremony with all due rites. That would be fitting.” The King of Han agreed to the proposal.

When the news spread, the generals were thrilled, believing they might have a chance at the top military rank. But when the ceremony revealed that Han Xin was being appointed Grand Marshal, the entire army was left in stunned silence.

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Han Book 1 Scroll 9 (continued)

The 1st year of Emperor Gaozu(206 B.C. continued)

In December, Xiang Yu’s troops reached the Xi River. Meanwhile, Cao Wushang, the left wing major under Duke of Pei, sent a messenger to Xiang Yu, slandering the Duke of Pei: “The Duke of Pei intends to become the King of Qin. He plans to make Ziying his chancellor and seize all the treasures of Qin.”  Cao Wushang said this to gain favors from Xiangyu.  Infuriated by this information, Xiang Yu organized a feast for his soldiers and prepared to launch an attack on the Duke of Pei the following morning. At that time, Xiang Yu commanded four hundred thousand troops, though he claimed to have a million, and camped at a village called Hongmen[Swan Goose Gate] in Xinfeng County. The Duke of Pei had one hundred thousand troops, with claims of two hundred thousand, and was stationed at Bashang.

Fan Zeng advised Xiang Yu: “The Duke of Pei was known for his greed and indulgence when he lived east of the Hangu Pass. But since entering the Pass, he hasn’t hoarded any valuables or sought out women. His ambitions now are far greater than mere wealth or pleasure. I sent people to observe the clouds around him, and they reported seeing auspicious signs like those of the dragon and tiger. They even saw a rainbow over him—an omen of the Son of Heaven. You must act quickly and strike him decisively. Do not let him slip away.”

The left-wing commander of the Chu army was Xiang Yu’s uncle, Xiang Bo, who was a good friend of Zhang Liang. Late at night, Xiang Bo secretly visited the Duke of Pei’s camp to meet with Zhang Liang. He warned Zhang Liang about the imminent attack and urged him to flee together: “You don’t want to die along with all the troops here.” Zhang Liang responded, “The King of Han instructed me to accompany the Duke of Pei into the Pass. Now that the Duke of Pei faces a crisis, it would be a dishonor of me to abandon him. I must speak with him first.”

Zhang Liang entered the Duke of Pei’s tent and informed him of the situation. Startled, the Duke of Pei asked, “Do you think our soldiers can withstand Xiang Yu’s attack?” Zhang Liang replied, “Our troops are indeed no match for Xiang Yu. But we must act swiftly.” He suggested, “Please speak to Xiang Bo and assure him that the Duke of Pei has no intention of betraying Xiang Yu.” Curious, the Duke of Pei asked, “How do you know Xiang Bo so well?” Zhang Liang explained, “We were playmates under Qin’s rule. He once killed someone, and I saved his life. Now, he repays that favor by warning me.” The Duke of Pei inquired further, “Between you and him, who is older?” Zhang Liang replied, “Xiang Bo is a few years older than I am.” The Duke of Pei decided, “Please invite him to meet me. I will honor him as an elder brother.”

Zhang Liang returned and insisted that Xiang Bo meet the Duke of Pei, and Xiang Bo eventually agreed. Upon entering the Duke of Pei’s tent, the Duke of Pei warmly received him, raising wine cups and toasting in his honor. He even proposed a marriage alliance between their families. The Duke of Pei explained, “Since entering the Pass, I have not taken even the smallest treasure from Qin. I preserved all the household records and sealed the vaults and warehouses of the Qin government, waiting for General Xiang to distribute these valuables. The reason I ordered the Hangu Pass closed was to prevent bandits and any other incidents. We eagerly await General Xiang’s arrival day and night. How dare I turn against him? Please, Mr. Xiang Bo, convey my pledge that I have no intention of betraying General Xiang.” Xiang Bo affirmed and advised the Duke of Pei, “You must come tomorrow morning to see General Xiang and clear any misunderstandings in person.” The Duke of Pei promised, “You have my word.”

Xiang Bo returned to his camp that same night, relayed the Duke of Pei’s message, and pleaded with Xiang Yu, “If the Duke of Pei had not entered the Wu Pass first, you would not have so easily walked into the land of Qin. Attacking someone who has just accomplished such a significant feat would be unjust. It would be better to treat him with respect.” Xiang Yu assured Xiang Bo that he would do that.

The Duke of Pei arrived at Hongmen the next morning with a hundred cavalrymen to meet Xiang Yu. He expressed his regret to Xiang Yu, saying, “I fought alongside the General against the army of Qin. The General battled in the north of the Yellow River, while I fought in the south. By sheer luck, I entered the Wu Pass and arrived in the kingdom of Qin first, which gave me this opportunity to meet the General again. Unfortunately, it seems the General harbors some hard feelings towards me due to the slander of a troublemaker.” Xiang Yu inadvertently admitted, “I wouldn’t have doubted you weren’t it for the words of your left wing major, Cao Wushang.”

Xiang Yu then invited the Duke of Pei to join him for a meal in his tent. While they were drinking, Fan Zeng repeatedly eye-signaled Xiang Yu and by raising his jade ornament three times, but Xiang Yu ignored these prompts. Frustrated, Fan Zeng left the tent and summoned Xiang Zhuang, Xiang Yu’s younger cousin, giving him an urgent order: “Your Lord is too hesitant. Go inside, toast the Duke of Pei, then perform a sword dance. During the dance, take the opportunity to kill the Duke of Pei. If you don’t act now, we may all end up as his captives one day.”

Xiang Zhuang entered the tent, made a toast to the Duke of Pei, and then suggested, “There isn’t much entertainment in the army, so let me perform a sword dance.” Xiang Yu approved, “Sure!” Xiang Zhuang drew his sword and began his dance, making threatening moves. Seeing this, Xiang Bo quickly drew his own sword and joined the dance, placing himself between Xiang Zhuang and the Duke of Pei, skillfully shielding the Duke of Pei from Xiang Zhuang’s strike attempts.

Zhang Liang rushed to the gate of the camp and called for Fan Kuai. Fan Kuai asked, “How are things going today?” Zhang Liang replied, “Xiang Zhuang is dancing with his sword, clearly aiming to harm the Duke of Pei.” Fan Kuai immediately said, “This is urgent! I must go in and share the fate with him.”

Armed with his shield and sword, Fan Kuai forced his way into the camp. When the guard at the entrance tried to stop him, Fan Kuai knocked the guard down with his shield and pushed his way into the tent. He threw open the curtains, staring directly at Xiang Yu, hairs standing on his head and canthus almost splitting. Xiang Yu was startled and, rising from his seat, reached for his sword. “Who is this guest?” he asked. Zhang Liang quickly introduced him, “He is the Duke of Pei’s body guard, Fan Kuai.” Impressed by Fan Kuai‘s intrepidness, Xiang Yu ordered, “What a strong man! Bring him some wine!”

A large jar of wine was brought to Fan Kuai, who bowed in gratitude, then stood and drank it all in one go. Xiang Yu then offered him a whole ham. Fan Kuai placed his shield on the ground, used his sword to cut the ham, and ate it with gusto. Xiang Yu asked, “Do you want more wine, brave man?” Fan Kuai responded, “I am not afraid to die; why would I fear more wine?”

Fan Kuai then launched into a speech, saying, “The rulers of Qin were as cruel as tigers or wolves. They killed without mercy and punished people as if they were in a competition of brutality. This is why the entire country rose up against them. King Huai of Chu made a pact with all his commanders: whoever conquered Qin and entered Xianyang first would become the king of Qin. Now, the Duke of Pei defeated Qin‘s defenders and entered Xianyang first. He didn’t even touch a single piece of treasure. He then withdrew to Bashang to await the General’s arrival. Despite his tremendous effort and success, he hasn’t received any reward. Instead, he faces death because of the slander of a mere loser. This is nothing but a continuation of Qin‘s tyranny. General, I don’t think you should do that!”

Xiang Yu, with no solid argument against Fan Kuai‘s points, simply replied, “Please sit down.” Fan Kuai took a seat next to Zhang Liang.

A while later, the Duke of Pei excused himself to go to the restroom, and Fan Kuai followed. Outside, the Duke of Pei said, “We could flee, but leaving without a proper farewell seems impolite.” Fan Kuai bluntly replied, “They are the cleaver, and we are the fish and meat on the chopping board. What need is there for politeness?” Without further delay, they fled.

From Hongmen to Bashang it is about 40 li. The Duke of Pei left without his wagon and cavalrymen. The Duke of Pei, on a single horse, raced back to Bashang, with his four loyal guards—Fan Kuai, Xiahou Ying, Jin Qiang, and Ji Xin—following on foot, holding swords and shields. They took a shortcut from Lishan through Zhiyang to Bashang, to avoid detection. Before leaving, the Duke of Pei instructed Zhang Liang to stay behind and offer gifts to Xiang Yu and Fan Zeng as an apology for his hasty departure.  He reminded Zhang Liang, ”It is only 20 li by taking this route to our camp.  You may go in to thank General Xiang with our presents when we have arrived at camp.”

After allowing sufficient time for the Duke of Pei to reach his army, Zhang Liang returned to Xiang Yu‘s tent. He offered the gifts and explained, “The Duke of Pei drank too much and couldn’t say a proper farewell, but he asked me to present these white jade pieces to General Xiang and jade vessels to Uncle Fan Zeng as tokens of his gratitude.”

Xiang Yu accepted the white jade with indifference, placing it on the table. Fan Zeng, however, furiously smashed the jade vessels with his sword, exclaiming, “One can’t make grand plans with an unworthy brat! The Duke of Pei will take this realm from King Xiang, and soon we all will be his prisoners!”

The Duke of Pei returned to his camp and immediately executed the informant, Cao Wushang.

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Qin Book 3 Scroll 8 (continued)

The 3rd year of the Second Emperor(207 B.C. continued)

The Duke of Pei launched a siege of the city of Kaifeng in March but did not succeed in taking it. He moved westward and skirmished with a Qin general named Yang Xiong in the town of Baima, then engaged in combat east of village Quyu and achieved a decisive victory. Yang Xiong fled to the city of Xingyang, where the Second Emperor sent an envoy who beheaded him to set an example.

In April, the Duke of Pei captured Yingchuan commandery in the south and ordered a mass execution in the city. He then led battles to take the land of the Kingdom of Han in aid of Zhang Liang. A general of the Kingdom of Zhao, named Sima Ang, was about to cross the Yellow River and enter Hangu Pass. The Duke of Pei conquered the county of Pingyin and seized the southern crossing of the Yellow River. He then engaged in another battle east of Luoyang but suffered a setback. Turning south, he passed through the Huanyuan Pass and united with Zhang Liang’s troops. The Duke of Pei ordered the King of Han, Han Cheng, to stay behind in Yangzhai county while he and Zhang Liang led their troops southward.

The Duke of Pei defeated Lü Yi, the governor of Nanyang Commandery, in a battle east of Chou County, seizing control of Nanyang. Lü Yi retreated to the city of Wan, where he fortified its defenses. The Duke of Pei led his army westward, bypassing the city. Zhang Liang then advised him: “Although you are eager to enter Wu Pass, a large Qin force is defending the natural stronghold. If we leave Wan intact and they attack from behind, we will be in a dangerous position, facing a strong army in front.”

The Duke of Pei heeded this counsel, turning his troops around and quietly marching back to Wan by an alternate route at night. By morning, they had encircled the city with three rings of troops. The governor, Lü Yi, was about to commit suicide when his attendant, Chen Hui, stopped him, saying: “Wait! There is still time to die.”

Chen Hui scaled the city wall to meet the Duke of Pei and said: “I understand you have a pact that whoever reaches Xianyang first will become king. Currently, you cannot take Wan. The city connects to numerous counties and commanderies, and the people here fear a massacre if you break through, so they defend it with all their might. Prolonging the siege will cost the lives of your soldiers and officers. If you bypass Wan, its army will pursue you from behind, and you will miss the chance to reach Xianyang first while worrying about attacks from the rear. If I were you, I would negotiate the governor’s surrender, reward him handsomely, and reinstate him as the governor of Nanyang. His troops would join your westward expedition, and other cities, hearing of this, would open their gates to you. Your march to Xianyang would then be unopposed.”

The Duke of Pei approved, “Good idea!” In July, Governor Lü Yi capitulated and was granted the title Marquis Yin, while Chen Hui was awarded a fiefdom of 1,000 families. From that point, the westward expedition faced no resistance. As they advanced to Danshui county, high-ranking Qin officers, including Marquis Gaowu, whose name was Sai and Marquis Xiang, Wang Ling, surrendered. When the Duke of Pei approached Huyang county, he encountered General Mei Juan, commander of a detachment under Lord Fan. They joined forces and proceeded to capture Xi County and Li County, both of which capitulated. Throughout the campaign, the Duke of Pei forbade pillaging, which won over the people of Qin.

After General Wang Li’s demise, General Zhang Han camped at Jiyuan, while General Xiang Yu stationed his forces at the south of Zhang River. The two armies reached a stalemate. Having suffered multiple defeats, the Second Emperor sent a messenger to reprimand Zhang Han. Fearing the consequences, Zhang Han dispatched his chief-of-staff, Sima Xin, to Xianyang to seek guidance. However, upon arrival, Sima Xin was held at the palace gate for three days, during which Chancellor Zhao Gao refused to see him. Growing suspicious, Sima Xin hurriedly took an alternate route back to camp, narrowly escaping assassins sent by Zhao Gao, as he had expected.

Upon his return, Sima Xin reported to Zhang Han: “Zhao Gao is in total control of the court, and no one can act without his approval. If we win, Zhao Gao will be jealous of our success; if we lose, death is certain. I implore you, General, to make the right decision.”

Chen Yu also wrote a letter to Zhang Han, saying: “When General Bai Qi commanded the army of Qin, he conquered the cities Yan and Ying of Chu in the south. He triumphed at Mafu and buried the entire Zhao army alive in the north. He captured countless cities and vast territories for Qin. His reward? A death sentence. When General Meng Tian led the Qin army, he drove the nomads back to the north and developed thousands of miles of land in the Yuzhong region. Yet he was beheaded at Yangzhou. What was their mistake? They achieved too much. Qin could not properly reward them, so the corrupt court sentenced them to death.”

“General Zhang, you have commanded the Qin army for three years, losing hundreds of thousands of soldiers, while more and more rebels arise from the other kingdoms. Zhao Gao rose to power by lying and slandering others. Now, with the kingdom in crisis, Zhao Gao fears the emperor will kill him. He plans to accuse you of crimes and kill you as a scapegoat, only to replace you with another puppet of his. You have been on the battlefield for so long that you have accumulated many enemies at court. You will be killed, regardless of your military success.”

“These days, everyone—whether wise or foolish—knows that the collapse of Qin is Heaven’s mandate. You cannot give honest counsel to your lord at court, nor can you survive as a commander of a dying kingdom. What a tragedy! Why not turn and join the alliance of other kingdoms to bring down Qin? We can divide the kingdom and become kings ourselves. Would that not be better than lying on the chopping block and watching your family slaughtered before your eyes?”

Zhang Han remained indecisive and secretly sent an officer named Shi Cheng to negotiate a surrender with Xiang Yu, but no agreement was reached. In response, Xiang Yu ordered General Pu to march his troops day and night to seize the Sanhu Crossing. General Pu camped on the south bank of the Zhang River and engaged the Qin army, achieving another victory. Xiang Yu then coordinated an all-out attack on the Qin forces along the Yushui River, delivering a crushing blow.

Zhang Han sent another envoy to Xiang Yu to seek terms. Xiang Yu gathered his officers and said, “We are running short on supplies. Let’s make a deal.” His officers all agreed. Xiang Yu then arranged for an armistice ceremony to be held near the Huan River at the site of Yinxu, the ancient ruins of the Shang dynasty.

Once the armistice was signed, Zhang Han went to meet Xiang Yu, where he tearfully denounced Zhao Gao. Xiang Yu rewarded Zhang Han by granting him the title of King of Yong and kept him at his headquarters. He appointed Zhang Han’s chief-of-staff, Sima Xin, as the commander of the Qin army, leading the westward expedition.

Meanwhile, Shen Yang, another rebel leader from Xiaqiu County, crossed to the south of the Yellow River and placed his troops under Xiang Yu’s command.

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Qin Book 3 Scroll 8 (continued)

Zhang Liang advised Xiang Liang, “Now that you have installed the King of Chu, Lord Hengyang—whose name is Cheng—was the most capable among the princes of the Kingdom of Han. You should install him as the King of Han to strengthen our ranks.” Following this suggestion, Xiang Liang sent Zhang Liang to find Han Cheng and installed him as the King of Han. He appointed Zhang Liang as the defense minister. Zhang Liang, along with the new King of Han, led a force of around a thousand soldiers to reclaim territories of the former Kingdom of Han to the west. They managed to capture a few cities, but these were soon retaken by the Qin army. Zhang Liang and his king then resorted to guerrilla warfare tactics in the Yingchuan Commandery.

General Zhang Han of Qin had crushed Chen Sheng’s regime and led his army to attack the King of Wei in Linji county. The King of Wei sent Zhou Fu as his envoy to seek aid from the kingdoms of Qi and Chu. The King of Qi, Tian Dan, and General Xiang Ta of Chu led their troops with Zhou Fu to assist the Kingdom of Wei. Zhang Han launched a surprise night attack, keeping his soldiers silent by ordering them to hold sticks in their mouths. The Qin army defeated the joint forces of Qi and Chu in Linji county. The King of Qi and Zhou Fu were killed in the battle. The King of Wei, Wei Jiu, attempted to placate Zhang Han by surrendering on behalf of his people. After the settlement was signed, the King of Wei committed suicide by self-immolation. His brother, Wei Bao, escaped to the Kingdom of Chu. King Huai II of Chu assigned several thousand soldiers to Wei Bao and ordered him to retake the lost territory of Wei. 

Tian Rong, a younger brother of Tian Dan, gathered the remaining troops of Tian Dan and fled eastward to the city of Dong’e. General Zhang Han relentlessly pursued them and laid siege to Dong’e. When the people of Qi learned that their king had died, they installed Tian Jia, a younger brother of the late King of Qi, Tian Jian4, as their new king. Tian Jiao became the prime minister, and his younger brother, Tian Jian1, was made commander-in-chief. They formed a new government to defend against the aggression of other kingdoms.

In July, there was non-stop rainfall. Lord Wuxin led a campaign to seize Kangfu county. Upon hearing of Tian Rong‘s crisis, he shifted his attack to Zhang Han at Dong’e county and overran the Qin troops. General Zhang Han retreated westward, while Tian Rong and his forces moved back eastward to the Kingdom of Qi. Lord Wuxin pursued the Qin army to the north and ordered Xiang Yu and the Duke of Pei to capture Chengyang county. They breached the city and slaughtered its inhabitants. The army of Chu then moved east of the city of Puyang, where they engaged Zhang Han’s troops in another battle and secured another victory. Zhang Han received reinforcements from the Kingdom of Qin and strengthened the defense of Puyang by surrounding the city with water drawn from a nearby river. The Duke of Pei and Xiang Yu withdrew their forces and attacked the town of Dingtao.

In August, Tian Rong’s troops attacked the King of Qi, Tian Jia, who fled to the Kingdom of Chu. The Prime Minister of Qi, Tian Jiao, escaped to the Kingdom of Zhao. Commander Tian Jian, who had led an army to aid the Kingdom of Zhao, dared not return upon hearing the news. Tian Rong installed Tian Shi, the son of Tian Dan, as the King of Qi and assumed the position of prime minister himself. Tian Heng took command of the military. Together, they laid claim to the Kingdom of Qi. Meanwhile, Zhang Han‘s forces became emboldened. Xiang Liang sent several envoys to the Kingdoms of Qi and Zhao, pleading with them to join forces to counter Zhang Han‘s offensive. Tian Rong’s response was: “The Kingdom of Chu should kill Tian Jia. The Kingdom of Zhao must kill Tian Jue and Tian Jian. We will join forces with you once you have done that.” The Kingdoms of Chu and Zhao did not comply. Offended, Tian Rong refused to send his troops.

Zhao Gao, the Grand Chamberlain of Qin, had free rein over the court of Qin, relying on the trust of the Second Emperor, whose favorite eunuch he was. He murdered many people out of personal spite and feared that court officials might report him. He spoke to the Emperor, saying: “The Son of Heaven is far above everyone else if all his subjects can only hear from him but cannot see him face to face. Your Majesty is still young and may not yet be skilled in all matters. The flaws in your judgment on punishments and rewards will be fully exposed to court officials if Your Majesty attends court regularly. This is not a way to demonstrate your divine wisdom to the world. It would be better for Your Majesty to stay in the seraglio and allow me and other attendants who are well-versed in the laws to handle daily governance. Your Majesty would only need to address escalated issues. Thus, the officials would not dare to bring difficult problems before you, and the people of the world would praise Your Majesty as a saint.”

The Second Emperor approved Zhao Gao’s advice. He stopped attending court to face the officials and spent his days idling in the inner court. Zhao Gao and the eunuchs served as intermediaries between the Emperor and the court, with Zhao Gao making all the decisions on governance.

Zhao Gao learned that Chancellor Li Si wanted to speak out, so he visited Li Si and said, “The bandits outside the Hangu Pass are becoming uncontrollable, yet the Emperor demands more corvée labor to build the E’fang Palace and collects rare breeds of dogs and horses that are useless. I would like to raise objections, but I am just a lowly servant. These matters are for lords and marquis like you to discuss. Why don’t you offer your advice?” Li Si replied, “That is indeed my duty. The Emperor avoids court and won’t come to hear matters of state these days. The advice I want to give cannot be conveyed indirectly. I need to meet with the Emperor, but he has no time for me.” Zhao Gao promised, “If you truly wish to speak to the Emperor, I will arrange for you to see him when he has time.”

Zhao Gao would then summon Li Si when the Second Emperor had just indulged in female companionship, saying, “Please come in; the Emperor has time to meet.” Chancellor Li Si would request an audience, interrupting the Emperor’s leisure. This happened three times, and the Emperor became enraged: “The Chancellor never comes when I am free, but always seeks to discuss state affairs as soon as I relax and enjoy myself! Does the Chancellor think I am too young? Does he want to discipline me?” Zhao Gao seized the opportunity and said, “The Chancellor played a major role in the Shaqiu scheme. Now that Your Majesty has become Emperor, he remains in his position and might want to divide the land and declare himself king. I would not speak of this if Your Majesty did not ask. The Chancellor’s eldest son, Li You, is the governor of Sanchuan Commandery. The bandits from Chu, like Chen Sheng, hail from counties near the Chancellor’s hometown. When they wreaked havoc in Chu and passed by Sanchuan, the governor did not attack them. I have heard that the governor exchanged letters with the bandits. I have not investigated this fully, so I did not report it to Your Majesty. As you know, the Chancellor wields great power outside the court.”

The Second Emperor believed Zhao Gao. He wanted to prosecute the Chancellor but was concerned about the lack of evidence. He sent investigators to look into the alleged communications between the governor of Sanchuan and the bandits.

Li Si sensed a plot against him and wrote to the Emperor to denounce Zhao Gao: “Zhao Gao arrogates to himself the power to mete out benefits and punishments, behaving as if he were no different from Your Majesty. When Tian Heng was the prime minister under Duke Jian of Qi, he expropriated the grace and authority of his lord. He forged alliances with the officers and gained popularity among the common people. Eventually, he murdered Duke Jian and usurped the Kingdom of Qi. This is a well-known historical fact. Zhao Gao‘s devious motives, treacherous activities, and personal wealth rival Tian Heng‘s influence over the Kingdom of Qi. He is even more aggressive and greedy. Now, his standing is second only to Your Majesty, yet his avarice knows no bounds. He will strip you of your prestige and supremacy. His ambition is to be like Han Qi, the last prime minister of King Han An. If Your Majesty does not take proactive measures, I fear he will overthrow you.”

The Second Emperor rebuked Li Si, saying, “What are you talking about? Zhao Gao is just an old eunuch. He does not indulge himself in times of peace, nor does he waver in times of peril. His exemplary conduct and charity have earned him his position. He has risen through his loyalty and holds his office through his truthfulness. We greatly value him, and yet you accuse him. Why? Moreover, whom would I rely on if I didn’t trust Mr. Zhao? Mr. Zhao is a scrupulous and capable person. He understands the common people and makes We feel good. You should not slander him.”

The Second Emperor liked Zhao Gao personally and trusted him. Fearing that Li Si might try to kill Zhao Gao, he informed Zhao Gao of Li Si’s memorandum. Zhao Gao countered, “I am the only one the Chancellor is worried about. If he manages to get rid of me, he will do what Tian Heng did to your Majesty.”

More “bandits” emerged everywhere, prompting more soldiers to be drafted within the Hangu Pass and sent eastward incessantly to quash them. Vice Chancellor Feng Quji, Chancellor Li Si, and General Feng Jie went to speak to the Emperor, saying, “There are many brigands rising to the east of Hangu Pass. The army of Qin has struck these brigands and killed many, but their spread has not been contained. These brigands are numerous because the people’s lives have been made miserable by the heavy burdens of garrison duties, transportation of goods, logistical services for war, and excessive taxation. We plead for a temporary halt to the construction of the E’fang Palace and a reduction in garrison duties and logistical costs.”

The Second Emperor was outraged and responded, “The majesty of being the lord of the empire is to do whatever he pleases. The lord promulgates laws, and the subjects dare not infringe upon them, ensuring the world is under his complete control. Lords in the legendary Yu dynasty and the Xia dynasty, exalted as the sons of heaven, had to lead poor and arduous lives to set examples for the people. Then what is the purpose of laws? My father, the late Emperor, began as the lord of a single state and unified the realm. He brought peace to the empire and kept the barbarians at bay. Building palaces was to relish his joy and let you witness his series of achievements. During my reign over the last two years, so many bandits have emerged from the woods. You have failed to suppress their lawlessness, yet you dare to propose suspending the project of the late Emperor. First, you are not honoring the late Emperor’s wishes; second, you are not serving me loyally. Why are you still holding your posts?”

The Second Emperor ordered the three ministers to be put on trial for various charges. Feng Quji and Feng Jie committed suicide, but Li Si reported to prison. The Second Emperor appointed Zhao Gao as the judge, charging Li Si and his son Li You with seditious acts. The entire Li Si clan and their attendants were arrested. Zhao Gao had Li Si whipped thousands of strokes. Unable to withstand the pain, Li Si confessed to the false charges of sedition.

Li Si chose to live because he believed in his power of persuasion, his past accomplishments, and his innocence regarding the charge of sedition. He hoped to defend himself in writing, believing that the Second Emperor might come to his senses and pardon him. From his jail cell, he wrote to the Emperor:

“I have been the Chancellor and governed the people of Qin for more than thirty years. In the earlier years, the territory of the Kingdom of Qin was narrow, only about a thousand li across, with armed forces of merely a few hundred thousand soldiers. I made an all-out effort to recruit strategists in secret and financed them with gold and treasures to lobby other monarchs. I also covertly trained armored warriors and educated them in ethics and religion. I selected these elite fighters to be officers and awarded those who provided extraordinary service. Eventually, we terrorized the Kingdom of Han, weakened the Kingdom of Wei, conquered the Kingdoms of Yan and Zhao, and dismantled the Kingdoms of Qi and Chu. Finally, we annexed the six kingdoms and captured their kings. I enthroned the King of Qin as the Son of Heaven.”

“I demonstrated the strength of the Qin Empire by driving out the nomadic tribes like the Hu and the He in the north and subduing the hundreds of tribes in the land of Yue in the south. I established the institutions of the Qin Empire by unifying the writing, measuring, and weighing systems and promulgating them throughout the world. These are my crimes, and I should have died long ago! Thanks to Your Majesty’s wishing me to serve with all my ability, I have managed to last until this day. I hope Your Majesty will look into my case!”

The letter was submitted. However, Zhao Gao instructed the jail warden to suppress it, saying, “A criminal does not get to write to the authorities!”

Zhao Gao instructed his minions to interrogate Li Si in turns, pretending to be inspectors, court heralds, and palace attendants. At first, Li Si rescinded his guilty plea, but he was beaten more severely. After several rounds of interrogation and torture, Li Si gave up on retracting his confession. Later, when the Second Emperor sent his personal inquirer to see him, Li Si, unable to distinguish between them and Zhao Gao’s men, stuck to his false statements. The inquirer reported back to the Emperor, who was gleeful: “I would have been betrayed by the Chancellor were it not for Mr. Zhao!”

By the time the investigator sent by the Second Emperor reached the Commandery of Sanchuan, Li Si‘s eldest son, Li You, who was the governor, had already been killed by soldiers of Chu. The investigator returned to the capital just as the Chancellor was charged with crimes. Although the investigator submitted his findings, Zhao Gao relayed the opposite to the Second Emperor. The verdict against Li Si included the five cruel punishments, culminating in being chopped in half in Xianyang’s public market.

Li Si was taken out of prison, shackled alongside his second son. He spoke to his son: “I wish I could go with you and our yellow dog to hunt rabbits outside the East Gate of Shangcai, as we did in the past. Couldn’t we do it?” Father and son faced each other and wailed. The three clans of Li Si—his father’s, mother’s, and wife’s—were all exterminated. The Second Emperor then appointed Zhao Gao as the Chancellor. Zhao Gao monopolized all decision-making, whether crucial or trivial.