QIN SHI HUANG

Qin Shi Huang (Ying Zheng) (259-210 BC) ended the warring
states period becoming the first ruler of a unified China. Ying
Zheng was born in 259 BC. He was the son of the King of Qin and
Zhao Ji the wife of the king, although later studies show Ying
Zheng might have actually been the son of a wealthy merchant Lu
Buwei a friend of the King.

Ying Zheng was born in Handan, raised believing his father was
the king. After his father passed away in 246 BCE Ying Zheng
took his place becoming the King of Qin at the age of 13, but
because of his age Lu Buwei was appointed as the regent. For many years China was at war
with each other, it was Ying Zheng’s goal to unite China. It was not difficult as the Qin was
the most powerful and fierce state in all of China. In 221 BC the Qin state was defeated by
Ying Zheng and his forces, automatically meaning Ying Zheng was emperor and China was
one.

As the Emperor he was a cruel, ruthless and an unforgiving leader. He implemented Legalism
which made him unpopular in the eyes of the public. Legalism is a philosophy stating that a
nation needs a clear set of rules and those who
disobeyed would receive severe punishments. Qin
Shi Huang despised the teachings of Confucius
subsequently ordering more than 400 Confucian
scholars to be buried alive and burning all books
unrelated to him. Legalism made it easy for Qin
Shi Huang to gain authority and impose fear over
all of China.

Although he was a ruthless tyrant Qin Shi Huang greatly contributed in forming the present
day China. Qin Shi Huang’s desire was to achieve power over all. He standardized weights,
measures, currency and language. Furthermore, he was responsible for the construction of the
Ling Canal, The Great Wall of China and numerous roads and bridges. This made it easier for
the military forces to carry out orders and report to Qin Shi Huang.

As Qin Shi Huang grew older and experience numerous

assassination attempts he became more anxious about the
people around him. He became obsessed with immortality,
thus sending his attendants out far and wide to find an elixir.
A reasonable cause of his death might’ve been that Qin Shi
Huang consumed a substance that contained mercury
thinking it would grant him immortality. Qin Shi Huang
thought the Qin’s would continue to rule for hundreds of
years, sadly for him the Qin dynasty shattered a few years
after his death. Remnants of Qin Shi Huang’s power still remain because by the time he died
in 210 B.C China had already been united.
Dear diary,
221 BC
Today with the help of my brilliant military force, I have conquered the states which are the
Han, Zhao, Yan, Wei, Chu, and finally the Qi the last state and obstacle which prevented me
from becoming emperor. Many brave soldiers died serving me, may they rest in peace
knowing the fight did not go in vain. The Qi’s force of 200,00 men did not stand a chance
against my courageous men. I am overjoyed at the sight of me ruling over everyone, for this
occasion I have decided to declare myself as “Qin Shi Huangdi” now people will bow before
me. It has been my goal to rule over all and I have finally accomplished it. I need to set a
good example for the country. As emperor I will merge the different states to become one.
Everyone will speak the same language and differences will be eliminated. I am to be feared
by the public for I will enforce legalism. No one shall dare to defy my orders in consequence
of receiving harsh punishment. With the support of my military force, I am unstoppable. I see
a bright future for the Qin’s and I’m looking forward to ruling the land.

Dear diary,
213 BC
I am enraged on how Confucian scholars have the audacity to criticize my rule. I visualised
Confucian scholars as intelligent people but I am utterly disappointed that they did not think
twice before criticizing me. It is absolutely unacceptable. Due to their choices of being
ignorant I decided to bury more than 400 scholars alive on the palace grounds. All books that
unrelated to me were incinerated. I am proud of myself for making this decision as this will
teach people not to mess with me. People should be mindful that actions have consequences.
The Confucian scholars were ignorant and chose to disobey my orders. I thought that when
Legalism was implemented no would dare to violate the rules, I guess I was wrong. I suppose
I could make the laws stricter by supressing freedom of speech. I am absolutely furious that
these Confucius scholars purposely intend to stress me out. I am already busy with country
affairs and their stupidity is disrupting important work that is required for me as emperor. I
must stay put and keep my head high if I want my rule to last long, people may suspect that I
may have lost the mandate of heaven if I am not taking action.

Dear Diary,
212 BC
As emperor I should be responsible for the protection of China against invaders like the
Mongols. There are walls in the border which were built in the past but I am seeking to
elongate the walls and fortify them. The walls will cover weak points. The Mongols are
becoming a bigger threat and if I’m not careful I may lose my title. I have been doing my best
to fulfil my duties as emperor. Many roads and bridges have been constructed with my order.
To firm my empire, I have standardised a writing system and measurements, doing so will
make it easier to rule over the whole nation. I believe that I will be an important person in
history because I unified the different states and I’m the first emperor. Being in such power
feels gratifying like as if I’m actually flying. Anyone who tries to speak up against me will be
supressed. As the person who unified China people should respect me. It doesn’t matter
whether the public is in favour of me ruling, as long as I am emperor I will exile people who
are unwilling to adhere to my orders. It is normal for an emperor to be ruthless because it is
the only way people fear me.
Dear diary,
211 BC
I am feeling anxious about the people around me. I feel as if everyone is secretly trying to
plot against me. I knew that being emperor would mean numerous assassination attempts but
it overwhelms me. My mother’s lover Lao Ai a trusted official tried to overthrow me when I
was still king. His plan did not end well as I found out and had him executed by having him
torn apart. His whole family was executed as well because his crime is unacceptable. I do not
think I can trust anyone blindly. Recently I’ve been sending my servants out to find an elixir
of immortality. I believe that after drinking a substance it would prolong my life. Even if I do
end up dying I have already prepared a tomb for myself. In the tomb there are more that
8,000 terracotta warriors ready to battle with me when I reach the afterlife. My tomb is filled
with booby traps, hopefully this will keep my tomb safe from people who intends to disrupt
my afterlife. Though I have a prepared a tomb I am certain that I will find a solution to grant
me immortality. I have visited Zhifu Island three times because I believe they have an elixir
for me. Even though I sound powerful I am actually quite scared of death that’s why I’ve
been desperately finding a potion for immortality. Hopefully when I die my descendants will
continue to rule for thousands of years.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

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