Late in the Warring States period, in the state of Qi, the high minister Xiao Ye followed Tian He’s example and replaced the Tian clan as ruler of Qi. He later appointed Su Qin as chancellor, had Zhang Yi assassinated, conquered the six states, and unified the realm. Xiao Ye became Emperor Taiwu of Qi.
After the founding of the Qi dynasty, the Jixia Academy was established as the national academy, and Xunzi was honored as its teacher. The dynasty adopted a blend of Confucianism and Legalism as its governing philosophy. Under Chancellor Su Qin's administration, the people recuperated and production recovered. Meanwhile, Tian Dan was appointed general and sent north to attack the Xiongnu, safeguarding the unified empire.
By 618 AD, the Qi dynasty, which had lasted 839 years, had become a highly prosperous feudal state. In particular, the ideas of gender equality and Xunzi's principle that the people are like water and the ruler a boat were developed and put into practice. Combined with the rapid growth of small-scale farming and commerce, Great Qi had become the center of the world. Yet beneath the brilliance of its prosperity, shadows were also lurking...
