The Qin Empire, Part Two: The Vertical and Horizontal Strategies, Volume Two

The six states formed an alliance to resist Qin.

Qin appointed Zhang Yi as its chancellor. Through the Vertical and Horizontal Alliance strategies, it broke up the coalition and sought greater growth as it rose to power.

King Hui of Qin joined forces with the supporters of reform, crushing the old aristocracy's rebellion with an iron fist and bringing the court to order. He appointed young pillars of state who were loyal to the new laws, forming a dynamic new generation at the heart of power and making every preparation to advance east into the Central Plains.

Meanwhile, the six states east of the mountains were mired in chaos and warfare. Seizing the opportunity, Qin's new army marched east and won a string of victories, posing a grave threat to the six states.

Two renowned scholars from the school of Guiguzi entered the world: fellow disciples Su Qin and Zhang Yi assessed the realm and agreed to seek out great powers to serve. Both, however, suffered major setbacks and were defeated for a time.

Su Qin endured humiliation and studied hard for three years. After grasping the shape of the world, he returned to public life and proposed a grand strategy to unite the states against Qin. Starting with the state of Yan, he successfully persuaded all six states to form an alliance. As their chancellor, he joined forces with the Four Great Young Masters of the Warring States to create a coalition army that put Qin under immense pressure.

Determined to stand against the six states, Qin sought out Zhang Yi, who was already confident he could break the alliance, and appointed him as chancellor.

Zhang Yi proposed the grand strategy of the Horizontal Alliance and led Qin in a battle of diplomacy and an all-out contest of strength against the six states east of the mountains.

The six-state coalition invaded Qin, but its weak foundations and repeated infighting led to one defeat after another. The alliance collapsed.

Su Qin was assassinated by killers hired by the old aristocracy.

At this time, Qin's internal politics shifted. King Hui of Qin suffered from a strange illness of unknown cause, while the violent Crown Prince conspired with Chief Historian Gan Mao to purge their political rivals. General Sima Cuo was forced to resign and retire, and Zhang Yi, fearing dismissal, resigned his post, left Qin, and retired to the countryside.

The martial, war-loving King Wu of Qin led his army east to Luoyang, once more putting Qin in a perilous position.