This book takes the life of Qin Shihuang Yingzheng as a clue, spans one hundred volumes, and panoramically depicts the magnificent process of the Qin Dynasty from its rise to the unification of the six kingdoms to its demise. The story begins with Ying Zheng's difficult childhood in Handan, Zhao State. After experiencing the ups and downs on the road to return to Qin, he gradually grew up in the Qin Palace and mastered political wisdom under the guidance of Lu Buwei.
As he grew older, Ying Zheng put down the Lao Ai rebellion, eradicated Lu Buwei's influence, and after taking office, he recruited talents and formulated a unified strategy. He personally directed the war and completed the great cause of unification. After proclaiming himself emperor, he established the emperor system, strengthened centralization of power, unified weights and measures, built the Great Wall and the Spiritual Canal, and promoted economic and cultural exchanges.
However, Ying Zheng's rule was also controversial. The extreme method of burning books and harassing Confucians caused dissatisfaction among the people. Although traveling around the world and enshrining Zen in Mount Tai demonstrated the sacredness of imperial power, they also paved the way for the demise of the Qin Dynasty. During the Sand Dune Incident, Zhao Gao and Li Si tampered with the imperial edict. After Hu Hai succeeded to the throne, the government was in chaos, which accelerated the collapse of the Qin Dynasty.
Through delicate historical writing and vivid character portrayals, this book shows the complex character of Ying Zheng and the diverse aspects of Qin Dynasty society. It not only reproduces the historical picture of the glory and decline of the Qin Dynasty, but is also a profound reflection on power struggle, political wisdom, human exploration and cultural collision. While following the footsteps of Ying Zheng and appreciating the changes in the Qin Dynasty, readers can also draw valuable revelations about leadership, social governance and cultural inheritance, and feel the charm of that era of heroic and magnificent events.
