Qin Shi Huang Conquers the Six Kingdoms

Set sights on the six kingdoms, unite the land under one banner

In the thirteenth year of King Zheng of Qin, a tense atmosphere hung over the Qin court. Ying Zheng sat high upon his throne, gazing resolutely at the civil and military officials below. “With our mighty army, we shall sweep across the six kingdoms and achieve a legacy for all ages. What say you, my ministers?” Wang Jian stepped forward and cupped his hands. “Your Majesty, Qin’s army is strong, its horses are well fed, and our provisions are plentiful. We should seize this opportunity to defeat the kingdoms one by one. Han and Wei are closest to Qin, so we should attack them first and cow the other lords.” Li Si also stepped forward to offer his counsel. “I agree. We can also send advisers bearing lavish gifts to persuade the other states, sow discord between their rulers and ministers, and break their alliance.” Ying Zheng nodded slightly. “Excellent!”

The Qin army promptly marched east and attacked Han first. King An of Han was a coward, and Qin’s forces swept through the kingdom. Before long, all Han territory had become Qin land. Upon hearing the news, Zhao sent Li Mu and his elite troops to resist. Li Mu was a skilled general, and Qin’s first offensive was repelled. Ying Zheng came up with a plan and sent agents to spread rumors that Li Mu was plotting a rebellion. King Qian of Zhao was foolish enough to believe them and had Li Mu executed. Qin attacked again, Zhao’s army collapsed, Handan fell, and Zhao was destroyed.

Terrified, Crown Prince Dan of Yan sent Jing Ke to assassinate Qin, hoping to turn the tide. Ying Zheng was attacked in the main hall of Xianyang Palace and narrowly escaped, but Jing Ke ultimately failed. Furious, Ying Zheng sent more troops to attack Yan. King Xi of Yan fled to Liaodong, and Yan was all but finished.

Wei’s capital, Daliang, had formidable walls, and Qin’s army could not take it despite a prolonged siege. Wang Ben diverted the Yellow River to flood the city. Daliang’s walls collapsed, and King Jia of Wei surrendered.

The southern kingdom of Chu was vast and populous, and Xiang Yan stood ready with his troops. Ying Zheng appointed the veteran general Wang Jian and sent six hundred thousand soldiers south, drawing on the strength of the entire nation. Wang Jian fortified his position and cleared the surrounding land, facing off against the Chu army for over a year. When the Chu forces grew complacent, he launched a sudden attack and crushed them. Xiang Yan took his own life,