Great Qin: The Journey from Foodie to Ruler of the World

The rise of Qin, from a weakling on the frontier to the nightmare of the Six States

Duke Xiao of Qin looked at the dilapidated treasury and the splendid war chariots of neighboring Wei, then slammed the table and shouted, “This won’t do. We need the Shang Yang Reforms package!” Shang Yang held up a guide to collective liability and gestured to the people of Qin. “Don’t work hard in the fields? Punished! Don’t fight with all your might? Punished!” The people of Qin thought, “This boss is brutal, but at least we might get enough to eat.”

Ying Zheng looked at the odd couple of Lü Buwei and Lao Ai, silently drew a dagger, and said, “You two can either get lost or die.”

Qin Shi Huang launched a grand national project. The people grumbled, “These taxes are way too high!”

Zhao Gao killed the Second Emperor of Qin and installed Ziying. Ziying said, “I’m just a temporary worker!” Liu Bang entered Xianyang. “Everyone, don’t panic. I’ll lay down three rules, and I won’t take your things!” The people rejoiced, “Finally, a normal boss!” Then Xiang Yu arrived. “Liu Bang, you dare steal my credit? Burn the Epang Palace!” The people of Xianyang groaned, “Things had just settled down, and now another ruthless one shows up...”