Records of Qin, Vol. 3

Starting from the year of Zhaoyang Dahuangluo, ending at the year of Yinfeng Duntun, a total of two years.

The Second Emperor of Qin, Part Two

Second year of the Second Emperor of Qin (Gui-Si year, 208 BCE)

1 In winter, the tenth month, Jian, the Supervisor of Sishuan Commandery, led troops to surround Pei Gong at Feng County. Pei Gong marched out to engage him, defeated Jian, and ordered Yong Chi to defend Feng County. In the eleventh month, Pei Gong led his troops to Xue County. Zhuang, the Governor of Sishuan Commandery, was defeated at Xue County, fled to Qi County, and was captured and killed by Pei Gong’s Left Sima.

2 Zhou Zhang fled through Hangu Pass, halted, and camped at Caoyang. After more than two months, Zhang Han pursued and defeated him. Zhou Zhang again fled to Mianchi. Ten-odd days later, Zhang Han launched an attack, inflicting a great defeat on Zhou Zhang’s army. Zhou Wen committed suicide by cutting his own throat, and thereafter the army ceased to fight.

Wu Guang besieged Xingyang. Li You served as the Governor of Sanchuan Commandery and defended Xingyang; Wu Guang was unable to capture it. The Chu general Tian Zang and others discussed among themselves, saying: “Zhou Zhang’s army has already been defeated; Qin troops will arrive sooner or later. We have besieged the city of Xingyang without being able to take it, and when the Qin army arrives, we will surely suffer a great defeat. It is better to leave a portion of our forces to guard Xingyang and lead all our elite troops to meet the Qin army head-on. Now the Acting King (Wu Guang) is arrogant and does not understand the strategies of war; we cannot discuss important matters with him, for fear of failure.” Thereupon they falsely transmitted the King of Chen’s order and killed Wu Guang, presenting his head to the King of Chen. The King of Chen sent an envoy to bestow upon Tian Zang the seal of the Chu Prime Minister and appointed him Supreme General.

Tian Zang then sent the general Li Gui and others to guard Xingyang, while he himself led the elite troops westward to Aocang to meet the Qin army, where he engaged in battle. Tian Zang was killed in action, and his army was defeated. Zhang Han advanced to the foot of Xingyang and attacked Li Gui and his men, defeating them; Li Gui and the others died in battle. Deng Shuo, a man from Yangcheng, led troops stationed at Tan County; a separate commander under Zhang Han defeated him. Wu Feng, a man from Zhi County, led troops stationed at Xu County; Zhang Han defeated him. Both these armies scattered and fled to Chen County, where the King of Chen executed Deng Shuo.

3 The Second Emperor repeatedly rebuked Li Si, saying: “You hold the position of the Three Dukes—how can you allow the bandits to become so rampant?” Li Si was terrified, yet he was greedy for rank and salary and did not know what to do. Thereupon, to cater to the Second Emperor’s wishes, he submitted a memorial replying: “What is called an enlightened ruler is one who is certain to practice the art of supervision and punishment. Thus, Master Shen said: ‘To possess the world yet not be able to act as one pleases—this is called using the world as a fetter.’ There is no other reason for this than the failure to practice supervision and punishment, allowing oneself to be worn out for the sake of the common people, like Yao and Yu, which is why it is called a fetter. One cannot cultivate the brilliant techniques of Shen Buhai and Han Fei, implement the way of supervision and punishment, and exclusively use the world for one’s own comfort; instead, one only labors one’s body and spirit, setting an example to serve the people—that would make one a servant of the people, not one who rules the world—what is there to honor in that? Therefore, an enlightened ruler is able to practice the art of supervision and punishment to make independent decisions at court, so that power does not fall into the hands of his ministers. Only then can he cut off the path of benevolence and righteousness, block the words of remonstrance and debate, and arrogantly indulge his own willful desires, with no one daring to oppose him. In this way, the many ministers and common people will be so busy making up for their faults that they will have no leisure—how would they dare to plot rebellion?” The Second Emperor was greatly pleased, and thereafter he enforced supervision and punishment even more harshly. Those who collected heavy taxes from the people were deemed worthy officials; those who killed many people were considered loyal ministers. On the roads, the executed followed one after another, and the piles of corpses in the marketplaces grew larger every day. The people of Qin became even more terrified and fearful, desiring to rebel.

4 The Zhao general Li Liang had already pacified Changshan and returned to report to the King of Zhao. The King of Zhao then sent Li Liang to capture Taiyuan. When Li Liang reached Shiyi, the Qin army blocked the Jingxing Pass, preventing him from advancing. The Qin general forged a letter from the Second Emperor to summon Li Liang to surrender. Li Liang, upon receiving the letter, did not believe it, so he returned to Handan to request reinforcements. Before reaching Handan, he encountered the elder sister of the King of Zhao, who was returning from drinking outside, accompanied by over a hundred cavalry. Li Liang, seeing this, mistook her for the King of Zhao and knelt by the roadside to pay homage. The King of Zhao’s sister was drunk and did not recognize him as a general; she sent a cavalryman to express her thanks. Li Liang, who had always been honored, felt ashamed before his subordinates after rising. One among his subordinates said: “The world has rebelled against Qin; those with ability become kings first. Moreover, the King of Zhao has always been of lower status than you, General. Now a mere woman does not even dismount for you, General—please pursue and kill her!” Li Liang had already received the Qin letter and had originally planned to rebel against Zhao, but had not yet decided. Seizing on this anger, he sent men to pursue and kill the King of Zhao’s elder sister, and then led his army to attack Handan. Handan was caught unaware, and in the end, the King of Zhao and Shao Sao were killed. Many among the people of Zhao were spies for Zhang Er and Chen Yu, so those two alone were able to escape.

5 Qin Jia, a man from Chen County, and Zhu Jishi, a man from Fuli County, raised troops and surrounded the Governor of Donghai Commandery at Tan County. When the King of Chen heard of this, he sent Wu Pingjun, named Pan, to serve as general, supervising the troops under the walls of Tan County. Qin Jia refused to accept the order, set himself up as Grand Sima, and, resenting being subordinate to Wu Pingjun, told his military officers: “Wu Pingjun is young and does not understand military affairs—do not obey him!” Thereupon, falsely transmitting the King of Chen’s order, he killed Wu Pingjun, named Pan.

6 The Second Emperor sent additional forces—the Chief Clerk Sima Xin and Dong Yi—to assist Zhang Han in attacking the bandits. After Zhang Han defeated Wu Feng, he also attacked Fang Jun, the Pillar of State of the King of Chen, and killed him. Then he advanced to attack Zhang He’s army west of Chen County. The King of Chen personally came to supervise the battle. Zhang He died in battle.

7 In the twelfth month, the King of Chen went to Ruyin. On his return, when he reached Xia Chengfu, his charioteer Zhuang Jia killed the King of Chen and surrendered to the Qin army. Initially, after Chen She became the King of Chen, his old friends all went to join him. His father-in-law also went; the King of Chen treated him with the ceremony of an ordinary guest, merely making a deep bow without kneeling. The father-in-law said angrily: “Taking advantage of chaos to presumptuously claim kingship, and then being arrogant to an elder—this will certainly not last long!” Without taking leave, he departed. The King of Chen knelt to apologize, but his father-in-law ultimately did not look back at him. The guests came and went more and more casually, discussing the King of Chen’s past affairs. Someone advised the King of Chen: “These guests are ignorant and foolish, speaking nothing but nonsense, which will damage your majesty’s authority.” The King of Chen then killed that guest. Consequently, all his old friends left one by one, and from then on, there were no more close associates of the King of Chen. The King of Chen appointed Zhu Fang as Zhongzheng and Hu Wu as Siguo, in charge of supervising the many ministers. When the various generals returned from capturing territory, if their orders did not comply, they were immediately arrested and punished. He considered harsh scrutiny as loyalty; for those he disliked, he did not hand them over to judicial officials but always punished them himself. Because of this, the various generals were unwilling to become close to him or attach themselves to him—this was the cause of his failure.

One of the King of Chen’s former attendant generals, Lü Chen, organized an army of Cangtou troops, raised troops at Xinyang, attacked Chen County, captured it, killed Zhuang Jia, and reestablished Chen County as the capital of Chu. He buried the King of Chen at Dang County and posthumously granted him the title of Yin Wang.

Initially, the King of Chen had ordered Song Liu, a man from Zhi County, to lead troops to pacify Nanyang and enter Wu Pass. Song Liu had already taken Nanyang when he heard that the King of Chen had died. Nanyang then returned to Qin, and Song Liu led his troops to surrender. The Second Emperor executed Song Liu by dismemberment to display as a warning.

8 Zhou Shi of Wei led troops to capture the area of Feng County and Pei County, sending someone to summon Yong Chi to surrender. Yong Chi had originally not wanted to be subordinate to Pei Gong, so he surrendered Feng County to Wei. Pei Gong attacked Feng County but could not capture it.

9 Zhang Er and Chen Yu of Zhao gathered their scattered troops, obtaining several tens of thousands, and attacked Li Liang. Li Liang was defeated, fled, and returned to submit to Zhang Han.

A retainer advised Zhang Er and Chen Yu: “You two dwell here as guests; if you wish to make Zhao submit, it will be difficult to succeed alone. Establish a descendant of Zhao, assist him with righteousness—then you can achieve merit.” Thereupon they found Zhao Xie. In spring, the first month, Zhang Er and Chen Yu established Zhao Xie as the King of Zhao, with its capital at Xindu.

10 Dongyang Ningjun and Qin Jia, hearing that King Chen’s army had been defeated, set up Jingju as the King of Chu. They led their troops toward Fangyu, intending to attack the Qin army at the walls of Dingtao. They sent Gongsun Qing as an envoy to Qi, seeking to join forces and advance together. The King of Qi said, “King Chen has been defeated, and we do not know whether he is alive or dead. How can Chu set up a king without consulting us?” Gongsun Qing replied, “Qi set up its king without consulting Chu—why should Chu need to consult Qi before establishing a king? Moreover, Chu was the first to rise up and ought to command the realm.” Tian Dan executed Gongsun Qing.

11 The Qin left and right commandants again attacked Chen County and captured it. General Lü fled, gathered his scattered troops, and regrouped. He encountered the Poyang bandit Qing Bu, and together they attacked the Qin left and right commandants, defeating them at Qingbo, and reestablished Chen County as the capital of Chu.

Qing Bu was a man of Liu County, surnamed Ying. He was sentenced to the tattoo punishment for breaking the law and was sent as a convict to work at Mount Li. There were several hundred thousand convicts at Mount Li. Qing Bu associated with the leaders and bold men among them, then led his companions and fled to the region of the Yangtze River, where he became a bandit. Wu Rui, the magistrate of Poyang County, had won the hearts of the people in the river and lake region and was known as the Lord of Poyang. Qing Bu went to visit him; by then, his followers numbered several thousand. The Lord of Poyang gave him his daughter in marriage and let him lead troops to attack the Qin army.

12 King Jingju of Chu was at Liu County, and the Lord of Pei went to join him. Zhang Liang also gathered over a hundred young men, intending to attach himself to Jingju, but on the road he met the Lord of Pei and instead submitted to him. The Lord of Pei appointed Zhang Liang as stable master. Zhang Liang repeatedly presented plans from the Taigong Art of War to the Lord of Pei, who found them excellent and often adopted his strategies. When Zhang Liang spoke of these matters to others, they could not comprehend them. Zhang Liang said, “The Lord of Pei is probably heaven-sent!” He then followed the Lord of Pei and did not leave him. The Lord of Pei and Zhang Liang went together to see Jingju, seeking to request troops to attack Feng County. At that time, Zhang Han’s subordinate general Sima Er led troops southward to pacify the Chu region, massacred Xiang County, and reached Dang County. Dongyang Ningjun and the Lord of Pei led their troops westward, fought west of Xiao County, and were defeated. They withdrew, rallied their forces, and encamped at Liu County. In the second month, they attacked Dang County; after three days, they captured it. They incorporated six thousand soldiers from Dang County, bringing their total force to nine thousand. In the third month, they captured Xiayi. Turning back, they attacked Feng County but could not take it.

13 Zhao Ping of Guangling, serving King Chen, attacked Guangling but failed to capture it. Hearing that King Chen had been defeated and fled and that Zhang Han’s army was approaching, he crossed the Yangtze River and, falsely claiming King Chen’s orders, appointed Xiang Liang as Supreme Pillar of Chu, saying, “The region east of the river has been pacified; hurry and lead your troops westward to attack the Qin army!” Xiang Liang then led eight thousand men across the Yangtze River westward. Hearing that Chen Ying had already captured Dongyang, Xiang Liang sent an envoy seeking to join forces with him and advance westward. Chen Ying had originally been a clerk in Dongyang County, serving in the administration, and was known for his integrity and caution, called an elder. The young men of Dongyang killed their magistrate, gathered twenty thousand men, and wanted to set up Chen Ying as king. Chen Ying’s mother said to him, “Since I married into your family, I have never heard that any of your ancestors were noble. Now suddenly to gain such a great title is unlucky. It is better to submit to someone else. If the enterprise succeeds, you can still be enfeoffed as a marquis; if it fails, you can easily flee, not being a person of great renown in the world.” Chen Ying therefore did not dare to call himself king, and said to his officers, “The Xiang clan has been a military family for generations and is renowned in Chu. Now, if we wish to accomplish a great undertaking, the leaders must be of their kind. By relying on a famous clan, our destruction of Qin is certain!” His followers obeyed him, and he turned his army over to Xiang Liang’s command.

14 Ying Bu, having defeated the Qin army, led his troops eastward. Hearing that Xiang Liang was crossing the Huai River westward, Ying Bu and General Pu both led their forces to submit to Xiang Liang. Xiang Liang’s army totaled sixty to seventy thousand men and was encamped at Xiapi. The armies of Jingju and Qin Jia were encamped east of Pengcheng, intending to resist Xiang Liang. Xiang Liang said to his officers, “Chen She was the first to rise, but his campaign went badly, and we do not know where he is now. Now Qin Jia has betrayed Chen She and set up Jingju—this is gross treason!” He then advanced to attack Qin Jia. Qin Jia’s army was defeated and fled. Xiang Liang pursued them to Huling, where Qin Jia turned back to fight. Within a single day, Qin Jia was killed in battle, and his army surrendered. Jingju fled and died in the region of Liang.

Having absorbed Qin Jia’s army, Xiang Liang encamped at Huling and prepared to lead his troops westward. Zhang Han’s army reached Li County. Xiang Liang sent his detached generals Zhu Jishi and Yu Fanjun to engage Zhang Han. Yu Fanjun was killed in battle, and Zhu Jishi’s army was defeated, fleeing back to Huling. Xiang Liang then led his troops into Xue County and executed Zhu Jishi.

The Lord of Pei led a hundred cavalry to visit Xiang Liang. Xiang Liang gave the Lord of Pei five thousand soldiers and ten commanders of the fifth-rank noble level. The Lord of Pei returned, led his troops to attack Fengyi, and captured it. Yong Chi fled to Wei.

Xiang Liang sent Xiang Yu on a separate campaign to attack Xiangcheng. The city held out and could not be taken. After it was captured, Xiang Yu buried all the defenders alive, then returned to report.

Xiang Liang, hearing that Chen She had indeed died, summoned all the detached generals to a council at Xue County to discuss major plans. The Lord of Pei also went there. Fan Zeng of Juchao, seventy years old, had long lived in seclusion, fond of devising extraordinary strategies. He went to persuade Xiang Liang, saying, “Chen She’s defeat was only natural. When Qin destroyed the six states, Chu was the most innocent. Since King Huai of Chu entered Qin and never returned, the people of Chu have mourned him to this day. That is why the southern Chu elder said, ‘Even if Chu is reduced to three households, the one who destroys Qin will surely be Chu.’ Now Chen She was the first to rise, but instead of setting up a descendant of Chu, he made himself king, and his power could not last. Now you have raised troops east of the river; the generals rising up throughout Chu are all eager to submit to you, because your family for generations has been generals of Chu, and you can again set up a descendant of Chu.” Xiang Liang considered his words correct, and so sought out Xin, the grandson of King Huai of Chu, among the common people, where he was herding sheep. In summer, the sixth month, he set him up as King Huai of Chu, to satisfy the people’s hopes. Chen Ying was appointed Supreme Pillar and enfeoffed with five counties, and he shared the capital with King Huai at Xuyi. Xiang Liang styled himself Lord Wu Xin.

Zhang Liang advised Xiang Liang, saying, “You have already set up a descendant of Chu. Among the various lords of Han, Hengyang Jun Cheng is the most worthy; he can be set up as king to increase our allied strength.” Xiang Liang sent Zhang Liang to seek out Han Cheng and set him up as King of Han, appointing Zhang Liang as Minister of Education. He led a thousand men westward to seize the old territory of Han, capturing several towns, but the Qin army soon retook them. They moved back and forth as a roving force, operating in the Yingchuan region.

15 Zhang Han, having defeated Chen She, advanced to attack the King of Wei at Linji. The King of Wei sent Zhou Shi out to seek aid from Qi and Chu. Tian Dan, King of Qi, and Xiang Ta, the Chu general, each led their troops to follow Zhou Shi in rescuing Wei. Zhang Han attacked at night with his soldiers biting sticks to muffle sound, and heavily defeated the combined Qi-Chu forces at the walls of Linji, killing Tian Dan, King of Qi, and Zhou Shi. King Wei Jiu, to spare the people, agreed to surrender; after the agreement was made, he set himself on fire and died. His younger brother Wei Bao fled to Chu. King Huai of Chu gave Wei Bao several thousand men, and he again went to reclaim Wei territory. Tian Rong of Qi gathered the remnants of his elder brother Tian Dan’s army and withdrew east to Dong’e. Zhang Han pursued and besieged him. The people of Qi, hearing that King Tian Dan of Qi had died, set up Tian Jia, younger brother of the former King Tian Jian, as king, with Tian Jiao as Chancellor and Tian Jiao’s younger brother Tian Jian as general, to resist the feudal lords.

In autumn, the seventh month, heavy rains fell continuously. Lord Wu Xin, Xiang Liang, led his troops to attack Kangfu. Hearing that Tian Rong was in dire straits, he led his army to defeat Zhang Han’s forces at the walls of Dong’e. Zhang Han fled westward. Tian Rong led his army eastward back to Qi. Lord Wu Xin alone pursued the defeated army, sending Xiang Yu and the Lord of Pei on a separate campaign to attack Chengyang, where they massacred the city’s defenders. The Chu army encamped east of Puyang and again engaged Zhang Han, defeating him once more. Zhang Han regrouped, held Puyang, and surrounded it with water from a moat. The Lord of Pei and Xiang Yu departed to attack Dingtao.

In the eighth month, Tian Rong attacked and drove out the King of Qi, Tian Jia. Tian Jia fled to Chu, and Tian Jiao fled to Zhao. Tian Jian, who had previously gone to rescue Zhao, remained there and dared not return. Tian Rong then installed Tian Shi, the son of Tian Dan, as King of Qi, with Tian Rong serving as chancellor and Tian Heng as general, pacifying the territory of Qi. Zhang Han’s forces grew even stronger, and Xiang Liang repeatedly sent envoys to Qi and Zhao requesting troops to jointly attack Zhang Han. Tian Rong said: “If Chu kills Tian Jia, and Zhao kills Tian Jiao and Tian Jian, then I will send troops.” Chu and Zhao did not agree. Tian Rong, enraged, ultimately refused to send troops.

The court commandant Zhao Gao, relying on the emperor’s favor, monopolized power and acted arbitrarily, killing many people due to personal grudges. Fearing that the high officials might speak to the emperor when they entered the court to report on affairs, he advised the Second Emperor of Qin, saying: “The reason the Son of Heaven is honored is solely because others can hear his voice but cannot see his face. Moreover, Your Majesty is still young and may not fully understand all matters. If you now sit in court and, in reprimanding or recommending, make any inappropriate remarks, you will expose your weaknesses before the high officials. This is not the way to display your divine wisdom to the world. Your Majesty would be better advised to remain deep in the palace, waiting with me and the attendant officers familiar with the laws for matters to arise, and then weigh and handle them as they come. In this way, the high officials will not dare to present questionable matters, and the whole realm will praise Your Majesty as a sage ruler.” The Second Emperor adopted his plan and thereafter no longer sat in court to receive the high officials, but often resided in the palace. Zhao Gao, serving as an attendant official, held great power, and all matters were decided by him.

Zhao Gao heard that Li Si had expressed opinions on this matter, so he went to visit the chancellor and said: “There are many bandits east of the passes. Now the emperor is urgently conscripting labor, building the Epang Palace, and collecting dogs, horses, and other useless things. I wish to remonstrate, but my position is lowly. This is truly your affair as chancellor. Why do you not remonstrate?” Li Si said: “Indeed, it is so. I have wanted to speak about this matter for a long time. But now the emperor does not sit in court and often stays deep in the palace. The words I wish to say cannot be conveyed through others. I want to see him face to face, but there is no opportunity.” Zhao Gao said: “If you truly wish to remonstrate, allow me to watch for an opportunity when the emperor is free and inform you.” So Zhao Gao waited until the Second Emperor was feasting and enjoying himself, with women attending before him, then sent someone to tell the chancellor: “The emperor is now at leisure; you may enter the palace to report on matters.” The chancellor went to the palace gate and requested an audience. This happened three times. The Second Emperor became angry and said: “I often have many idle days, yet the chancellor does not come. When I am privately enjoying myself, the chancellor always comes to report on matters! Does the chancellor despise me, or is he deliberately making things difficult for me?” Zhao Gao took the opportunity to say: “At the time of the Shaqui conspiracy, the chancellor participated. Now Your Majesty has been established as emperor, but the chancellor’s position has not been elevated; his intention is also to seek a fief and become a king. Moreover, if Your Majesty did not ask me, I would not dare to speak. The chancellor’s eldest son, Li You, serves as the governor of Sanchuan Commandery. The bandits from Chu, such as Chen Sheng, are all from the neighboring counties of the chancellor’s hometown. Therefore, the bandits from Chu openly roam about, and when they pass through Sanchuan city, the governor does not attack them. I have heard that there is correspondence between them, but I have not yet obtained concrete evidence, so I dare not report it. Furthermore, the chancellor, being outside the court, has power greater than Your Majesty’s.” The Second Emperor thought he was right and wanted to investigate the chancellor, but fearing the situation might not be true, he first sent someone to examine the governor of Sanchuan Commandery regarding his collusion with the bandits.

When Li Si heard of this, he submitted a memorial exposing Zhao Gao’s faults, saying: “Zhao Gao monopolizes power over gains and losses, with no difference from Your Majesty. In the past, Tian Chang served as chancellor of Duke Jian of Qi, stealing his grace and authority, winning the support of the people below and the allegiance of the high officials above, and ultimately assassinated Duke Jian of Qi and seized the state of Qi. This is known to all under heaven. Now Zhao Gao has evil ambitions and dangerous, rebellious behavior. His private wealth is like that of the Tian clan in Qi, and he is insatiably greedy, pursuing benefits without cease. His status and power are second only to the sovereign, and his desires are boundless. He usurps Your Majesty’s authority; his ambition is like that of Han Ji serving as chancellor of Han An. If Your Majesty does not take precautions, I fear he will inevitably incite a rebellion.” The Second Emperor said: “What words are these! Zhao Gao was originally a eunuch, but he does not indulge his heart in ease and pleasure, nor does he change his loyalty in times of danger. He cleanses himself, cultivates good conduct, and has risen from lowliness to his present state. He has advanced through loyalty and maintained his position through trustworthiness. I truly consider him a worthy man. Yet you suspect him—why is this? Moreover, besides Lord Zhao, whom can I employ? And Lord Zhao’s character is intelligent, incorruptible, strong, and capable. Below, he understands human feelings; above, he suits my intentions. Do not suspect him!” The Second Emperor had always favored and trusted Zhao Gao, and fearing that Li Si might kill him, he privately informed Zhao Gao. Zhao Gao said: “The only person the chancellor worries about is I, Zhao Gao. Once I, Zhao Gao, am dead, the chancellor will do what Tian Chang did.”

At this time, bandits were increasing day by day, and the conscription of soldiers from the Guanzhong region to attack bandits in the east did not cease. The Right Chancellor Feng Quji, the Left Chancellor Li Si, and General Feng Jie remonstrated, saying: “Bandits east of the passes are rising in great numbers. The Qin dynasty has sent troops to pursue and kill them, and many have been killed, yet the bandits continue without stopping. The multitude of bandits is all because the duties of garrison, water transport, transportation, and labor are too harsh, and taxes and levies are too heavy. We request that the construction of the Epang Palace be temporarily halted and that the conscription of troops and transportation duties in the four directions be reduced.” The Second Emperor said: “The reason for being honored and possessing the realm is to be able to indulge one’s desires and do as one pleases. A ruler’s importance lies in strict laws and clear decrees, so that his subjects dare not commit wrongdoing, and thus he can control the realm. The rulers of Yu and Xia were honored as Sons of Heaven, yet they personally endured hardships to comply with the people—what law and order could there be in that? Moreover, the late emperor rose from the ranks of the feudal lords, annexed the realm, and once the realm was pacified, he expelled the four barbarians to stabilize the borders and built palaces to display the completion of his achievements. And you have seen the beginning of the late emperor’s achievements. Now I have ascended the throne, and within two years, bandits have arisen everywhere. You cannot suppress them, and further wish to abolish what the late emperor accomplished. This is, above, failing to repay the late emperor, and, next, failing to serve me with full loyalty. On what grounds do you still hold your positions?” He handed Feng Quji, Li Si, and Feng Jie over to the officials to investigate other crimes. Feng Quji and Feng Jie committed suicide, and only Li Si was imprisoned. The Second Emperor handed Li Si over to Zhao Gao for trial, interrogating him about the conspiracy with his son Li You, and arresting all their clan members and guests. Zhao Gao tried Li Si, beating him more than a thousand times with a rod. Li Si could not bear the pain and falsely confessed to the crimes.

The reason Li Si did not choose suicide was that he was confident in his eloquence and accomplishments, and indeed had no rebellious intentions. He wanted to submit a memorial to plead his case, hoping that the Second Emperor might awaken and pardon him. So he wrote a memorial from prison, saying: “I have served as chancellor governing the people for more than thirty years. Initially, Qin’s territory was narrow, only a thousand li square, and its soldiers numbered only a few hundred thousand. I exhausted my meager abilities, secretly sending out strategists, supplying them with gold, silver, silk, and jade, to send them to persuade the feudal lords. I also secretly organized the army, rectified government decrees and teachings, employed daring warriors, and honored meritorious officials. Thus, in the end, we were able to coerce Han, weaken Wei, defeat Yan and Zhao, and level Qi and Chu, finally annexing the six states, capturing their kings, and establishing the King of Qin as the Son of Heaven. Afterward, we drove out the Hu and Mo peoples to the north and pacified the Baiyue to the south, thereby displaying Qin’s strength. I also changed the institutions, standardized measures for capacity and length, and promulgated laws and regulations throughout the realm to establish Qin’s authority. These are all my crimes; I should have died long ago! Your Majesty was fortunate to allow me to exert my efforts, enabling me to live until now. I beg Your Majesty to investigate!” When the memorial was submitted, Zhao Gao ordered the officials to discard it and not present it, saying: “How can a prisoner submit a memorial!”

Zhao Gao sent over ten groups of his retainers, disguised as imperial censors, receptionists, and palace attendants, to interrogate Li Si in turns. If Li Si answered truthfully, they would have him beaten again. Later, when the Second Emperor of Qin sent someone to verify Li Si’s confession, Li Si, thinking it was the same as before, dared not change his testimony. Thus, he admitted to the charges, and the verdict was submitted. The Second Emperor of Qin said joyfully: “Without Lord Zhao, I would almost have been sold out by the Chancellor!” By the time the envoy sent by the Second Emperor to investigate Li You, the commandery governor of Sanchuan, arrived, the Chu army had already killed him. When the envoy returned, it happened that Li Si had been handed over to the prison officials for trial. Zhao Gao fabricated all sorts of rebellious words to implicate him, and thus Li Si was sentenced to the Five Punishments and executed by waist-cutting in the marketplace of Xianyang. As Li Si left the prison, he was escorted with his second son. He turned to his second son and said: “I wish I could go with you again, leading the yellow dog, out of the east gate of Shangcai to chase the cunning hare—can that still be done?” Then father and son wept bitterly together, and in the end, his entire clan was exterminated to the third degree. The Second Emperor of Qin then appointed Zhao Gao as Chancellor, and all matters of state, great or small, were decided by him.

After Xiang Liang had defeated Zhang Han at Dong’e, he led his troops westward, advancing north to Dingtao, where he again defeated the Qin army. Xiang Yu and the Duke of Pei also fought the Qin army at Yongqiu, routing them and killing Li You. Xiang Liang became even more contemptuous of the Qin army, showing an arrogant expression. Song Yi admonished him, saying: “An army that becomes arrogant after victory and whose soldiers grow lax is bound to fail. Now the soldiers are already somewhat slack, while the Qin forces are increasing day by day. I am worried for you.” Xiang Liang did not listen. So he sent Song Yi on a mission to the state of Qi. On the road, Song Yi met Gao Lingjun Xian, the envoy from Qi, and said: “Are you going to see the Marquis of Wu Xin?” Gao Lingjun Xian replied: “Yes.” Song Yi said: “I predict that the Marquis of Wu Xin’s army will certainly be defeated. If you go slowly, you may escape death; if you go quickly, you will encounter disaster.” The Second Emperor of Qin mobilized all his troops to reinforce Zhang Han in attacking the Chu army, and they heavily defeated the Chu army at Dingtao. Xiang Liang died in battle.

At that time, it rained continuously from the seventh month until the ninth month. Xiang Yu and the Duke of Pei attacked Waihuang but could not capture it, so they withdrew and turned to attack Chenliu. Hearing that the Marquis of Wu Xin had died in battle, the soldiers were terrified, and together with General Lü Chen, they led their troops eastward, moving King Huai of Chu from Xuyi to Pengcheng. Lü Chen’s army camped east of Pengcheng, Xiang Yu’s army camped west of Pengcheng, and the Duke of Pei’s army camped at Dangxian.

Wei Bao captured over twenty cities in the Wei region, and King Huai of Chu appointed Wei Bao as the King of Wei.

In the intercalary ninth month, King Huai of Chu merged the armies of Lü Chen and Xiang Yu and commanded them personally. He appointed the Duke of Pei as the Governor of Dang Commandery, enfeoffing him as the Marquis of Wu’an, to command the troops of Dang Commandery. He enfeoffed Xiang Yu as the Marquis of Chang’an, with the title of Duke of Lu. He appointed Lü Chen as Minister of Education, and his father Lü Qing as Chief Commandant.

After Zhang Han defeated Xiang Liang, he considered the military strength of Chu not worth worrying about, so he crossed the Yellow River and marched north to attack Zhao, routing the Zhao army. He led his troops to Handan, moved all the people to Henei, and razed the city walls. Zhang Er and King Xie of Zhao fled into the city of Julu, and Wang Li besieged them. Chen Yu gathered troops from the north of Changshan, obtaining several tens of thousands of men, and camped north of Julu. Zhang Han’s army camped at Jiyuan, south of Julu. Zhao repeatedly sent for help to Chu.

Gao Lingjun Xian was in Chu and went to see the King of Chu, saying: “Song Yi once predicted that the Marquis of Wu Xin’s army would certainly be defeated; after a few days, the army was indeed defeated. Before the army had even engaged in battle, he could foresee the signs of defeat—this can be said to understand the art of war.” The King of Chu summoned Song Yi and discussed matters with him, greatly pleased with him, and thus appointed him as Supreme General. Xiang Yu was made the second general, and Fan Zeng the third general, to rescue Zhao. All other generals were placed under Song Yi’s command, and he was called the “Champion of the Qingzi.”

Initially, King Huai of Chu had made an agreement with the various generals: “Whoever first enters and pacifies the Guanzhong region shall be enfeoffed as the King of Guanzhong.” At that time, the Qin army was strong and often took advantage of victories to pursue defeated troops, so none of the generals thought it advantageous to enter Guanzhong first. Only Xiang Yu, resenting that the Qin army had killed Xiang Liang, was fervently eager and willing to go westward into Guanzhong with the Duke of Pei. The old generals under King Huai all said: “Xiang Yu’s character is fierce, violent, cunning, and cruel. He once attacked Xiangcheng and left no one alive there—all were buried alive. Everywhere he passed, nothing escaped slaughter and destruction. Moreover, Chu has attacked many times before, with Chen She and Xiang Liang both failing. It would be better to send a magnanimous elder, who will promote righteousness and advance westward, proclaiming to the elders of the Qin region. The people of Qin have long suffered under their ruler’s tyranny. Now, if we can truly send a magnanimous elder who will not commit violence, we should be able to capture Guanzhong. Xiang Yu cannot be sent; only the Duke of Pei has always been generous and magnanimous—he can be sent.” King Huai thus did not agree to Xiang Yu’s request and sent the Duke of Pei to seize land westward, gathering the scattered troops of Chen She and Xiang Liang to attack the Qin army.

The Duke of Pei passed through Dangxian, reached Yangcheng and Gangli, attacked the Qin fortifications, and defeated two of their units.

The third year of the Second Emperor of Qin (Jiawu, 207 BCE).

Winter, tenth month. The Qi general Tian Du rebelled against Tian Rong and assisted Chu in rescuing Zhao.

The Duke of Pei defeated the forces of the Eastern Commandery Commandant at Chengwu.

Song Yi marched to Anyang and halted for forty-six days without advancing. Xiang Yu said: “The Qin army has Zhao under urgent siege; we should quickly lead the troops across the Yellow River. The Chu army will attack from outside, and the Zhao army will respond from within—defeating the Qin army is certain.” Song Yi said: “Not so. The gadfly that bites an ox cannot be used to kill lice. Now the Qin army is attacking Zhao; if they win, their troops will be exhausted, and we can take advantage of their fatigue. If they lose, then we can lead our troops eastward, beating drums, and surely capture Qin. So it is better to let Qin and Zhao fight each other first. When it comes to wearing armor and wielding sharp weapons, I am not as good as you. But when it comes to sitting in the tent and planning strategy, you are not as good as me.” Then he issued an order to the army: “Anyone who is fierce as a tiger, stubborn as a sheep, greedy as a wolf, obstinate and disobedient, shall be beheaded!” He then sent his son Song Xiang to be a minister in Qi, personally escorting him to Wuyan, where he held a great banquet and feast. The weather was cold, and heavy rain fell; the soldiers were both cold and hungry. Xiang Yu said: “We all should be united in attacking Qin, yet we have lingered long without advancing. This year, the harvest is poor and the people are impoverished; the soldiers can only eat half-grain, half-bean rations. The army has no stored provisions, yet he feasts on wine and food. He does not lead the troops across the river to rely on Zhao’s grain and join forces with Zhao to attack Qin, but instead says, ‘Take advantage of their fatigue.’ Given Qin’s strength, attacking the newly established Zhao, its momentum will surely capture Zhao. Once Zhao is broken, Qin becomes even stronger—what fatigue is there to exploit! Moreover, our army has just suffered a defeat. The king cannot sit or sleep peacefully; he has gathered all the troops of the state and entrusted them to the general. The safety of the state rests on this one action. Now he does not show concern for the soldiers but acts for his own private gain—he is no loyal minister of the state!”

In the eleventh month, Xiang Yu went to see Supreme General Song Yi in the morning and cut off his head in his tent. He came out and issued an order to the army: “Song Yi conspired with Qi to rebel against Chu, and the King of Chu secretly ordered me, Xiang Yu, to execute him!” At that time, all the generals were cowed and submitted, none daring to object, all saying: “The one who first established the King of Chu was your family, General. Now you have executed a rebel.” Thus, they jointly supported Xiang Yu as acting Supreme General. They sent men to pursue Song Yi’s son, catching up with him in Qi and killing him. They sent Huan Chu to report to King Huai. King Huai then formally appointed Xiang Yu as Supreme General.

In the twelfth month, the Duke of Pei led his troops to Li County, where he encountered the Marquis of Gangwu, took over his army of over four thousand men, and merged them. Together with the Wei generals Huang Xin and Wu Man, he combined forces to attack the Qin army and defeated it.

Tian An, the grandson of the former King Tian Jian of Qi, captured Jibei and followed Xiang Yu to rescue Zhao.

Zhang Han constructed a covered passageway connecting to the Yellow River, used to transport grain supplies to Wang Li. Wang Li's army had ample food and intensified their assault on Julu. Within the city of Julu, food was exhausted and troops were depleted. Zhang Er repeatedly sent messengers urging Chen Yu to come to their aid. Chen Yu, estimating that his own forces were too few to match the Qin army, dared not advance. After several months, Zhang Er grew furious and resentful toward Chen Yu, dispatching Zhang Yan and Chen Ze to reproach him, saying: "In the beginning, we formed a bond of life-and-death friendship. Now the King of Zhao and I are on the verge of death at any moment, yet you command tens of thousands of troops and refuse to come to our rescue—is this the sentiment of a life-and-death bond? If you are determined to uphold your faith, why not charge into the Qin army and die together with us? That way, there might still be a one-in-ten or two-in-ten chance of survival." Chen Yu replied: "I estimate that advancing would ultimately fail to save Zhao, only resulting in the total destruction of our forces. Moreover, the reason I do not die with you is to seek revenge for the King of Zhao and for you, Zhang Jun. If we must die together now, it would be like throwing meat to a starving tiger—what good would it do!" Zhang Yan and Chen Ze insisted that he join them in death. Chen Yu then sent Zhang Yan and Chen Ze to lead five thousand men in a probe against the Qin army. When they arrived, the entire force was annihilated. At that time, the Qi army and the Yan army had both come to rescue Zhao. Zhang Ao also gathered troops from the Dai region to the north, obtaining over ten thousand men. After arriving, they all set up camp beside Chen Yu, not daring to attack the Qin army.

Xiang Yu had already killed Qingzi Champion, his might shaking Chu. He then sent Dangyang Jun and General Pu to lead twenty thousand soldiers across the Yellow River to rescue Julu. After some initial success in battle, they cut off Zhang Han's covered passageway, and Wang Li's army ran short of food. Chen Yu again requested reinforcements. Xiang Yu then led his entire army across the Yellow River, scuttled all the boats, smashed the cooking pots and cauldrons, burned the tents, and took only three days' worth of dry rations, thereby demonstrating to the soldiers a determination to die without any intention of retreat. Upon arrival, they surrounded Wang Li and engaged the Qin army, fighting nine battles, inflicting a major defeat on them. Zhang Han withdrew his troops. Only then did the allied armies dare to attack the Qin forces, killing Su Jiao and capturing Wang Li. She Jian refused to surrender and burned himself to death. At that time, the momentum of the Chu army overwhelmed that of the allied forces. The allied armies that came to rescue Julu had over ten encampments, none of which dared to engage. When the Chu army attacked the Qin forces, the allied generals all watched from atop their ramparts. The Chu soldiers each fought as if they were ten, their battle cries shaking heaven and earth, striking terror into every allied soldier. After defeating the Qin army, Xiang Yu summoned the allied generals. When they entered the camp gate, they all knelt and advanced on their knees, none daring to look up. From then on, Xiang Yu became the supreme general of the allied forces, and all the various armies submitted to his command.

Thus, King Xie of Zhao and Zhang Er were able to leave Julu city and express their gratitude to the allied forces. Zhang Er met with Chen Yu and reproached him for not rescuing the Zhao army. He also inquired about the fate of Zhang Yan and Chen Ze, suspecting that Chen Yu had killed them, and questioned him repeatedly. Chen Yu said angrily: "I never expected your resentment toward me to be so deep! Do you think I am reluctant to give up my general's seal?" He then unbound the seal and ribbon, pushing them toward Zhang Er. Zhang Er was startled and refused to accept them. Chen Yu rose to go to the latrine. A guest advised Zhang Er, saying: "I have heard, 'If Heaven offers a gift and you do not accept, it will bring calamity.' Now General Chen has handed you the seal; if you do not accept it, you defy Heaven's will, which is inauspicious. Take it quickly!" Zhang Er then put on the seal and ribbon, incorporating Chen Yu's troops into his own. When Chen Yu returned, he too resented Zhang Er's lack of humility, so he strode out, taking only a few hundred of his trusted followers to fish and hunt in the marshes along the Yellow River. King Xie of Zhao returned to Xindu.

In the sixth year, spring, second month, the Duke of Pei marched north to attack Changyi. There he encountered Peng Yue, who led his troops to follow the Duke of Pei. Peng Yue was a native of Changyi and often fished in the Ju-ye Marsh, gathering a band of outlaws. When Chen Sheng and Xiang Liang raised their armies, the young men of the marsh assembled over a hundred people and went to join Peng Yue, saying: "Please be our leader, Zhong." Peng Yue declined, saying: "I do not wish to." The young men insisted, and Peng Yue finally agreed. He made an appointment with them to gather at sunrise the next day, with those who were late to be executed. At sunrise the next day, over a dozen people arrived late, with the latest coming at noon. Peng Yue then apologized, saying: "I am older, and you all insisted on making me your leader. Now, with the appointed time, many were late. I cannot execute everyone, so I will only kill the last one to arrive." He ordered the captain to behead him. Everyone laughed and said: "Why go that far! We will not dare again." Peng Yue then dragged that man out and executed him, set up an altar, and issued orders to his followers, who were all greatly shocked and dared not look up. They then seized territory, gathered scattered troops from various states, and obtained over a thousand men, helping the Duke of Pei attack Changyi.

Changyi was not taken, and the Duke of Pei led his army westward past Gaoyang. Li Yiji of Gaoyang was from a poor and destitute family and worked as a gatekeeper. A cavalryman under the Duke of Pei happened to be a fellow villager of Li Yiji. When Li Yiji saw him, he said: "I have observed the many generals passing through Gaoyang; they are all narrow-minded, fond of trivial formalities, self-righteous, and unreceptive to broad-minded views. I have heard that the Duke of Pei is arrogant and unrestrained in small matters but possesses great strategic talent. This is the man I truly wish to follow, but no one has introduced me. When you see the Duke of Pei, tell him: 'In my village, there is a Mr. Li, over sixty years old, eight feet tall, and people call him the Mad Scholar. Mr. Li himself says, "I am not mad."'" The cavalryman said: "The Duke of Pei dislikes scholars. When guests come wearing scholar's caps, he often takes them off and urinates in them. When speaking with people, he frequently curses and swears. You cannot use the ways of a scholar to persuade him." Li Yiji said: "Just say what I told you." The cavalryman then casually relayed Li Yiji's words as instructed.

When the Duke of Pei arrived at the post station in Gaoyang, he sent for Li Yiji. Li Yiji came and entered to pay his respects. The Duke of Pei was sitting on his bed while two women washed his feet, and he received Li Yiji in this manner. Li Yiji entered, made only a deep bow without kneeling, and said: "Are you going to help the Qin dynasty attack the other states, or are you going to lead the states to overthrow the Qin?" The Duke of Pei cursed him: "You ignorant scholar! The people of the world have suffered under the Qin for a long time, so the states have risen one after another to attack it. How can you speak of helping the Qin attack the states!" Li Yiji said: "If you truly intend to gather followers and unite righteous troops to destroy the tyrannical Qin, you should not receive an elder so arrogantly!" Thereupon the Duke of Pei stopped washing his feet, rose, adjusted his clothes, invited Li Yiji to sit in the seat of honor, and apologized to him. Li Yiji then spoke of the alliances and conflicts of the Six States in the past. The Duke of Pei was delighted, gave Li Yiji food, and asked: "What strategy should we adopt?" Li Yiji said: "You have risen from a motley crowd, gathering scattered soldiers, with fewer than ten thousand men. To try to march straight into the mighty Qin is like putting your hand into a tiger's mouth. Chenliu is a strategic hub of the empire, with roads leading in all directions, and the city now has a large store of grain. I have a good relationship with the magistrate of Chenliu. Let me go and persuade him to submit to you. If he does not listen, you attack with your army, and I will be your inside agent." So the Duke of Pei sent Li Yiji off, followed with his army, and thus captured Chenliu. He enfeoffed Li Yiji as Lord Guangye. Li Yiji also recommended his younger brother, Li Shang. At that time, Li Shang had gathered four thousand young men and came to join the Duke of Pei, who appointed him as a general, leading the troops from Chenliu to follow him. Li Yiji often served as an envoy, traveling to various states.

In the third month, the Duke of Pei attacked Kaifeng but did not capture it. He marched west and fought with the Qin general Yang Xiong at Baima, then again east of Quyu, inflicting a major defeat on the Qin army. Yang Xiong fled to Xingyang, and the Second Emperor of Qin sent an envoy to have him beheaded and displayed.

In summer, the fourth month, the Duke of Pei marched south to attack Yingchuan, slaughtering the city. With the help of Zhang Liang, he then seized the territory of Han. At that time, the Zhao general Sima Ang was about to cross the river and enter the Hangu Pass. The Duke of Pei then turned north to attack Pingyin, cutting off the southern bank of the Yellow River crossing, and fought east of Luoyang. The battle was unfavorable, so he withdrew south through the Huanyuan Pass. Zhang Liang led his troops and followed the Duke of Pei. The Duke of Pei ordered Han Cheng, the King of Han, to remain and guard Yangdi, while he himself went south together with Zhang Liang.

In the sixth month, he fought with the Nanyang commandery governor Lü Yi east of Chou County, defeated him, and took the Nanyang commandery. The commandery governor fled back into the city to hold it, retreating to defend Wan. The Duke of Pei led his troops around Wan and advanced westward. Zhang Liang admonished him, saying: “Although the Duke wishes to enter the pass quickly, the Qin troops are still numerous and hold the strategic points. If we do not take Wan now, and Wan attacks from behind, with the strong Qin army ahead, this is a dangerous course.” So the Duke of Pei that night led his troops back by another route, silencing the drums and banners. Just before dawn, he surrounded Wan with three layers of troops. The Nanyang commandery governor was about to commit suicide, but his retainer Chen Hui said: “It is not too late to die.” So he scaled the wall and went to see the Duke of Pei, saying: “I have heard that you have a covenant: whoever first enters Xianyang shall be king. Now you are staying to besiege Wan. Wan is a large commandery, with several dozen connected counties. Its officials and people believe that if they surrender, they will surely be killed, so they all mount the walls and hold out. If you attack the city all day, your soldiers will certainly suffer many casualties. If you leave Wan, Wan will surely pursue you from behind. Advance, and you will lose the fulfillment of the Xianyang covenant; retreat, and you will have the calamity of a strong Wan. For your sake, I suggest you agree to accept surrender and enfeoff the commandery governor. Then let him remain to guard the city, and lead his armored troops westward. Those cities that have not yet been taken will, upon hearing the news, vie to open their gates and await you. You will pass through without obstacle, and have no burdens.” The Duke of Pei said: “Good!” In autumn, the seventh month, the Nanyang commandery governor Lü Yi surrendered, was enfeoffed as Marquis of Yin, and Chen Hui was granted a fief of one thousand households. The Duke of Pei led his troops westward, and none were not taken. When he reached Danshui, the Marquis of Gaowu, Qi Xian, and the Marquis of Xiang, Wang Ling, surrendered. He turned back to attack Huyang, met Mei Xuan, a separate general of Wu Rui, the Lord of Fan, and together with him attacked Xi County and Li County; both surrendered. The Duke of Pei ordered that there be no plundering in the places he passed through, and the people of Qin were all delighted.

In the seventh year, after the army of Wang Li was destroyed, the army of Zhang Han was stationed at Jiyuan, and the army of Xiang Yu was stationed on the southern bank of the Zhang River. The two armies faced each other without engaging. The Qin army retreated several times, and the Second Emperor of Qin sent someone to rebuke Zhang Han. Zhang Han was afraid and sent his chief scribe Sima Xin to Xianyang to request instructions. Sima Xin arrived at Xianyang and was kept waiting at the Sima Gate for three days. Zhao Gao did not receive him, showing a lack of trust. The chief scribe Sima Xin became afraid and fled back to his own army, not daring to take the same route back. Zhao Gao indeed sent men to pursue him, but they did not catch him. Sima Xin returned to the army and reported: “Zhao Gao monopolizes all power in the court; no one below can accomplish anything. Now if we win in battle, Zhao Gao will certainly be jealous of our merit. If we cannot win, we will not escape being put to death. I hope the general will carefully consider this!” Chen Yu also wrote a letter to Zhang Han, saying: “Bai Qi was a Qin general. To the south he conquered Yan and Ying; to the north he buried alive the Lord of Mafu, Zhao She. The cities and territories he took are countless, yet in the end he was given a sword to die. Meng Tian was a Qin general. To the north he drove out the Rong, opening up the Yuzhong region for several thousand li, and in the end he was beheaded at Yangzhou. Why was this? Their merits were too great; Qin could not enfeoff them all, so it used the law to execute them. Now you, general, have been a Qin general for three years. The troops you have lost number in the hundreds of thousands, while the feudal lords have risen up together in ever greater numbers. That Zhao Gao has long been sycophantic and flattering; now the situation is critical, and he is also afraid that the Second Emperor will kill him, so he wants to use the law to execute you, general, to shift the blame, and send someone to replace you to escape his own disaster. You, general, have been outside for a long time, and within the court you have many enemies. With merit, you will be killed; without merit, you will also be killed. Moreover, Heaven is about to destroy Qin; both the foolish and the wise know this. Now you, general, cannot speak frankly to the court within, and outside you are a general of a doomed state. Isolated and without support, wishing to exist long—is this not pitiful? Why does the general not withdraw and join the feudal lords in a vertical alliance, mutually agreeing to attack Qin together, divide its land, and become a king, facing south as a solitary ruler? Is this not better than bending your back to the axe and having your wife and children killed?”

Zhang Han hesitated and was undecided. He secretly sent the spy Shi Cheng as an envoy to Xiang Yu, wanting to conclude a peace treaty. The treaty was not concluded. Xiang Yu sent General Pu to cross the river day and night at the Three Households Ford, encamp on the southern bank of the Zhang River, and engage the Qin army, defeating them again. Xiang Yu led his entire army to attack the Qin army at the Wu River, inflicting a great defeat. Zhang Han sent someone to see Xiang Yu, wanting to conclude a peace treaty. Xiang Yu summoned his officers and consulted, saying: “Our food supplies are low. I wish to accept his peace treaty.” The officers all said: “Good.” Xiang Yu then met with Zhang Han at the ruins of Yin on the southern bank of the Huan River. After the oath, Zhang Han met Xiang Yu and wept, speaking of Zhao Gao’s affairs. Xiang Yu then established Zhang Han as the King of Yong, placed him in the Chu army, and made the chief scribe Sima Xin the supreme general, leading the Qin army as the vanguard.

Shen Yang of Xiaqiu captured Henan and led his troops to follow Xiang Yu.

In the eighth year, at first, the Grand Chancellor Zhao Gao wanted to monopolize the power of Qin, but feared that the ministers would not obey him. So he first set up a test: he brought a deer and presented it to the Second Emperor, saying: “This is a horse.” The Second Emperor laughed and said: “Is the Chancellor mistaken, calling a deer a horse?” He asked the attendants on his left and right. Some remained silent, some said it was a horse to flatter Zhao Gao, and some said it was a deer. Zhao Gao then secretly used the law to frame those who had said it was a deer. After this, all the ministers feared Zhao Gao, and none dared to speak of his faults. Zhao Gao had earlier said many times that “the bandits east of the pass are not worth worrying about.” But when Xiang Yu captured Wang Li and others, and Zhang Han’s army suffered repeated defeats, they sent up memorials requesting reinforcements. From east of the Hangu Pass, almost all had rebelled against the Qin officials and responded to the feudal lords, who each led their troops westward. In the eighth month, the Duke of Pei led several tens of thousands of troops to attack the Wu Pass, slaughtering the city. Zhao Gao, fearing that the Second Emperor would become angry and bring disaster upon himself, pleaded illness and did not attend court.

The Second Emperor of Qin dreamed that a white tiger had bitten and killed the left trace-horse of his chariot. His heart was greatly troubled, and finding it strange, he consulted a dream interpreter. After making a divination, the dream interpreter said, "This is the Water God of the Jing River causing mischief." The Second Emperor therefore went to the Wangyi Palace to fast, intending to sacrifice to the Jing River by sinking four white horses into the water. He sent an envoy to reproach Zhao Gao regarding the matter of bandits. Zhao Gao was terrified and secretly plotted with his son-in-law, Yan Le, the Magistrate of Xianyang, and his younger brother, Zhao Cheng, saying, "The Emperor refuses to heed remonstrance. Now that matters are urgent, he wants to blame the calamity on me. I wish to replace the Emperor and set up Ziying in his stead. Ziying is benevolent and frugal, and the people all trust his words." Thereupon he had the Prefect of the Palace Gentlemen act as an inside agent, falsely claimed that there were great bandits, ordered Yan Le to summon officials and dispatch troops to pursue and capture them, and then seized Yan Le's mother and placed her in Zhao Gao's house. Zhao Gao sent Yan Le to lead over a thousand officers and soldiers to the gate of the Wangyi Palace. They bound the Captain of the Palace Guards and said, "Bandits have entered this place—why did you not stop them?" The Captain said, "The defenses around the palace are extremely tight with guards stationed everywhere—how could any bandits dare to enter the palace!" Yan Le then beheaded the Captain, led the officers and soldiers straight into the palace, and as they went, they shot and killed the Gentlemen and eunuchs. The Gentlemen and eunuchs were greatly alarmed and terrified; some fled, while others resisted. Those who resisted were immediately killed, and several tens of men died. The Prefect of the Palace Gentlemen and Yan Le entered the palace together and shot arrows at the canopy over the Second Emperor's throne. The Second Emperor was enraged and summoned his attendants, but they were all panicked and confused and dared not act. One eunuch attendant remained by his side and did not dare to leave. The Second Emperor entered an inner chamber and said to him, "Why did you not tell me earlier, that it has come to this!" The eunuch said, "Because I did not dare to speak, I was able to preserve my life. Had I spoken earlier, I would have been killed long ago—how could I have lived until today!" Yan Le stepped forward, approached the Second Emperor, and rebuked him, saying, "You are arrogant and dissolute, given to slaughter and without the Way—all under Heaven has turned against you. You should make your own decision!" The Second Emperor said, "May I see the Chancellor?" Yan Le said, "No!" The Second Emperor said, "I wish to have a commandery and be made a king." Yan Le did not consent. The Second Emperor then said, "I wish to be made a Marquis of ten thousand households." Still, he did not consent. The Second Emperor then said, "I wish to be a commoner with my wife and children, like those other princes." Yan Le said, "I have received the Chancellor's command to execute you on behalf of all under Heaven. Even if you say more, I dare not report it!" Thereupon he directed his soldiers forward. The Second Emperor committed suicide. Yan Le returned and reported to Zhao Gao. Zhao Gao then assembled all the great ministers and princes, told them of the execution of the Second Emperor, and said, "Qin was originally a kingdom. The First Emperor ruled over all under Heaven and therefore assumed the title of Emperor. Now the Six Kingdoms have each re-established themselves, and Qin's territory has become even smaller. To use the empty title of Emperor is improper. It is fitting to revert to the title of King, as before, and that will be appropriate." Thereupon he established Ziying as the King of Qin. He buried the Second Emperor with the rites of a commoner in the Yichun Garden south of Du.

In the ninth month, Zhao Gao had Ziying fast and prepare to go to the ancestral temple to perform sacrifices and receive the imperial seal. After fasting for five days, Ziying plotted with his two sons, saying, "Chancellor Zhao Gao killed the Second Emperor at the Wangyi Palace. Fearing that the ministers might kill him, he falsely used the pretext of righteousness to establish me as king. I have heard that Zhao Gao has already made an agreement with the Chu army: after destroying the Qin imperial clan, they will divide the territory of Guanzhong and each become king. Now he has me fast and go to the ancestral temple—this is to take the opportunity to kill me within the temple. I will claim illness and not go. The Chancellor will certainly come in person, and when he comes, I will kill him." Zhao Gao sent men repeatedly to invite Ziying, but Ziying did not go. Zhao Gao indeed came in person and said, "The ancestral temple sacrifice is a great matter—why does the King not go?" Ziying then assassinated Zhao Gao in the fasting palace and had Zhao Gao's family of three generations exterminated and displayed publicly.

Ziying sent a general to lead troops and hold the Yao Pass. The Duke of Pei wished to attack it. Zhang Liang said, "The Qin army is still strong and cannot be taken lightly. I hope you will first send men to set up many banners on the mountains as a feint, and then send Li Yiji and Lu Jia to persuade the Qin general, enticing him with profit." The Qin general indeed wished to negotiate a peace, and the Duke of Pei was inclined to agree. Zhang Liang said, "This is only the general who wishes to betray—I fear his soldiers will not follow. It is better to attack them while they are off guard." The Duke of Pei led his troops around the Yao Pass, crossed the Kui Mountain, attacked the Qin army, and defeated them greatly south of Lantian. Thereupon they reached Lantian, fought again north of Lantian, and the Qin army was utterly defeated.

Han Records