Ancient China · Ruler and Emperor of Qin

First Emperor 始皇

Shǐhuáng

Attested BC 246 - BC 210

Passages
1
Chapters
1
Histories
1

Overview

First Emperor was a ruler and Emperor of Qin.

IdentityHistorical · Male
RolesRuler
Found inBook of Han

Life and dates

Attested activity

Career and standing

Places and affiliations

Events and relationships

References in the histories

Book of Han, Chapter 117Volume 100a: Afterword and Family History 1 · 1 passage
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及至從人合之，衡人散之，亡命漂說，羇旅騁辭，商鞅挾三術以鑽孝公，李斯奮時務而要始皇，彼皆躡風雲之會，履顛沛之勢，據徼乘邪以求一日之富貴，朝為榮華，夕而焦瘁，福不盈眥，禍益於世，凶人且以自悔，況吉士而是賴虖！ Think of the vertical and horizontal strategists and the exiles who peddled their arguments: Shang Yang used three techniques to insinuate himself with Duke Xiao, and Li Si exploited the needs of the age to win over the First Emperor. They caught the winds of opportunity and rode the turmoil of their times, seizing crooked chances to gain a day's wealth and honor. Glorious in the morning, by evening they were ruined; their good fortune did not last a moment, while their calamities burdened the age. Even evil men came to regret this path. How much less should a good man rely on it?