I was watching short videos and historical figures were collectively vomiting blood!

Chapter 8 Zhao Gao, Do You Want to Be Emperor?

[07:50] Qin provided escort services and was rewarded by King Ping, leading to the establishment of the Qin state. [08:33] Duke Huan of Qi rose to dominance. [08:40] Duke Wen of Jin established supremacy. [08:43] Qin dominated the Western Rong. [08:49] King Zhuang of Chu sought hegemony over the Central Plains. [09:30] The state of Wu became dominant. [09:30] Goujian of Yue endured hardships to reclaim power. [09:30] Goujian destroyed Wu, and Xi Shi disappeared without a trace. [Total time of Spring and Autumn overlords: 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 16 seconds. [09:33] Laozi exited Hangu Pass, leaving behind the 5,000-character Tao Te Ching. [09:35] Confucius passed away. [09:36] The partition of Jin by Han, Zhao, and Wei marked the beginning of the Warring States period. [10:19] Shang Yang’s reforms led to the rise of Qin.

Seeing this, Ying Zheng (the future Qin Shi Huang) straightened his posture. The reason the Qin state was able to unify the world and put an end to chaos was not just because of him, Ying Zheng.

It was the result of generations of Qin rulers striving tirelessly, paving the way for greatness!

“Building upon the efforts of six generations, wielding the long whip to rule the universe, annexing the Two Zhou and vanquishing the feudal lords!”

The “six generations” referred to the six Qin rulers before Qin Shi Huang.

Duke Xiao of Qin (Ying Quliang): Issued the talent-seeking decree, recruited Shang Yang, implemented reforms, and weakened Wei.

King Huiwen of Qin (Ying Si): Advanced eastward, attacked Wei, conquered Shu, defeated Chu, and subdued Yiqu.

King Wu of Qin (Ying Dang): Suppressed the Shu rebellion, established the chancellor system, captured Yiyang, and created the Sanchuan Commandery.

King Zhaoxiang of Qin (Ying Ji): Defeated the Three Jins, led a five-nation coalition against Qi, captured the Chu capital, and destroyed the Western Zhou state, laying the groundwork for unification.

King Xiaowen of Qin (Ying Zhu) and King Zhuangxiang of Qin (Ying Zichu): Broke the vertical alliance and annihilated the Eastern Zhou state.

The monumental achievements of these six rulers laid the foundation for Qin’s rise!

“Ministers, heed my decree—soon, we shall enter the ancestral temple to honor our forebears!” Declared Ying Zheng solemnly.

“Yes, Your Majesty!” The ministers responded in unison.

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[10:26] Shang Yang was accused of treason and executed by dismemberment, his clan eradicated. [10:44] Mencius passed away. [10:48] Qu Yuan perished in the Miluo River. [10:53] The Battle of Changping secured Qin’s path to unification. [10:55] King Zhaoxiang of Qin ordered the death of Bai Qi. [10:55] Qin Shi Huang was born. [10:56] Liu Bang was born. [The Eastern Zhou dynasty fell after 3 hours, 6 minutes, and 17 seconds, officially exiting the stage of history.]. [11:04] Xiang Yu was born. [11:08] Qin annihilated Chu, Qi, Yan, Zhao, Wei, and Han, sweeping across the land, marking the end of the Warring States period.

After a morning of intense conflicts, China officially entered the era of the feudal empire, ushering in a brilliant age of classical civilization.

[11:08] Ying Zheng proclaimed himself the First Emperor, establishing the Qin Empire.

“Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in Chinese history, a legendary figure whose achievements were countless. He was revered as the ‘Eternal Emperor’ throughout history!”

He founded the imperial system, becoming China’s first emperor and establishing centralized rule.

Standardized currency, script, measurements, and axle widths, laying the foundation for future unified dynasties.

Built the Great Wall to defend against the Xiongnu.

“Qin Emperor and Han Martial Emperor, Tang Ancestor and Song Progenitor!”

Qin Shi Huang’s achievements were unparalleled, benefiting not only his era but generations to come!

Even though the great fire of Epang Palace consumed Qin’s dreams of eternal rule, it could never erase the indelible mark of the valiant Qin people in history.

A world-changing emperor!

The Eternal Emperor!

Glory in his time, benefits for all eternity!

This was the highest praise an emperor could receive—there was no greater honor!

Seeing the heavenly script display these words, Ying Zheng immediately stood up from his dragon throne, his face filled with excitement. To dominate his era was to be a hero of one lifetime, But what emperor wouldn’t wish to be remembered for eternity, revered by future generations?

“I have not failed the efforts of my ancestors! I am recognized as the Eternal Emperor!”

Ying Zheng could hardly contain his excitement.

If not for being in the palace, he might have howled at the sky to express his overwhelming emotions!

“Congratulations, Your Majesty!”

“Though previous kings laid the groundwork, it was Your Majesty’s unparalleled talent that allowed Qin to sweep across the land and unify the world!”

“The standardization of currency, script, and measurements—this is Your Majesty’s greatest contribution to China!”

Li Si was equally thrilled.

If the king was to be recorded in history as the Eternal Emperor, then he, Li Si, would undoubtedly leave his mark as well!

“A world-changing emperor! The Eternal Emperor!”

“Congratulations, Your Majesty! Your legacy shall endure forever!”

The court officials all congratulated him, though among them, some harbored mixed feelings. Many former nobles of the six defeated states wore grim expressions, their dreams of restoration shattered before the radiant aura of Ying Zheng.

“But… the Epang Palace burned down? The dream of eternal rule was shattered?”

Ying Zheng pondered for a moment, then decisively ordered, “Ensure the construction of Epang Palace prioritizes fire prevention!”

As laughter and celebration filled Qin’s court, the content of the heavenly script changed again.

[11:12] Xu Fu set sail eastward; Qin Shi Huang perished during his eastern tour, dying at Shaqiu. Qin Er Shi falsified his decree and ascended the throne. [11:13] Chen Sheng and Wu Guang revolted at Dazexiang; Liu Bang raised the White Serpent Banner in rebellion. [11:14] Xiang Yu won the Battle of Julu against overwhelming odds, rendering Qin a hollow shell. Zhao Gao killed Qin Er Shi, Liu Bang reached Xianyang, and Ziying surrendered—Qin was destroyed. [Total reign: 5 minutes, 4 seconds.].

Still basking in the joy of being hailed as the Eternal Emperor, Ying Zheng suddenly saw the fall of Qin.

In an instant, he stumbled, nearly falling off the throne.

“Fallen in just two generations!?”

For an emperor who aspired to rule for eternity,

this was a devastating blow.

“Eternal Emperor” and “two generations and gone”—these words together were utterly absurd. His joy clashed violently with his rage, nearly making Ying Zheng cough up blood.

In his fury, he initially overlooked what followed in the video. Beside him, Zhao Gao’s face turned deathly pale, his head lowered in silence. But Li Si was not about to let him off the hook.

“Grand Chamberlain Zhao Gao, what an impressive feat!”

Li Si glared at Zhao Gao in fury. First, Zhao Gao eliminated him, then he killed the next Qin ruler. If Ying Zheng was the Eternal Emperor, then Zhao Gao was the Eternal Traitor!

“The Emperor died, you eliminated me, and then you murdered his successor—Zhao Gao, did you seek the throne for yourself or plan to control a puppet emperor!?”

His words were a wake-up call. Still enraged, Ying Zheng’s dragon-like gaze locked onto Zhao Gao.

Zhao Gao immediately broke into a cold sweat.

“Your Majesty, I…”

Even with his cunning, Zhao Gao was left speechless before the heavenly script’s revelations. He had no choice but to bow deeply and declare,

“Your Majesty may strip me of all power and reduce me to a commoner, so long as Qin may endure for eternity.”

Zhao Gao felt an urge to vomit blood himself.

Why had previous dynasties been shown so vaguely, but his treachery was revealed in such painstaking detail?

Was he truly destined to become the Eternal Traitor?

Ying Zheng looked away without responding.

Instead, the proud emperor chose to see for himself—just how Zhao Gao had destroyed his great Qin. It was clear—Ying Zheng refused to heed warnings. Li Si sighed. Knowing Ying Zheng’s temperament, he had no choice but to stand down, though he had already begun keeping a close watch on Zhao Gao.