| | 李斯列傳: |
李斯者，楚上蔡人也。年少時，為郡小吏，見吏舍廁中鼠食不絜，近人犬，數驚恐之。斯入倉，觀倉中鼠，食積粟，居大廡之下，不見人犬之憂。於是李斯乃嘆曰：「人之賢不肖譬如鼠矣，在所自處耳！」 |
| | Li Si was a native of Shangcai, Chu. When he was young, he served as a minor official in the commandery and saw rats in the latrine of the government office feeding on unclean food. These rats were near people and dogs and often frightened him. Li Si entered the granary and observed the rats there, which fed on stored grain and lived under spacious eaves without fear of people or dogs. At this point, Li Si sighed and said: "The virtue or lack thereof in a person is like that of rats; it depends entirely on the environment one places oneself in!"
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| | 李斯列傳: |
乃從荀卿學帝王之術。學已成，度楚王不足事，而六國皆弱，無可為建功者，欲西入秦。辭於荀卿曰：「斯聞得時無怠，今萬乘方爭時，游者主事。今秦王欲吞天下，稱帝而治，此布衣馳騖之時而游說者之秋也。處卑賤之位而計不為者，此禽鹿視肉，人面而能閒行者耳。故詬莫大於卑賤，而悲莫甚於窮困。久處卑賤之位，困苦之地，非世而惡利，自託於無為，此非士之情也。故斯將西說秦王矣。」 |
| | He then studied the art of kingship under Xun Qing. After completing his studies, he judged that King of Chu was not worth serving and that all six states were weak, with none offering an opportunity to achieve great accomplishments. He therefore wished to go west into Qin. He bid farewell to Xun Qing, saying: "I have heard that one must not be idle when the opportunity arises. Now, with ten-thousand-chariot states vying for dominance, it is those who travel and seek their fortune who will hold positions of authority." "Now, King Qin wishes to swallow the entire world and rule as emperor; this is the time for commoners to strive and the season for itinerant persuaders." "To remain in a lowly position without making plans is like an animal gazing at meat—it may have a human face but behaves no better than a beast." "Therefore, no disgrace is greater than being lowly and despised, and no sorrow is deeper than poverty and hardship." "To remain for a long time in a lowly position, in a place of hardship, to reject the world and despise profit, and to entrust oneself to non-action is not the nature of a true scholar." "Therefore, I am going west to persuade King Qin.'"
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| | 李斯列傳: |
至秦，會莊襄王卒，李斯乃求為秦相文信侯呂不韋舍人；不韋賢之，任以為郎。李斯因以得說，說秦王曰：「胥人者，去其幾也。成大功者，在因瑕釁而遂忍之。昔者秦穆公之霸，終不東并六國者，何也？諸侯尚眾，周德未衰，故五伯迭興，更尊周室。自秦孝公以來，周室卑微，諸侯相兼，關東為六國，秦之乘勝役諸侯，蓋六世矣。今諸侯服秦，譬若郡縣。夫以秦之彊，大王之賢，由灶上騷除，足以滅諸侯，成帝業，為天下一統，此萬世之一時也。今怠而不急就，諸侯復彊，相聚約從，雖有黃帝之賢，不能并也。」秦王乃拜斯為長史，聽其計，陰遣謀士齎持金玉以游說諸侯。諸侯名士可下以財者，厚遺結之；不肯者，利劍刺之。離其君臣之計，秦王乃使其良將隨其後。秦王拜斯為客卿。 |
| | When he arrived in Qin, he coincided with the death of Zhuangxiang Wang. Li Si then sought to become a retainer for Lord Wenxin Hou Lü Buwei, the prime minister of Qin; Lü Buwei regarded him as talented and appointed him as an attendant-official. Li Si thus gained the opportunity to advise, persuading King Qin by saying: "Those who wish to achieve something must eliminate their doubts. "To accomplish great feats lies in taking advantage of weaknesses and enduring patiently." "In the past, King Mu of Qin became a hegemon but ultimately did not unify the six eastern states to the east. Why was that?" "The feudal lords were still numerous, and the virtue of the Zhou dynasty had not yet declined; therefore, five hegemons arose in succession, each vying to honor the Zhou royal house." "Since King Xiao of Qin, the Zhou royal house has become humble and weak, while feudal lords have annexed one another. The lands east of the Guan Pass became six states; now, for six generations, Qin has taken advantage of its victories to subdue these feudal lords." "Now, the feudal lords submit to Qin as if they were commanderies and counties." "With Qin's strength and Your Majesty's virtue, it would be as easy as sweeping the ashes from a stove to eliminate the feudal lords, accomplish imperial achievements, unify all under heaven, and this is an opportunity that comes once in ten thousand generations." "If now we delay and do not act urgently, the feudal lords will grow strong again, unite in an alliance, and even with Your Majesty's virtue equaling that of Huangdi, you would be unable to conquer them.'" King Qin then appointed Li Si as Chief Clerk and heeded his strategy, secretly sending strategists with gold and jade to travel and persuade the feudal lords. "For renowned men of the feudal states who could be won over by wealth, generous gifts were given to secure their allegiance; " "those who refused were assassinated with sharp swords." "They sowed discord between the rulers and their ministers of these states, and King Qin then dispatched his capable generals to follow up behind them. " King Qin appointed Li Si as a guest official.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
會韓人鄭國來閒秦，以作注溉渠，已而覺。秦宗室大臣皆言秦王曰：「諸侯人來事秦者，大抵為其主游閒於秦耳，請一切逐客。」李斯議亦在逐中。斯乃上書曰： |
| | At this time, the Korean Zheng Guo came to spy on Qin by proposing to build an irrigation canal; soon after, he was discovered. The royal clan and high-ranking ministers of Qin all said to King Qin: "Those from the feudal states who come to serve Qin mostly do so as spies for their lords. We request that all guests be expelled." Li Si's name was also included in the list of those to be expelled. Li Si then submitted a memorial, saying:
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| | 李斯列傳: |
臣聞吏議逐客，竊以為過矣。昔繆公求士，西取由余於戎，東得百里奚於宛，迎蹇叔於宋，來丕豹、公孫支於晉。此五子者，不產於秦，而繆公用之，并國二十，遂霸西戎。孝公用商鞅之法，移風易俗，民以殷盛，國以富彊，百姓樂用，諸侯親服，獲楚、魏之師，舉地千里，至今治彊。惠王用張儀之計，拔三川之地，西并巴、蜀，北收上郡，南取漢中，包九夷，制鄢、郢，東據成皋之險，割膏腴之壤，遂散六國之從，使之西面事秦，功施到今。昭王得范睢，廢穰侯，逐華陽，彊公室，杜私門，蠶食諸侯，使秦成帝業。此四君者，皆以客之功。由此觀之，客何負於秦哉！向使四君卻客而不內，疏士而不用，是使國無富利之實而秦無彊大之名也。 |
| | "I have heard the officials' proposal to expel guests. I secretly believe this is a mistake." "In the past, Duke Mu sought talented men; he obtained You Yu from Rong to the west and Bailing Xi from Wan to the east. He welcomed Jian Shu from Song and brought Pei Bao and Gongsun Zhi from Jin." "These five men were not born in Qin, yet Duke Mu employed them. He annexed twenty states and thus became a hegemon over the western Rong tribes." "King Xiao employed Shang Yang's laws, transformed customs and traditions, enriched the people, strengthened the state, made its populace willing to serve, won the loyalty of feudal lords, defeated armies from Chu and Wei, seized thousands of li of territory, and ensured lasting stability and strength." "King Hui employed Zhang Yi's strategy, captured the Three Rivers region, annexed Ba and Shu to the west, reclaimed Shangjun in the north, seized Hanzhong in the south, incorporated the Nine Yi tribes, controlled Yan and Ying, held the strategic pass of Chenggao to the east, carved out fertile lands, and thus broke up the alliance of the six states, compelling them to face west and serve Qin. His achievements have lasted until today." "King Zhao obtained Fan Jiu, dismissed Rang Hou, expelled Huayang, strengthened the royal house, curtailed private factions, gradually devoured feudal states, and enabled Qin to accomplish imperial achievements." "These four kings all achieved their success through the contributions of guest officials." "From this, it is clear—how have these guests wronged Qin?" "If the four kings had rejected guests and refused to admit them, or dismissed talented men without employing them, then Qin would have lacked wealth and prosperity and never gained its reputation for strength."
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| | 李斯列傳: |
今陛下致昆山之玉，有隨、和之寶，垂明月之珠，服太阿之劍，乘纖離之馬，建翠鳳之旗，樹靈鼉之鼓。此數寶者，秦不生一焉，而陛下說之，何也？必秦國之所生然後可，則是夜光之璧不飾朝廷，犀象之器不為玩好，鄭、衛之女不充後宮，而駿良駃騠不實外廄，江南金錫不為用，西蜀丹青不為采。所以飾後宮充下陳娛心意說耳目者，必出於秦然後可，則是宛珠之簪，傅璣之珥，阿縞之衣，錦繡之飾不進於前，而隨俗雅化佳冶窈窕趙女不立於側也。夫擊甕叩缶彈箏搏髀，而歌呼嗚嗚快耳（目）者，真秦之聲也；鄭、衛、桑閒、昭、虞、武、象者，異國之樂也。今棄擊甕叩缶而就鄭衛，退彈箏而取昭虞，若是者何也？快意當前，適觀而已矣。今取人則不然。不問可否，不論曲直，非秦者去，為客者逐。然則是所重者在乎色樂珠玉，而所輕者在乎人民也。此非所以跨海內制諸侯之術也。 |
| | "Now, Your Majesty possesses the jade from Kunshan Mountain, owns treasures like Sui and He, wears the pearl of Mingyue, wields the sword Tai'e, rides the fine horse Xianli, raises the emerald phoenix banner, and sets up the drum of Lingtu. "These several treasures were not produced in Qin at all, yet Your Majesty values them highly—why is that?" "If only things native to Qin are acceptable, then luminous jade would not adorn the court, ivory and rhinoceros artifacts would not be treasured as ornaments, women from Zheng and Wei would not fill the harem, swift horses like Juji wouldn't populate the stables, gold and tin from Jiangnan would go unused, and cinnabar and pigments from western Shu would not serve for dyes. "If only items originating from Qin can be used to decorate the harem, fill the lower chambers, please the mind and delight the senses, then hairpins of Wan zhu, earrings with Fuji pendants, Agao silk robes, and embroidered ornaments would not appear before Your Majesty. Nor would graceful, refined beauties from Zhao stand by your side." "Striking clay pots, tapping earthen jars, playing the zeng and slapping one's thighs while singing and shouting in a raucous manner to please the ears (and eyes) is truly Qin music; " "Music from Zheng, Wei, Sangjian, Zhao, Yu, Wu, and Xiang is the music of other states." "Now we abandon striking clay pots and tapping earthen jars in favor of Zheng and Wei music, discard the zeng for Zhao and Yu—why is this so?" "It is merely to satisfy immediate pleasure and provide suitable entertainment." "But when it comes to selecting people, this is not the case. " "They do not inquire whether one is capable or not, nor consider right from wrong; those who are not Qin-born are dismissed and guest officials are expelled." "Thus, what is valued lies in beauty, music, pearls, and jade, while what is despised lies in the people." "This is not the method by which to dominate within the seas and control the feudal lords."
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| | 李斯列傳: |
臣聞地廣者粟多，國大者人眾，兵彊則士勇。是以太山不讓土壤，故能成其大；河海不擇細流，故能就其深；王者不卻眾庶，故能明其德。是以地無四方，民無異國，四時充美，鬼神降福，此五帝、三王之所以無敵也。今乃棄黔首以資敵國，卻賓客以業諸侯，使天下之士退而不敢西向，裹足不入秦，此所謂「藉寇兵而齎盜糧」者也。 |
| | "I have heard that a wide territory produces more grain, a large state has many people, and strong military forces make soldiers brave. " "Therefore, Mount Tai does not reject soil or dirt, which is why it can achieve such great height; " "rivers and seas do not choose between small streams, which is why they become so deep; " "a sovereign does not reject the common people, which is why he can illuminate his virtue." "Therefore, the land has no four directions as a boundary; people have no distinction of foreign or native. The four seasons are abundant and beautiful, and ghosts and gods bestow blessings—this is why the Five Emperors and Three Kings were invincible." "Now, however, we are abandoning the common people to enrich enemy states and expelling guests to benefit feudal lords. This causes talented men from all under heaven to retreat in fear of heading west and hesitate to enter Qin at all—this is what is called 'lending weapons to bandits and providing food for thieves.'"
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| | 李斯列傳: |
夫物不產於秦，可寶者多；士不產於秦，而願忠者眾。今逐客以資敵國，損民以益讎，內自虛而外樹怨於諸侯，求國無危，不可得也。 |
| | "Objects not produced in Qin yet possessing great value are numerous; " "Scholars not born in Qin who still wish to be loyal are also many." "Now, by expelling guests to strengthen enemy states and harming the people to benefit our enemies, we weaken ourselves internally while sowing resentment among feudal lords externally. To seek a state free from danger is impossible."
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| | 李斯列傳: |
秦王乃除逐客之令，復李斯官，卒用其計謀。官至廷尉。二十餘年，竟并天下，尊主為皇帝，以斯為丞相。夷郡縣城，銷其兵刃，示不復用。使秦無尺土之封，不立子弟為王，功臣為諸侯者，使後無戰攻之患。 |
| | King Qin then rescinded the order to expel guests, restored Li Si's position, and ultimately employed his strategies. He rose in rank to become Minister of Justice (Tingwei). After more than twenty years, Qin ultimately unified the entire world, honored its ruler as emperor, and appointed Li Si as Chancellor. He destroyed city walls of commanderies and counties, melted down weapons, and showed that they would not be used again. He ensured Qin did not grant even a square piece of land as fiefs, nor establish sons and brothers as kings or meritorious officials as feudal lords, so that future generations would be free from the troubles of war.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
始皇三十四年，置酒咸陽宮，博士仆射周青臣等頌始皇威德。齊人淳于越進諫曰：「臣聞之，殷周之王千餘歲，封子弟功臣自為支輔。今陛下有海內，而子弟為匹夫，卒有田常、六卿之患，臣無輔弼，何以相救哉？事不師古而能長久者，非所聞也。今青臣等又面諛以重陛下過，非忠臣也。」始皇下其議丞相。丞相謬其說，絀其辭，乃上書曰：「古者天下散亂，莫能相一，是以諸侯并作，語皆道古以害今，飾虛言以亂實，人善其所私學，以非上所建立。今陛下并有天下，別白黑而定一尊；而私學乃相與非法教之制，聞令下，即各以其私學議之，入則心非，出則巷議，非主以為名，異趣以為高，率群下以造謗。如此不禁，則主勢降乎上，黨與成乎下。禁之便。臣請諸有文學詩書百家語者，蠲除去之。令到滿三十日弗去，黥為城旦。所不去者，醫藥卜筮種樹之書。若有欲學者，以吏為師。」始皇可其議，收去詩書百家之語以愚百姓，使天下無以古非今。明法度，定律令，皆以始皇起。同文書。治離宮別館，周遍天下。明年，又巡狩，外攘四夷，斯皆有力焉。 |
| | In the 34th year of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's reign, a banquet was held at Xianyang Palace. The Doctor of Literature, Pushe Zhou Qingchen and others praised the emperor's power and virtue. The Qi native Chunyu Yue offered advice, saying: "I have heard that the kings of Yin and Zhou ruled for over a thousand years by enfeoffing their sons, brothers, and meritorious officials to serve as supporting branches. "Now Your Majesty rules over all under heaven, yet your sons and brothers are commoners. Should sudden troubles arise like those of Tian Chang or the Six Ministers, with no one to assist or advise you, how can they be resolved?" "I have never heard of a matter that does not follow ancient precedents yet endures for long." "Now, Zhou Qingchen and others flatter Your Majesty openly, worsening your mistakes—they are not loyal ministers.'" Emperor Qin Shi Huang referred the debate to the Chancellor. The Chancellor refuted their argument, dismissed their words as fallacious, and submitted a memorial stating: "In ancient times, the world was fragmented and chaotic, with no one able to unify it. Thus, feudal lords arose in competition. Their speeches all cited antiquity to harm the present, adorned false words to confuse reality, and individuals praised their own private schools of thought while criticizing institutions established by Your Majesty. "Now that Your Majesty unifies all under heaven, distinguishing right from wrong to establish a single authority; " "private schools, however, conspire to teach doctrines contrary to the state's regulations. Upon hearing an edict issued, they immediately debate it according to their own private teachings. Within, they criticize in secret; outside, they gossip in alleyways, using criticism of Your Majesty as a name for virtue and claiming superiority by following different paths, leading subjects into spreading slander." "If this is not prohibited, then the sovereign's authority will weaken above while factions form below. "It would be advantageous to prohibit it." "I request that all who possess writings of literature, poetry, the Book of Songs and Shu, or works from a hundred schools be purged and dismissed." "Those who do not remove these writings within thirty days after the order is issued shall be branded and conscripted for labor at dawn on city walls." "The books that may remain are those related to medicine, divination, fortune-telling, and agriculture. " "If anyone wishes to study, the officials shall be their teachers.'" Emperor Qin Shi Huang approved this proposal and confiscated all books of poetry, history, and the hundred schools to dull the minds of the people, ensuring that no one in the world would use antiquity to criticize the present. Clarifying legal statutes and establishing laws and decrees all began with Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Standardizing written scripts. He constructed palaces and pavilions, scattered throughout the entire realm. The following year, he embarked on another tour of inspection, repelling the four barbarian tribes from beyond the borders—Li Si played a significant role in these efforts.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
斯長男由為三川守，諸男皆尚秦公主，女悉嫁秦諸公子。三川守李由告歸咸陽，李斯置酒於家，百官長皆前為壽，門廷車騎以千數。李斯喟然而嘆曰：「嗟乎！吾聞之荀卿曰『物禁大盛』。夫斯乃上蔡布衣，閭巷之黔首，上不知其駑下，遂擢至此。當今人臣之位無居臣上者，可謂富貴極矣。物極則衰，吾未知所稅駕也！」 |
| | Li Si's eldest son, You, served as governor of the Three Rivers region; all his sons married princesses of Qin, and his daughters were all wed to princes of Qin. When the Three Rivers governor, Li You, returned to Xianyang on leave, Li Si hosted a banquet at his home. High-ranking officials all attended to offer their congratulations, and carriages and horsemen filled the courtyard in thousands. Li Si sighed deeply and said: "Alas! "I have heard from Xun Qing that 'things forbidden to grow too great will collapse.'" "I, Li Si, was once a commoner from Shangcai, an ordinary villager. The sovereign did not know my incompetence and yet promoted me to this position." "Now, among the ministers of the empire, none hold a higher rank than I. One might say my wealth and honor have reached their peak." "When things reach their extreme, they decline—I do not know where this journey will end!"
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| | 李斯列傳: |
始皇三十七年十月，行出游會稽，并海上，北抵瑯邪。丞相斯、中車府令趙高兼行符璽令事，皆從。始皇有二十餘子，長子扶蘇以數直諫上，上使監兵上郡，蒙恬為將。少子胡亥愛，請從，上許之。餘子莫從。 |
| | In the tenth month of the 37th year of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's reign, he embarked on a tour to Kuaiji, traveled along the coast, and went north as far as Langya. The Chancellor Li Si, the Director of the Central Chariot Office Zhao Gao—who also served concurrently as the official in charge of seals and insignias—both accompanied him. Emperor Qin Shi Huang had more than twenty sons; his eldest son, Fu Su, was often directly remonstrating with the emperor and thus was sent to supervise troops in Shangjun Commandery under General Meng Tian. His youngest son, Hu Hai, whom he loved dearly, requested to accompany him on the tour and was granted permission by the emperor. The other sons did not accompany him.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
其年七月，始皇帝至沙丘，病甚，令趙高為書賜公子扶蘇曰：「以兵屬蒙恬，與喪會咸陽而葬。」書已封，未授使者，始皇崩。書及璽皆在趙高所，獨子胡亥、丞相李斯、趙高及幸宦者五六人知始皇崩，餘群臣皆莫知也。李斯以為上在外崩，無真太子，故祕之。置始皇居輼輬車中，百官奏事上食如故，宦者輒從輼輬車中可諸奏事。 |
| | In the seventh month of that year, Emperor Qin Shi Huang arrived at Shachu and fell seriously ill. He ordered Zhao Gao to write a letter granting it to his son Fu Su: "Transfer your troops to Meng Tian and join the funeral procession in Xianyang for burial." The letter had been sealed but not yet given to an envoy when Emperor Qin Shi Huang died. The letter and the imperial seal were in Zhao Gao's possession. Only his son Hu Hai, Chancellor Li Si, Zhao Gao himself, and five or six favored eunuchs knew of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's death; none of the other officials did. Li Si believed that since the emperor had died while away from the capital and there was no clear designated crown prince, they should keep it secret. They placed Emperor Qin Shi Huang's body in a lacquered carriage, and as before, officials submitted reports and presented food. Eunuchs would immediately relay the emperor's approval of these matters from within the lacquered carriage.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
趙高因留所賜扶蘇璽書，而謂公子胡亥曰：「上崩，無詔封王諸子而獨賜長子書。長子至，即立為皇帝，而子無尺寸之地，為之柰何？」胡亥曰：「固也。吾聞之，明君知臣，明父知子。父捐命，不封諸子，何可言者！」趙高曰：「不然。方今天下之權，存亡在子與高及丞相耳，願子圖之。且夫臣人與見臣於人，制人與見制於人，豈可同日道哉！」胡亥曰：「廢兄而立弟，是不義也；不奉父詔而畏死，是不孝也；能薄而材谫，彊因人之功，是不能也：三者逆德，天下不服，身殆傾危，社稷不血食。」高曰：「臣聞湯、武殺其主，天下稱義焉，不為不忠。衛君殺其父，而衛國載其德，孔子著之，不為不孝。夫大行不小謹，盛德不辭讓，鄉曲各有宜而百官不同功。故顧小而忘大，後必有害；狐疑猶豫，後必有悔。斷而敢行，鬼神避之，後有成功。願子遂之！」胡亥喟然嘆曰：「今大行未發，喪禮未終，豈宜以此事干丞相哉！」趙高曰：「時乎時乎，閒不及謀！贏糧躍馬，唯恐後時！」 |
| | Zhao Gao therefore withheld the imperial seal and letter that had been given to Fu Su, and told Prince Hu Hai: "The emperor has died without issuing an edict appointing any of his sons as kings, but instead gave a special letter only to the eldest son. "When the eldest son arrives and is immediately declared emperor, you will have not an inch of territory. What are we to do about this?" Hu Hai said: "That is indeed a problem." "I have heard that an enlightened ruler knows his ministers, and a wise father understands his son. "The emperor has given up his life without bestowing any fiefdoms upon his sons—what can be said about this!" Zhao Gao said, "That is not the case. "Now, the power of the entire empire—its survival or destruction—rests only with you, me, and the Chancellor. I hope you will consider this carefully." "Moreover, being a master over others or being mastered by others—exercising control or being controlled—are these things to be spoken of on the same day!" Hu Hai said, "To depose an elder brother and install a younger one is unjust; "to disobey the father's decree out of fear of death is unfilial; "with shallow ability and mediocre talent, yet relying on others' achievements to seize power—that is incompetence. These three violations of virtue—disobedience, unfilial piety, and incompetence—will lead the empire not to accept me; my life will be in peril, and ancestral sacrifices for our state may cease." Zhao Gao said: "I have heard that Tang and Wu killed their sovereigns, yet the empire praised them as righteous—this was not considered disloyalty. "The ruler of Wei killed his father, but the state of Wei recorded his virtue; Confucius wrote about it and did not consider him unfilial. "Great actions need not be bound by minor caution, and great virtue does not shun taking action; local customs vary in appropriateness, and officials differ in their duties. "Therefore, to focus on small matters while neglecting the great will surely bring harm later. "To hesitate and waver will inevitably lead to regret afterward." "Decide boldly and act with courage, and even ghosts and gods will yield; success will surely follow." "I hope you proceed with this!" Hu Hai sighed and said, "Now that the great funeral rites have not yet begun and mourning ceremonies are incomplete, how can I involve the Chancellor in such a matter!" Zhao Gao said: "Opportunity! Opportunity! There is no time to deliberate!" "Seize the moment with haste and vigor, for one fears being too late!"
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| | 李斯列傳: |
胡亥既然高之言，高曰：「不與丞相謀，恐事不能成，臣請為子與丞相謀之。」高乃謂丞相斯曰：「上崩，賜長子書，與喪會咸陽而立為嗣。書未行，今上崩，未有知者也。所賜長子書及符璽皆在胡亥所，定太子在君侯與高之口耳。事將何如？」斯曰：「安得亡國之言！此非人臣所當議也！」高曰：「君侯自料能孰與蒙恬？功高孰與蒙恬？謀遠不失孰與蒙恬？無怨於天下孰與蒙恬？長子舊而信之孰與蒙恬？」斯曰：「此五者皆不及蒙恬，而君責之何深也？」高曰：「高固內官之廝役也，幸得以刀筆之文進入秦宮，管事二十餘年，未嘗見秦免罷丞相功臣有封及二世者也，卒皆以誅亡。皇帝二十餘子，皆君之所知。長子剛毅而武勇，信人而奮士，即位必用蒙恬為丞相，君侯終不懷通侯之印歸於鄉里，明矣。高受詔教習胡亥，使學以法事數年矣，未嘗見過失。慈仁篤厚，輕財重士，辯於心而詘於口，盡禮敬士，秦之諸子未有及此者，可以為嗣。君計而定之。」斯曰：「君其反位！斯奉主之詔，聽天之命，何慮之可定也？」高曰：「安可危也，危可安也。安危不定，何以貴聖？」斯曰：「斯，上蔡閭巷布衣也，上幸擢為丞相，封為通侯，子孫皆至尊位重祿者，故將以存亡安危屬臣也。豈可負哉！夫忠臣不避死而庶幾，孝子不勤勞而見危，人臣各守其職而已矣。君其勿復言，將令斯得罪。」高曰：「蓋聞聖人遷徙無常，就變而從時，見末而知本，觀指而睹歸。物固有之，安得常法哉！方今天下之權命懸於胡亥，高能得志焉。且夫從外制中謂之惑，從下制上謂之賊。故秋霜降者草花落，水搖動者萬物作，此必然之效也。君何見之晚？」斯曰：「吾聞晉易太子，三世不安；齊桓兄弟爭位，身死為戮；紂殺親戚，不聽諫者，國為丘墟，遂危社稷：三者逆天，宗廟不血食。斯其猶人哉，安足為謀！」高曰：「上下合同，可以長久；中外若一，事無表裏。君聽臣之計，即長有封侯，世世稱孤，必有喬松之壽，孔、墨之智。今釋此而不從，禍及子孫，足以為寒心。善者因禍為福，君何處焉？」斯乃仰天而嘆，垂淚太息曰：「嗟乎！獨遭亂世，既以不能死，安託命哉！」於是斯乃聽高。高乃報胡亥曰：「臣請奉太子之明命以報丞相，丞相斯敢不奉令！」 |
| | Hu Hai accepted Zhao Gao's words. Zhao Gao said, "If we do not consult the Chancellor, I fear the matter will not succeed; allow me to discuss it with him on your behalf." Zhao Gao then said to Chancellor Li Si: "The emperor has died and left a letter for the eldest son, instructing him to join the funeral in Xianyang and be declared heir. "The letter has not yet been delivered; now that the emperor is dead, no one else knows about it." "The letter and seal given to the eldest son are in Prince Hu Hai's possession; the designation of a crown prince now rests solely on your words, Lord Chancellor, and mine." "What do you think we should do about this?" Li Si said, "How can you utter words that would bring ruin to the state! "This is not a matter for ministers to discuss!" Zhao Gao said: "Lord Chancellor, do you yourself think your ability compares with Meng Tian's? "Whose achievements surpass those of Meng Tian? "Who is more far-sighted and reliable than Meng Tian? "Who has fewer grievances from the people than Meng Tian? "And who is more trusted by the eldest son than Meng Tian?" Li Si said: "In all these five aspects, I am inferior to Meng Tian; yet why do you hold me to such a high standard?" Zhao Gao said: "I am merely an eunuch, fortunate enough to have entered the Qin palace through my clerical skills and served for more than twenty years. I have never seen a Qin emperor who dismissed or executed a prime minister or meritorious official while bestowing fiefs upon their successors; in the end, all such officials were punished and perished. "The emperor has more than twenty sons, a fact you yourself are aware of. "The eldest son is resolute, brave, and trustworthy, inspiring his soldiers. If he ascends the throne, he will surely appoint Meng Tian as chancellor. It is clear that you, Lord Chancellor, will never return to your hometown holding the seal of a marquis." Zhao Gao had been entrusted with teaching and instructing Hu Hai for several years, guiding him in legal matters; he had never seen any faults or mistakes. "He is kind, sincere, and generous, valuing scholars over wealth. Though wise in mind, he is reserved in speech, always courteous to men of virtue. Among the emperor's sons, none match his qualities—he would be a suitable heir." "You must deliberate and decide accordingly." Li Si said: "You should return to your proper place! "I follow the emperor's decree and accept Heaven's will—what is there for me to deliberate?" Zhao Gao said: "Safety can turn into danger, and danger can become safety. "If safety and danger are not fixed, how can we value wisdom?" Li Si said: "I, Li Si, am but a commoner from the lanes of Shangcai. The emperor favored me by appointing me chancellor and bestowing upon me the title of Tong Hou; my descendants have all attained high positions and generous salaries. Therefore, he entrusted to me the fate of life and death, safety and danger of the state. "How could I betray such trust!" "A loyal minister does not avoid death in order to achieve righteousness; a filial son does not neglect duty and face danger. All ministers need do is uphold their duties." "Do not speak of this again, or you will cause me to commit an offense." Zhao Gao said: "I have heard that a sage does not adhere to fixed ways, but adapts to change and follows the times; he sees the branches and knows the root, observes the direction and understands the destination. "Things have always changed in this way—how can there be a constant law!" "Now, the fate of the empire rests with Prince Hu Hai; I, Zhao Gao, will achieve my ambitions. "Moreover, to control from outside what is within is called confusion; to dominate the superior with the inferior is called banditry. "Therefore, when autumn frost falls, grass and flowers wither; when water stirs, all things arise—this is an inevitable result. "Why are you so slow to understand this?" Li Si said: "I have heard that when the state of Jin changed its crown prince, three generations suffered unrest; "the brothers of Duke Huan of Qi contended for the throne and ended up being killed in disgrace; "King Zhou of Shang executed his relatives and refused to heed remonstrances, resulting in the destruction of his state into a wasteland and endangering the dynasty: these three violations of Heaven's will led to ancestral temples no longer receiving sacrifices." "I am but an ordinary man like others—how could I possibly devise such plans!" Zhao Gao said: "When the ruler and subjects are united, stability can endure; "when the court and the realm are as one, there will be no duplicity in affairs. "If you follow my plan, you will forever hold the title of marquis and be honored as a lord for generations. You will surely enjoy the longevity of Qiao Song and the wisdom of Kongzi and Mozi." "If you now abandon this opportunity, disaster will befall your descendants—this is enough to chill one's heart. "The wise turn misfortune into fortune; where do you stand in such a choice?" Li Si then looked up to the sky and sighed, shedding tears as he lamented: "Alas! "I alone have encountered this chaotic age. Having already failed in my duty of death, to whom can I entrust my fate!" Thus Li Si agreed with Zhao Gao's plan. Zhao Gao then reported to Hu Hai: "I will convey the prince's command as if it were an imperial decree from the crown prince and present it to the Chancellor. Chancellor Li Si would dare not refuse the order!"
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於是乃相與謀，詐為受始皇詔丞相，立子胡亥為太子。更為書賜長子扶蘇曰：「朕巡天下，禱祠名山諸神以延壽命。今扶蘇與將軍蒙恬將師數十萬以屯邊，十有餘年矣，不能進而前，士卒多秏，無尺寸之功，乃反數上書直言誹謗我所為，以不得罷歸為太子，日夜怨望。扶蘇為人子不孝，其賜劍以自裁！將軍恬與扶蘇居外，不匡正，宜知其謀。為人臣不忠，其賜死，以兵屬裨將王離。」封其書以皇帝璽，遣胡亥客奉書賜扶蘇於上郡。 |
| | Thus, they conspired together and forged a document as if it were an edict from Emperor Qin Shi Huang to the Chancellor, declaring Prince Hu Hai as crown prince. They also forged another letter to be given to the eldest son Fu Su: "I have toured the empire, offering sacrifices at famous mountains and shrines to the gods in hopes of prolonging my life. "Now, Fu Su and General Meng Tian have led an army of hundreds of thousands to garrison the frontier for more than ten years. They have failed to advance, their troops are greatly depleted, and they have achieved no merit at all. Instead, they repeatedly submitted letters with blunt criticisms against my actions, complaining that I did not relieve them from duty and appoint Fu Su as crown prince; day and night, they harbor resentment." "As a son, Fu Su is unfilial. I hereby bestow upon him a sword to commit suicide with!" "General Meng Tian has lived in the frontier alongside Fu Su and failed to correct his behavior; he must have known of this plot. "As a minister, Meng Tian is disloyal. I hereby order him to be executed and transfer his troops to the deputy general Wang Li." They sealed the letter with the imperial seal, sent Hu Hai's guest to deliver it to Fu Su in Shangjun Commandery.
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使者至，發書，扶蘇泣，入內舍，欲自殺。蒙恬止扶蘇曰：「陛下居外，未立太子，使臣將三十萬眾守邊，公子為監，此天下重任也。今一使者來，即自殺，安知其非詐？請復請，復請而後死，未暮也。」使者數趣之。扶蘇為人仁，謂蒙恬曰：「父而賜子死，尚安復請！」即自殺。蒙恬不肯死，使者即以屬吏，系於陽周。 |
| | When the envoy arrived and delivered the letter, Fu Su wept, went into his private quarters, and was about to commit suicide. Meng Tian stopped Fu Su, saying: "The emperor is away from the capital and has not yet designated a crown prince. He entrusted me with thirty thousand troops to defend the frontier while you served as his supervisor—this was an immense responsibility for the empire. "Now, a single envoy arrives and you are about to kill yourself—how do we know this is not a deception? "Please request confirmation first. After receiving it, then commit suicide—it is not too late." The envoy repeatedly urged him to act. Fu Su, being a kind-hearted man, said to Meng Tian: "If the father commands his son to die, how can one still request confirmation!" And so he committed suicide. Meng Tian refused to die, and the envoy immediately handed him over to local officials, who imprisoned him in Yangzhou.
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使者還報，胡亥、斯、高大喜。至咸陽，發喪，太子立為二世皇帝。以趙高為郎中令，常侍中用事。 |
| | When the envoy returned with news of this, Hu Hai, Li Si, and Zhao Gao were greatly pleased. Upon arriving in Xianyang, they announced the emperor's death, and the crown prince was enthroned as Emperor Er Shi. Zhao Gao was appointed Minister of the Imperial Guards (Langzhong Ling) and remained in constant attendance, wielding power within the palace.
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二世燕居，乃召高與謀事，謂曰：「夫人生居世閒也，譬猶騁六驥過決隙也。吾既已臨天下矣，欲悉耳目之所好，窮心志之所樂，以安宗廟而樂萬姓，長有天下，終吾年壽，其道可乎？」高曰：「此賢主之所能行也，而昏亂主之所禁也。臣請言之，不敢避斧鉞之誅，願陛下少留意焉。夫沙丘之謀，諸公子及大臣皆疑焉，而諸公子盡帝兄，大臣又先帝之所置也。今陛下初立，此其屬意怏怏皆不服，恐為變。且蒙恬已死，蒙毅將兵居外，臣戰戰栗栗，唯恐不終。且陛下安得為此樂乎？」二世曰：「為之柰何？」趙高曰：「嚴法而刻刑，令有罪者相坐誅，至收族，滅大臣而遠骨肉；貧者富之，賤者貴之。盡除去先帝之故臣，更置陛下之所親信者近之。此則陰德歸陛下，害除而姦謀塞，群臣莫不被潤澤，蒙厚德，陛下則高枕肆志寵樂矣。計莫出於此。」二世然高之言，乃更為法律。於是群臣諸公子有罪，輒下高，令鞠治之。殺大臣蒙毅等，公子十二人僇死咸陽市，十公主僇死於杜，財物入於縣官，相連坐者不可勝數。 |
| | When Emperor Er Shi was at leisure, he summoned Zhao Gao and discussed matters with him, saying: "A man's life in this world is like a galloping six-horse chariot passing through a narrow gap. I have already taken control of the empire, and I wish to fully indulge my senses in what pleases them, to exhaustively pursue the joys that satisfy my heart and mind. In doing so, I hope to bring peace to our ancestral temple and happiness to all the people, thus securing lasting rule over the empire for the rest of my life. Is this a viable path?" Zhao Gao said: "This is something that a wise ruler can achieve, but it is precisely what an ignorant and chaotic ruler would prohibit. "Please allow me to explain; I dare not avoid the punishment of cleaver and axe, but I hope Your Majesty will give it some thought." "The plot at Shaqiu has caused doubts among the imperial princes and high-ranking ministers. These princes are all Your Majesty's elder brothers, and the ministers were appointed by the late emperor." "Now that Your Majesty has just ascended the throne, these men are all discontented and may not be obedient; they might even cause a rebellion." "Moreover, Meng Tian is already dead, and Meng Yi commands troops stationed outside. I tremble with fear, dreading that this situation will not end well." "How can Your Majesty possibly enjoy such pleasures?" Emperor Er Shi asked, "Then what should be done about this?" Zhao Gao said: "Enforce strict laws and harsh punishments, ordering that those who commit crimes be punished along with their families, even to the point of exterminating entire clans. Eliminate high-ranking ministers and distance close relatives; Make the poor rich and elevate those who are lowly to positions of honor. Remove entirely all the late emperor's old ministers, replacing them with those personally trusted by Your Majesty and placing them in close proximity to you. In this way, the hidden virtue will return to Your Majesty; evils are removed and treacherous plots blocked. All ministers will be blessed with benefits and receive great kindness from you. Then, Your Majesty may rest in peace, indulge your desires, and enjoy honor and pleasure without worry. "There is no better plan than this." Emperor Er Shi approved Zhao Gao's words and thus revised the laws. Therefore, whenever high-ranking ministers or imperial princes committed crimes, they were immediately referred to Zhao Gao, who was ordered to investigate and handle the cases. They executed high-ranking ministers such as Meng Yi, and twelve imperial princes were publicly beheaded in Xianyang market; ten princesses were similarly killed at Du. Their possessions were confiscated by the county authorities, and countless others were implicated through collective punishment.
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公子高欲奔，恐收族，乃上書曰：「先帝無恙時，臣入則賜食，出則乘輿。御府之衣，臣得賜之；中廄之寶馬，臣得賜之。臣當從死而不能，為人子不孝，為人臣不忠。不忠者無名以立於世，臣請從死，願葬酈山之足。唯上幸哀憐之。」書上，胡亥大說，召趙高而示之，曰：「此可謂急乎？」趙高曰：「人臣當憂死而不暇，何變之得謀！」胡亥可其書，賜錢十萬以葬。 |
| | Prince Gao wanted to flee, but feared that his entire clan would be executed. So he submitted a memorial saying: "When the late emperor was in good health, I was granted food when entering court and allowed to ride in a carriage when leaving. The robes from the imperial wardrobe were bestowed upon me; the fine horses from the central stables, I was also granted. I should have followed him in death but failed to do so; as a son, this is unfilial, and as a minister, it is disloyal. An unfaithful man has no name to stand in the world; I beg to be allowed to die with him, and wish to be buried at the foot of Lishan Mountain. I only hope Your Majesty will show me mercy." When the memorial was submitted, Hu Hai was greatly pleased. He summoned Zhao Gao to show it to him and said: "Can this be called urgent?" Zhao Gao replied, "A subject should be so preoccupied with the fear of death that he has no time to plot any rebellion!" Hu Hai approved his request and granted ten thousand coins for burial expenses.
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法令誅罰日益刻深，群臣人人自危，欲畔者眾。又作阿房之宮，治直［道］、馳道，賦斂愈重，戍傜無已。於是楚戍卒陳勝、吳廣等乃作亂，起於山東，傑俊相立，自置為侯王，叛秦，兵至鴻門而卻。李斯數欲請閒諫，二世不許。而二世責問李斯曰：「吾有私議而有所聞於韓子也，曰『堯之有天下也，堂高三尺，采椽不斲，茅茨不翦，雖逆旅之宿不勤於此矣。冬日鹿裘，夏日葛衣，粢糲之食，藜藿之羹，飯土匭，啜土鉶，雖監門之養不觳於此矣。禹鑿龍門，通大夏，疏九河，曲九防，決渟水致之海，而股無胈，脛無毛，手足胼胝，面目黎黑，遂以死于外，葬於會稽，臣虜之勞不烈於此矣』。然則夫所貴於有天下者，豈欲苦形勞神，身處逆旅之宿，口食監門之養，手持臣虜之作哉？此不肖人之所勉也，非賢者之所務也。彼賢人之有天下也，專用天下適己而已矣，此所貴於有天下也。夫所謂賢人者，必能安天下而治萬民，今身且不能利，將惡能治天下哉！笔吾願賜志廣欲，長享天下而無害，為之柰何？」李斯子由為三川守，群盜吳廣等西略地，過去弗能禁。章邯以破逐廣等兵，使者覆案三川相屬，誚讓斯居三公位，如何令盜如此。李斯恐懼，重爵祿，不知所出，乃阿二世意，欲求容，以書對曰： |
| | The laws and punishments became increasingly harsh, causing every minister to live in constant fear; many were eager to rebel. They also constructed the Afang Palace, built the straight road and express roads, imposed even heavier taxes and levies, and conscripted endless numbers of men for military service and corvée labor. At this time, the Chu conscripts Chen Sheng and Wu Guang rebelled, rising in Shandong. Outstanding leaders emerged one after another, proclaiming themselves marquises and kings, rebelling against the Qin dynasty. Their forces advanced as far as Hongmen before retreating. Li Si repeatedly wanted to request a private audience to offer advice, but Emperor Er Shi did not permit it. Emperor Er Shi then questioned Li Si, saying: "I have heard a private discussion from Han Feizi, who said, 'When Yao ruled the empire, his hall was only three chi high, the beams were left uncarved, and the thatched roof was not trimmed. Even the accommodations of an inn would be less arduous than this." "In winter he wore a deer hide robe, and in summer a hemp tunic. His food was coarse grain porridge and stew made from wild vegetables; his rice was cooked in earthen bowls and his soup ladled with earthen ladles. Even the rations of a gatekeeper were not as meager as this." "Yu the Great chiseled open Longmen, connected Daxia, dredged nine rivers, constructed nine embankments, and drained stagnant water to send it into the sea. His thighs had no flesh left, his shins were hairless, his hands and feet calloused, and his face and complexion darkened with labor, until he died outside and was buried at Kuaiji. The hardships of a slave or captive could not surpass this." "Yet, if the value of possessing the empire is such, how could it be that one desires to endure physical hardship and mental strain, living like a guest in an inn, eating food no better than a gatekeeper's ration, and performing labor akin to that of a slave?" "This is what the unworthy strive for; it is not the pursuit of the virtuous." The virtuous man who rules the empire uses the entire world solely to satisfy himself; this is what makes possessing the empire valuable. The so-called virtuous ruler must be able to bring peace to the world and govern its people. Now, if one cannot even benefit himself, how can he possibly rule over all under heaven!" "I wish to be granted the will and desire for great things, to enjoy lasting dominion over the empire without harm. What should I do about this?" Li Si's son, Li You, was governor of Sanchuan Commandery. When the rebel forces led by Wu Guang and others moved westward to seize territory, he failed to stop them. Zhang Han defeated and drove back Wu Guang's forces, and imperial envoys investigated the Sanchuan region repeatedly, censuring Li Si for holding a high ministerial position yet allowing bandits to reach such levels. Li Si, fearing for his life and valuing his rank and salary highly, did not know what to do. So he flattered Emperor Er Shi's wishes in an attempt to gain favor, and submitted a written response saying:
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夫賢主者，必且能全道而行督責之術者也。督責之，則臣不敢不竭能以徇其主矣。此臣主之分定，上下之義明，則天下賢不肖莫敢不盡力竭任以徇其君矣。是故主獨制於天下而無所制也。能窮樂之極矣，賢明之主也，可不察焉！ |
| | "A wise ruler must be one who can fully uphold the Way and employ the method of strict supervision and accountability." "If he supervises and holds them accountable, then ministers will not dare to withhold their abilities but must strive wholeheartedly for their ruler. "This defines the fixed relationship between minister and sovereign, clarifies the proper conduct of superiors and subordinates; thus, all in the world—whether virtuous or unworthy—will dare not fail to exert their utmost efforts for their ruler." "Therefore, the sovereign alone holds absolute authority over all under heaven and is subject to no constraints. "He can thus attain the utmost in pleasure; this is a wise and enlightened ruler, one who cannot be ignored!"
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| | 李斯列傳: |
故《》曰「有天下而不恣睢，命之曰以天下為桎梏」者，無他焉，不能督責，而顧以其身勞於天下之民，若堯、禹然，故謂之「桎梏」也。夫不能修申、韓之明術，行督責之道，專以天下自適也，而徒務苦形勞神，以身徇百姓，則是黔首之役，非畜天下者也，何足貴哉！夫以人徇己，則己貴而人賤；以己徇人，則己賤而人貴。故徇人者賤，而人所徇者貴，自古及今，未有不然者也。凡古之所為尊賢者，為其貴也；而所為惡不肖者，為其賤也。而堯、禹以身徇天下者也，因隨而尊之，則亦失所為尊賢之心矣，夫可謂大繆矣。謂之為「桎梏」，不亦宜乎？不能督責之過也。 |
| | Hence, the Shenzidian says: "To possess the empire yet not indulge freely is called 'bearing the empire as a fetter.' There is no other reason for this than the ruler's failure to enforce strict accountability and instead devoting himself laboriously to the people of the world, like Yao or Yu. Hence it is termed 'a fetter.'" "To fail to cultivate the clear methods of Shen Buhai and Han Feizi, or to follow the path of strict accountability, yet instead merely strive to endure physical hardship and exert mental effort for the sake of the people, sacrificing oneself for the common folk—this is nothing more than being a servant to the commoners, not ruling over all under heaven. What value can such an approach hold!" To make people serve oneself elevates one's own status while degrading others; to sacrifice oneself for the sake of others is to degrade oneself and elevate them. Therefore, those who serve others are lowly, while those for whom service is rendered are esteemed; from ancient times to the present, there has never been a different case. The reason why in antiquity the virtuous were honored was because they held high status; and the reason why the unworthy were despised was because of their lowliness. Yet Yao and Yu sacrificed themselves for the world, so people followed by honoring them. But this also deviates from the original intent of respecting virtue; it can truly be called a great error. To call such rulers "fetters" is not inappropriate, is it? This is the fault of failing to enforce strict accountability.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
故韓子曰：「慈母有敗子而嚴家無格虜」者，何也？則能罰之加焉必也。故商君之法，刑棄灰於道者。夫棄灰，薄罪也，而被刑，重罰也。彼唯明主為能深督輕罪。夫罪輕且督深，而況有重罪乎？故民不敢犯也。是故韓子曰「布帛尋常，庸人不釋，鑠金百溢，盜跖不搏」者，非庸人之心重，尋常之利深，而盜跖之欲淺也；又不以盜跖之行，為輕百鎰之重也。搏必隨手刑，則盜跖不搏百鎰；而罰不必行也，則庸人不釋尋常。是故城高五丈，而樓季不輕犯也；泰山之高百仞，而跛羊牧其上。夫樓季也而難五丈之限，豈跛羊也而易百仞之高哉？峭塹之勢異也。明主聖王之所以能久處尊位，長執重勢，而獨擅天下之利者，非有異道也，能獨斷而審督責，必深罰，故天下不敢犯也。今不務所以不犯，而事慈母之所以敗子也，則亦不察於聖人之論矣。夫不能行聖人之術，則舍為天下役何事哉？可不哀邪！ |
| | Hence Han Feizi said: "A kind mother has a wayward son, while a strict household has no unruly slaves"—why is this so? It is because punishment must be applied without fail. Therefore, the laws of Shang Yang prescribed corporal punishment for anyone who discarded ashes on the road. Discarding ashes is a minor offense, yet it was punished with corporal punishment—a severe penalty. Only an enlightened ruler can impose strict supervision for even minor offenses. If a light offense is met with severe oversight, then what of serious crimes? Therefore, the people dare not commit offenses. This is why Han Feizi said: "Common people do not let go of ordinary cloth and thread, while the bandit Zhi does not seize even a hundred dou of molten gold." This is not because common people value such things more or find them more profitable, nor because Zhi desires less. It is also not that Zhi considers a hundred yi of weight to be light in value based on his bandit conduct. If seizing such wealth inevitably leads to immediate punishment, then Zhi would not dare seize even a hundred yi; but if punishment is never certain, then common people will not let go of their ordinary gains. łoż This is why even a city wall five zhang high would not be lightly breached by Lou Ji; even though Mount Tai rises hundreds of ren in height, lame sheep still graze on its slopes. If Lou Ji finds it difficult to breach a five-zhang barrier, how could lame sheep find it easy to ascend the hundred-ren height of Mount Tai? It is because the nature and circumstances of the obstacles differ. The reason why enlightened rulers and sage kings can long remain in positions of honor, hold great power for extended periods, and exclusively monopolize the benefits of all under heaven is not because they follow a different path. Rather, it is because they alone possess the authority to make decisions and strictly enforce accountability, imposing severe punishments so that no one dares to commit offenses. Now, if one does not focus on measures to prevent wrongdoing but instead follows the ways of a kind mother who unintentionally spoils her son, then he has failed to understand the teachings of the sage. If one cannot practice the methods of the sages, then what else is he but a servant to all under heaven? What purpose does his existence serve?" How pitiable this is!
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| | 李斯列傳: |
且夫儉節仁義之人立於朝，則荒肆之樂輟矣；諫說論理之臣閒於側，則流漫之志詘矣；烈士死節之行顯於世，則淫康之虞廢矣。故明主能外此三者，而獨操主術以制聽從之臣，而修其明法，故身尊而勢重也。凡賢主者，必將能拂世磨俗，而廢其所惡，立其所欲，故生則有尊重之勢，死則有賢明之謚也。是以明君獨斷，故權不在臣也。然後能滅仁義之涂，掩馳說之口，困烈士之行，塞聰揜明，內獨視聽，故外不可傾以仁義烈士之行，而內不可奪以諫說忿爭之辯。故能犖然獨行恣睢之心而莫之敢逆。若此然後可謂能明申、韓之術，而修商君之法。法修術明而天下亂者，未之聞也。故曰「王道約而易操」也。唯明主為能行之。若此則謂督責之誠，則臣無邪，臣無邪則天下安，天下安則主嚴尊，主嚴尊則督責必，督責必則所求得，所求得則國家富，國家富則君樂豐。故督責之術設，則所欲無不得矣。群臣百姓救過不給，何變之敢圖？若此則帝道備，而可謂能明君臣之術矣。雖申、韓復生，不能加也。 |
| | Moreover, if frugal and virtuous men of benevolence and righteousness hold positions in court, then licentious pleasures will cease; if ministers who advise with reason and logic stand at the ruler's side, then reckless ambitions will be curbed; and if loyal men who die for their principles are honored in society, then indulgent and decadent pursuits will be abandoned. Therefore, an enlightened ruler can set aside these three influences and solely wield the sovereign's method to control obedient ministers while refining his clear laws. This is why he attains personal prestige and great authority. All virtuous rulers must be able to oppose prevailing customs and eradicate what they dislike, establishing instead what they desire. Thus, when alive, they enjoy respect and authority; after death, they receive posthumous titles of virtue and wisdom. This is why an enlightened ruler makes decisions alone—thus the power does not lie with his ministers. Only then can he extinguish the path of benevolence and righteousness, silence those who speak eloquently but recklessly, hinder the actions of loyal men, block wisdom and insight from within, and rely solely on his own judgment. Thus, externally, he cannot be swayed by the conduct of virtuous and loyal individuals, nor internally can he be moved by arguments or disputes from advisors. Therefore, he is able to act with complete self-indulgence, following his own desires without anyone daring to oppose him. Only in this way can one be said to truly understand the methods of Shen Buhai and Hanfeizi, and to have refined the laws of Shang Yang. There has never been a case where clear laws and well-understood methods led to chaos in the world. Hence it is said, "The Way of kingship is concise and easy to practice." Only an enlightened ruler is capable of carrying it out. If this is done, then the principle of strict accountability will be genuinely implemented. When that happens, ministers will have no malice; when ministers are free from malice, the world will enjoy peace; with a peaceful world, the ruler gains authority and respect; with authority and respect, strict accountability becomes certain; with certainty in accountability, whatever is desired can be achieved; when desires are fulfilled, the state grows wealthy; and as the state prospers, the ruler enjoys abundant pleasures. Therefore, once the method of strict accountability is established, whatever one desires can be obtained without fail. Ministers and commoners will be so busy correcting their own mistakes that they dare not even consider rebellion. In this way, the path of imperial rule is complete, and one may be said to have truly mastered the art of ruler-minister relations. Even if Shen Buhai or Han Feizi were to return to life, they could not surpass this.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
書奏，二世悅。於是行督責益嚴，稅民深者為明吏。二世曰：「若此則可謂能督責矣。」刑者相半於道，而死人日成積於市。殺人眾者為忠臣。二世曰：「若此則可謂能督責矣。」 |
| | When the memorial was presented, Emperor Er Shi was pleased. Thus, the implementation of strict accountability became even harsher, and officials who heavily taxed the people were considered capable administrators. Emperor Er Shi said: "If this is so, then one may be said to truly possess the ability of strict accountability." The streets were half-filled with criminals, and corpses piled up daily in the marketplace. Those who killed many people were regarded as loyal ministers. Emperor Er Shi said: "If this is so, one may be said to possess the ability of strict accountability."
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| | 李斯列傳: |
初，趙高為郎中令，所殺及報私怨眾多，恐大臣入朝奏事毀惡之，乃說二世曰：「天子所以貴者，但以聞聲，群臣莫得見其面，故號曰『朕』。且陛下富於春秋，未必盡通諸事，今坐朝廷，譴舉有不當者，則見短於大臣，非所以示神明於天下也。且陛下深拱禁中，與臣及侍中習法者待事，事來有以揆之。如此則大臣不敢奏疑事，天下稱聖主矣。」二世用其計，乃不坐朝廷見大臣，居禁中。趙高常侍中用事，事皆決於趙高。 |
| | Initially, Zhao Gao served as Langzhongling (Minister of the Guards), and had killed many people or settled private grudges. Fearing that ministers might criticize him when they came to court to report affairs, he advised Emperor Er Shi: "The reason why a Son of Heaven is so respected is merely because his presence is heard but not seen; no minister can behold his face, hence the title 'Zhen' (I)." Moreover, although Your Majesty is young and may not yet fully understand all matters of state, if you now sit in court and criticize or reprimand someone unjustly, it will reveal your shortcomings before the ministers. This would not be a way to demonstrate divine wisdom to the people throughout the land. Furthermore, Your Majesty should remain in deep seclusion within the palace and consult with me and the attendants who are well-versed in legal matters. When affairs arise, we will have the means to assess them properly. In this way, ministers would dare not present doubtful or questionable matters, and the whole world would acclaim Your Majesty as a sage ruler." Emperor Er Shi adopted his plan. Thus he no longer sat in court to meet with ministers, but remained secluded within the palace. Zhao Gao often served as an attendant and held power; all affairs were decided by Zhao Gao.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
高聞李斯以為言，乃見丞相曰：「關東群盜多，今上急益發繇治阿房宮，聚狗馬無用之物。臣欲諫，為位賤。此真君侯之事，君何不諫？」李斯曰：「固也，吾欲言之久矣。今時上不坐朝廷，上居深宮，吾有所言者，不可傳也，欲見無閒。」趙高謂曰：「君誠能諫，請為君候上閒語君。」於是趙高待二世方燕樂，婦女居前，使人告丞相：「上方閒，可奏事。」丞相至宮門上謁，如此者三。二世怒曰：「吾常多閒日，丞相不來。吾方燕私，丞相輒來請事。丞相豈少我哉？且固我哉？」趙高因曰：「如此殆矣！夫沙丘之謀，丞相與焉。今陛下已立為帝，而丞相貴不益，此其意亦望裂地而王矣。且陛下不問臣，臣不敢言。丞相長男李由為三川守，楚盜陳勝等皆丞相傍縣之子，以故楚盜公行，過三川，城守不肯擊。高聞其文書相往來，未得其審，故未敢以聞。且丞相居外，權重於陛下。」二世以為然。欲案丞相，恐其不審，乃使人案驗三川守與盜通狀。李斯聞之。 |
| | Zhao Gao, having heard that Li Si had spoken against this, went to see the Chancellor and said: "There are many rebels in Guandong. Now His Majesty urgently orders more conscripts to be sent for building the Afang Palace and is gathering useless things like dogs and horses. I wish to remonstrate, but my position is too lowly. This truly falls within your Excellency's responsibility; why do you not remonstrate?" Li Si said, "That is true. I have long wanted to speak out on this matter. Now that the Emperor does not sit in court, but resides deep within the palace, whatever I wish to say cannot be conveyed. I have no opportunity to meet with him." Zhao Gao said: "If you are truly willing to remonstrate, please allow me to find an opportunity for you to speak with the Emperor." Thus Zhao Gao waited until Emperor Er Shi was engaged in leisure and entertainment, with women present before him. Then he sent someone to inform the Chancellor: "His Majesty is now free; you may come forward to report affairs." The Chancellor arrived at the palace gate and made his request, doing so three times. Emperor Er Shi became angry and said: "I often have many free days, yet the Chancellor never comes." "When I am engaged in private leisure, the Chancellor always comes to request an audience. "Does the Chancellor truly need me so much?" Or is it that he wants to bind me tightly?" Zhao Gao then said: "In this case, the situation is dangerous! The plot at Shaqiu involved the Chancellor as well. Now that Your Majesty has ascended to the throne, yet the Chancellor's rank and wealth have not increased; this indicates he must be hoping for a fiefdom of his own. Moreover, if Your Majesty does not ask me, I dare not speak. The Chancellor's eldest son, Li You, is the governor of Sanchuan. The rebel Chen Sheng and others from Chu are all sons of people from counties near the Chancellor; therefore, these rebels have acted openly in public, passing through Sanchuan, while the city's garrison refused to attack them. Zhao Gao heard of their correspondence but had not yet obtained conclusive evidence, so he dared not report it. Moreover, the Chancellor holds power outside the palace and his authority is greater than Your Majesty's." Emperor Er Shi believed this to be true. He wished to investigate the Chancellor, but fearing that the accusations might not be substantiated, he sent someone to examine and verify whether the governor of Sanchuan had indeed conspired with the rebels. Li Si heard about this.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
是時二世在甘泉，方作觳抵優俳之觀。李斯不得見，因上書言趙高之短曰：「臣聞之，臣疑其君，無不危國；妾疑其夫，無不危家。今有大臣於陛下擅利擅害，與陛下無異，此甚不便。昔者司城子罕相宋，身行刑罰，以威行之，朞年遂劫其君。田常為簡公臣，爵列無敵於國，私家之富與公家均，布惠施德，下得百姓，上得群臣，陰取齊國，殺宰予於庭，即弒簡公於朝，遂有齊國。此天下所明知也。今高有邪佚之志，危反之行，如子罕相宋也；私家之富，若田氏之於齊也。兼行田常、子罕之逆道而劫陛下之威信，其志若韓玘為韓安相也。陛下不圖，臣恐其為變也。」二世曰：「何哉？夫高，故宦人也，然不為安肆志，不以危易心，絜行修善，自使至此，以忠得進，以信守位，朕實賢之，而君疑之，何也？且朕少失先人，無所識知，不習治民，而君又老，恐與天下絕矣。朕非屬趙君，當誰任哉？且趙君為人精廉彊力，下知人情，上能適朕，君其勿疑。」李斯曰：「不然。夫高，故賤人也，無識於理，貪欲無厭，求利不止，列勢次主，求欲無窮，臣故曰殆。」二世已前信趙高，恐李斯殺之，乃私告趙高。高曰：「丞相所患者獨高，高已死，丞相即欲為田常所為。」於是二世曰：「其以李斯屬郎中令！」 |
| | At that time, Emperor Er Shi was at Ganquan, where he was watching performances of hudi and yupai entertainments. Unable to meet with the emperor, Li Si submitted a memorial denouncing Zhao Gao's faults and said: "I have heard that when a minister doubts his ruler, it is always dangerous for the state; when a wife suspects her husband, it is inevitably harmful to the family. Now there are ministers who act arbitrarily in taking benefits and inflicting harm, as if they were Your Majesty himself; this is most inconvenient. In the past, Sicheng Zihan served as prime minister of Song; he personally carried out punishments and enforced authority through fear. After a year, he eventually seized power from his ruler. Tian Chang was a minister of King Jian Gong. He held the highest rank in the state, and his private wealth equaled that of the royal treasury. By bestowing favors and virtue upon others, he gained support from both the common people below and the ministers above. Secretly, he seized control of Qi State, killed Zai Yu in the court, then assassinated King Jian Gong during a court session, thereby seizing complete power over Qi. These are facts well known to all under heaven. Now Zhao Gao harbors wicked and licentious ambitions, and engages in dangerous and rebellious actions—just like Sicheng Zihan of Song. His private wealth is comparable to that of the Tian clan in Qi. He combines the treacherous ways of Tian Chang and Sicheng Zihan to seize Your Majesty's authority and prestige, with ambitions akin to those of Han Qi when he became prime minister for King An of Han. If Your Majesty does not take action, I fear that he will soon instigate a rebellion." Emperor Er Shi asked: "What do you mean?" "Zhao Gao was originally a eunuch, yet he did not indulge in reckless desires for peace or change his mind when faced with danger. He maintained clean conduct and cultivated virtue, which brought him to this position. He advanced through loyalty and held office by trustworthiness. I truly regard him as virtuous, but you doubt him—why is that?" Moreover, I was young when my father passed away and knew nothing. I am inexperienced in governing the people, while you are old now; I fear that without your support, I will be cut off from the world. "If I do not entrust Zhao Gao, to whom else should I turn?" "Moreover, Zhao Gao is a man of precision and integrity, strong in ability. He understands the people's sentiments below and can properly attend to my needs above. You must not doubt him." Li Si said: "That is not true. Zhao Gao is originally a lowly person, ignorant of principles. He has insatiable greed and ceaseless desires for profit. Now he holds power second only to the Son of Heaven, yet his ambitions are endless. That is why I say that danger lies ahead." Emperor Er Shi had already placed trust in Zhao Gao and feared that Li Si might kill him, so he secretly informed Zhao Gao. Zhao Gao said: "The only person the Chancellor fears is me, Zhao Gao. If I die, the Chancellor will immediately act as Tian Chang did." Thus Emperor Er Shi said: "Hand Li Si over to Langzhongling!"
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| | 李斯列傳: |
趙高案治李斯。李斯拘執束縛，居囹圄中，仰天而嘆曰：「嗟乎，悲夫！不道之君，何可為計哉！昔者桀殺關龍逢，紂殺王子比干，吳王夫差殺伍子胥。此三臣者，豈不忠哉，然而不免於死，身死而所忠者非也。今吾智不及三子，而二世之無道過於桀、紂、夫差，吾以忠死，宜矣。且二世之治豈不亂哉！日者夷其兄弟而自立也，殺忠臣而貴賤人，作為阿房之宮，賦斂天下。吾非不諫也，而不吾聽也。凡古聖王，飲食有節，車器有數，宮室有度，出令造事，加費而無益於民利者禁，故能長久治安。今行逆於昆弟，不顧其咎；侵殺忠臣，不思其殃；大為宮室，厚賦天下，不愛其費：三者已行，天下不聽。今反者已有天下之半矣，而心尚未寤也，而以趙高為佐，吾必見寇至咸陽，麋鹿游於朝也。」 |
| | Zhao Gao investigated and punished Li Si. Li Si, bound in chains and confined in prison, looked up to the sky and sighed: "Alas! How tragic!" "What can one do for an unrighteous ruler?" In the past, Jie killed Guan Longfeng; Zhou killed Prince Bi Gan; King Fuchai of Wu killed Wu Zixu. These three ministers—were they not loyal? And yet, none escaped death; their deaths were the result of serving a ruler who was unworthy. Now my wisdom does not match that of these three men, yet Emperor Er Shi's tyranny surpasses even Jie, Zhou, and Fuchai. To die for loyalty is only fitting for me. Moreover, how corrupt has the rule of Emperor Er Shi become! He recently deposed his own brothers and seized the throne, executed loyal ministers while promoting lowly men. He built the Afang Palace at great cost to the people through heavy taxation. I did not fail to remonstrate—but he would not listen to me. All ancient sage kings observed moderation in food and drink, maintained limits on the number of carriages and utensils, regulated palace construction with proper standards. When issuing decrees or initiating projects, they prohibited any expenditure that incurred cost without benefiting the people—thus ensuring long-term peace and stability. Now he acts treacherously toward his brothers, disregarding the consequences; he murders loyal ministers without considering the calamity that will follow; he builds grand palaces and imposes heavy taxes on all under heaven, showing no care for the cost. With these three actions already taken, the people of the world will not obey him. Now, rebels have already seized half of the empire, yet his mind remains unawakened. He still relies on Zhao Gao as an assistant. I must see enemies arriving at Xianyang, with deer roaming freely in the imperial court!"
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| | 李斯列傳: |
於是二世乃使高案丞相獄，治罪，責斯與子由謀反狀，皆收捕宗族賓客。趙高治斯，榜掠千餘，不勝痛，自誣服。斯所以不死者，自負其辯，有功，實無反心，幸得上書自陳，幸二世之寤而赦之。李斯乃從獄中上書曰：「臣為丞相治民，三十餘年矣。逮秦地之陜隘。先王之時秦地不過千里，兵數十萬。臣盡薄材，謹奉法令，陰行謀臣，資之金玉，使游說諸侯，陰修甲兵，飾政教，官鬬士，尊功臣，盛其爵祿，故終以脅韓弱魏，破燕、趙，夷齊、楚，卒兼六國，虜其王，立秦為天子。罪一矣。地非不廣，又北逐胡、貉，南定百越，以見秦之彊。罪二矣。尊大臣，盛其爵位，以固其親。罪三矣。立社稷，修宗廟，以明主之賢。罪四矣。更剋畫，平斗斛度量文章，布之天下，以樹秦之名。罪五矣。治馳道，興游觀，以見主之得意。罪六矣。緩刑罰，薄賦斂，以遂主得眾之心，萬民戴主，死而不忘。罪七矣。若斯之為臣者，罪足以死固久矣。上幸盡其能力，乃得至今，願陛下察之！」書上，趙高使吏棄去不奏，曰：「囚安得上書！」 |
| | Thus Emperor Er Shi ordered Zhao Gao to investigate and imprison the Chancellor, determining his crimes. He charged Li Si and his son Li You with plotting rebellion, arresting all their relatives and guests. Zhao Gao interrogated Li Si, subjecting him to over a thousand beatings until he could no longer endure the pain and falsely confessed. The reason Li Si did not die was because he believed in his eloquence and past contributions, truly having no rebellious intent. He hoped to submit a memorial explaining himself, hoping Emperor Er Shi would awaken to the truth and grant him clemency. From prison, Li Si submitted a letter saying: "I have served as Chancellor in governing the people for over thirty years. I have led the consolidation of Qin territory through its narrow and perilous passes. In the time of previous kings, Qin's territory did not exceed a thousand li, with an army numbering only tens of thousands. I, with my limited abilities, carefully enforced laws and decrees. I secretly supported strategists by providing them with gold and jade, sending them to persuade the feudal lords. In secret, I strengthened military equipment and trained soldiers; I refined governance and education, appointed capable officials, honored meritorious ministers, and enriched their ranks and salaries. Thus, we eventually coerced Han and weakened Wei, defeated Yan and Zhao, subdued Qi and Chu, ultimately annexing all six states, capturing their kings, and establishing the Son of Heaven as ruler of Qin. "This is my first crime." The territory was not only vast, but we also drove the Hu and Mo people northward and pacified the Baiyue in the south to demonstrate Qin's strength. "This is my second crime." I honored high-ranking ministers and elevated their ranks to strengthen loyalty. "This is my third crime." I established ancestral temples and repaired the state altars to demonstrate the ruler's virtue. "This is my fourth crime." I standardized measurements, equalized the bushels and weights, regulated writing styles, and spread these reforms throughout the empire to establish Qin's prestige. "This is my fifth crime." I constructed the imperial roads and built pleasure pavilions to display the ruler's satisfaction. "This is my sixth crime." I eased punishments, reduced taxes and levies, to fulfill the ruler's desire for popular support. The people revered their sovereign, even in death they did not forget him. "This is my seventh crime." A minister who has acted in such a manner, his crimes are more than sufficient to warrant death long ago. "The sovereign has mercifully allowed me to use my full abilities, thus enabling me to survive until now; I hope Your Majesty will examine this matter carefully!" When the letter was submitted, Zhao Gao ordered officials to discard it without presenting it to the emperor, saying, "How could a prisoner write a petition!"
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| | 李斯列傳: |
趙高使其客十餘輩詐為御史、謁者、侍中，更往覆訊斯。斯更以其實對，輒使人復榜之。後二世使人驗斯，斯以為如前，終不敢更言，辭服。奏當上，二世喜曰：「微趙君，幾為丞相所賣。」及二世所使案三川之守至，則項梁已擊殺之。使者來，會丞相下吏，趙高皆妄為反辭。 |
| | Zhao Gao sent more than ten of his followers to impersonate Yushi, Yezhe, and Shizhong officials, taking turns to interrogate Li Si repeatedly. Li Si answered truthfully each time, but Zhao Gao would then have him beaten again. Later, the Second Emperor sent someone to investigate Li Si; Li Si assumed it was the same as before and finally dared not change his story, thus he confessed. When the report was submitted for imperial approval, Emperor Er Shi rejoiced and said, "Without Lord Zhao, I would have nearly been deceived by the Chancellor." When the officials sent by Emperor Er Shi to investigate the governor of Sanchuan arrived, Xiang Liang had already attacked and killed him. When the envoys came, coinciding with the Chancellor's subordinates being arrested, Zhao Gao fabricated false accusations of rebellion against them.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
二世二年七月，具斯五刑，論腰斬咸陽市。斯出獄，與其中子俱執，顧謂其中子曰：「吾欲與若復牽黃犬俱出上蔡東門逐狡兔，豈可得乎！」遂父子相哭，而夷三族。 |
| | In the seventh month of the second year of Emperor Er Shi's reign (August 28, 208 BCE), Li Si was subjected to all five punishments and executed by decapitation in Xianyang marketplace. As Li Si left the prison to be executed, he was accompanied by his second son. Looking at him, he said, "I had wished with you again to lead yellow dogs and go out through the eastern gate of Shangcai to chase hares; how could that ever happen now!" Thus father and son wept together, and then all three clans were exterminated.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
李斯已死，二世拜趙高為中丞相，事無大小輒決於高。高自知權重，乃獻鹿，謂之馬。二世問左右：「此乃鹿也？」左右皆曰「馬也」。二世驚，自以為惑，乃召太卜，令卦之，太卜曰：「陛下春秋郊祀，奉宗廟鬼神，齋戒不明，故至于此。可依盛德而明齋戒。」於是乃入上林齋戒。日游弋獵，有行人入上林中，二世自射殺之。趙高教其女婿咸陽令閻樂劾不知何人賊殺人移上林。高乃諫二世曰：「天子無故賊殺不辜人，此上帝之禁也，鬼神不享，天且降殃，當遠避宮以禳之。」二世乃出居望夷之宮。 |
| | After Li Si's death, Emperor Er Shi appointed Zhao Gao as the Grand Chancellor; all matters, great or small, were decided by Zhao Gao. Zhao Gao, realizing his power was growing, presented a deer and called it a horse. Emperor Er Shi asked those around him, "Is this not a deer?" Those around him all replied, "It is a horse." Emperor Er Shi was startled and began to doubt his own judgment, so he summoned the Grand Diviner and ordered him to cast a divination. The Grand Diviner said, "Your Majesty has neglected the spring and autumn sacrifices at the altar of the land and grain, failed to properly honor the ancestral temples and deities, and your fasting and purification rites were not sincere; this is why such confusion has occurred." "It would be appropriate for Your Majesty to observe a strict fast and purification in accordance with the virtue of the sage kings." Thus, he entered Shanglin Park to observe fasting and purification rites. Each day he roamed the park hunting; when a passerby entered Shanglin, Emperor Er Shi shot and killed him personally. Zhao Gao instructed his son-in-law Yan Le, the Xianyang magistrate, to report an unknown bandit who had killed a man and moved the body into Shanglin. Zhao Gao then advised Emperor Er Shi, "For an emperor to kill an innocent person without cause is forbidden by Heaven. The gods and spirits will not accept offerings, and calamity will descend from the heavens; you should move far away from the palace to avert this disaster." Emperor Er Shi then moved out to reside in Wangyi Palace.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
留三日，趙高詐詔衛士，令士皆素服持兵內鄉，入告二世曰：「山東群盜兵大至！」二世上觀而見之，恐懼，高既因劫令自殺。引璽而佩之，左右百官莫從；上殿，殿欲壞者三。高自知天弗與，群臣弗許，乃召始皇弟，授之璽。 |
| | After staying for three days, Zhao Gao issued a forged imperial decree to the palace guards, ordering them all to wear plain clothes and hold weapons facing inward. He then entered and informed Emperor Er Shi, "The rebel forces from east of the mountains are approaching in great numbers!" Emperor Er Shi looked out and saw them; he was terrified, and Zhao Gao then forced him to commit suicide. He took the imperial seal and fastened it around his waist, but none of the officials present followed suit; When he ascended the throne hall, the hall seemed to collapse three times. Zhao Gao realized that Heaven did not support him and that the officials would never accept his rule, so he summoned a younger brother of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and gave him the imperial seal.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
子嬰既位，患之，乃稱疾不聽事，與宦者韓談及其子謀殺高。高上謁，請病，因召入，令韓談刺殺之，夷其三族。 |
| | After Ziying ascended the throne, he was troubled by Zhao Gao and pretended to be ill in order not to attend court affairs. He conspired with the eunuch Han Tan and his son to kill Zhao Gao. Zhao Gao went to court, requesting an audience while claiming illness; Ziying then summoned him in and had Han Tan stab and kill him. The entire Zhao clan was exterminated.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
子嬰立三月，沛公兵從武關入，至咸陽，群臣百官皆畔，不適。子嬰與妻子自系其頸以組，降軹道旁。沛公因以屬吏。項王至而斬之。遂以亡天下。 |
| | Three months after Ziying took the throne, Pei Gong's forces entered through Wuguan Pass and arrived at Xianyang. The officials and ministers all defected; there was no one to support him. Ziying tied a ribbon around his neck along with his wife and children, and surrendered by the roadside at Zhi. Pei Gong then handed him over to the officials for processing. Xiang Yu arrived and had him executed. Thus, the Qin dynasty lost its rule over all under heaven.
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| | 李斯列傳: |
太史公曰：李斯以閭閻歷諸侯，入事秦，因以瑕釁，以輔始皇，卒成帝業，斯為三公，可謂尊用矣。斯知六藝之歸，不務明政以補主上之缺，持爵祿之重，阿順茍合，嚴威酷刑，聽高邪說，廢適立庶。諸侯已畔，斯乃欲諫爭，不亦末乎！人皆以斯極忠而被五刑死，察其本，乃與俗議之異。不然，斯之功且與周、召列矣。 |
| | Grand Historian said: Li Si, originally a commoner from the 闾阎 (common people's quarters), traveled among the feudal states before entering service under Qin. He took advantage of opportunities and served as an advisor to Emperor Qin Shi Huang, ultimately helping him complete his imperial achievements. As Chancellor, Li Si was highly respected and entrusted with power; one might say he reached the highest position of honor and authority. Li Si understood the principles of the Six Arts, yet he did not strive to clarify governance in order to correct his ruler's shortcomings. Holding a position of great rank and wealth, he flattered and compromised for self-preservation, enforced severe punishments, listened to Zhao Gao's wicked counsel, deposed the legitimate heir, and installed an illegitimate one. When the feudal lords had already rebelled, Li Si only then wished to offer remonstrance—was this not too late? People all believe that Li Si was extremely loyal and thus suffered the five punishments before dying, but examining his actions closely reveals a different perspective from common opinion. Otherwise, Li Si's achievements would have ranked alongside those of Zhou Gong and Zhao Gong.
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