| | 李斯列传: |
李斯者，楚上蔡人也。年少时，为郡小吏，见吏舍厕中鼠食不洁，近人犬，数惊恐之。斯入仓，观仓中鼠，食积粟，居大庑之下，不见人犬之忧。于是李斯乃叹曰：“人之贤不肖譬如鼠矣，在所自处耳！” |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
乃从荀卿学帝王之术。学已成，度楚王不足事，而六国皆弱，无可为建功者，欲西入秦。辞于荀卿曰：“斯闻得时无怠，今万乘方争时，游者主事。今秦王欲吞天下，称帝而治，此布衣驰骛之时而游说者之秋也。处卑贱之位而计不为者，此禽鹿视肉，人面而能闲行者耳。故诟莫大于卑贱，而悲莫甚于穷困。久处卑贱之位，困苦之地，非世而恶利，自托于无为，此非士之情也。故斯将西说秦王矣。” |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
至秦，会庄襄王卒，李斯乃求为秦相文信侯吕不韦舍人；不韦贤之，任以为郎。李斯因以得说，说秦王曰：“胥人者，去其几也。成大功者，在因瑕衅而遂忍之。昔者秦穆公之霸，终不东并六国者，何也？诸侯尚众，周德未衰，故五伯迭兴，更尊周室。自秦孝公以来，周室卑微，诸侯相兼，关东为六国，秦之乘胜役诸侯，盖六世矣。今诸侯服秦，譬若郡县。夫以秦之强，大王之贤，由灶上骚除，足以灭诸侯，成帝业，为天下一统，此万世之一时也。今怠而不急就，诸侯复强，相聚约从，虽有黄帝之贤，不能并也。”秦王乃拜斯为长史，听其计，阴遣谋士赍持金玉以游说诸侯。诸侯名士可下以财者，厚遗结之；不肯者，利剑刺之。离其君臣之计，秦王乃使其良将随其后。秦王拜斯为客卿。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
会韩人郑国来闲秦，以作注溉渠，已而觉。秦宗室大臣皆言秦王曰：“诸侯人来事秦者，大抵为其主游闲于秦耳，请一切逐客。”李斯议亦在逐中。斯乃上书曰： |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
臣闻吏议逐客，窃以为过矣。昔缪公求士，西取由余于戎，东得百里奚于宛，迎蹇叔于宋，来丕豹、公孙支于晋。此五子者，不产于秦，而缪公用之，并国二十，遂霸西戎。孝公用商鞅之法，移风易俗，民以殷盛，国以富强，百姓乐用，诸侯亲服，获楚、魏之师，举地千里，至今治强。惠王用张仪之计，拔三川之地，西并巴、蜀，北收上郡，南取汉中，包九夷，制鄢、郢，东据成皋之险，割膏腴之壤，遂散六国之从，使之西面事秦，功施到今。昭王得范睢，废穰侯，逐华阳，强公室，杜私门，蚕食诸侯，使秦成帝业。此四君者，皆以客之功。由此观之，客何负于秦哉！向使四君却客而不内，疏士而不用，是使国无富利之实而秦无强大之名也。 |
| | "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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| | 李斯列传: |
今陛下致昆山之玉，有随、和之宝，垂明月之珠，服太阿之剑，乘纤离之马，建翠凤之旗，树灵鼍之鼓。此数宝者，秦不生一焉，而陛下说之，何也？必秦国之所生然后可，则是夜光之璧不饰朝廷，犀象之器不为玩好，郑、卫之女不充后宫，而骏良駃騠不实外厩，江南金锡不为用，西蜀丹青不为采。所以饰后宫充下陈娱心意说耳目者，必出于秦然后可，则是宛珠之簪，傅玑之珥，阿缟之衣，锦绣之饰不进于前，而随俗雅化佳冶窈窕赵女不立于侧也。夫击瓮叩缶弹筝搏髀，而歌呼呜呜快耳（目）者，真秦之声也；郑、卫、桑闲、昭、虞、武、象者，异国之乐也。今弃击瓮叩缶而就郑卫，退弹筝而取昭虞，若是者何也？快意当前，适观而已矣。今取人则不然。不问可否，不论曲直，非秦者去，为客者逐。然则是所重者在乎色乐珠玉，而所轻者在乎人民也。此非所以跨海内制诸侯之术也。 |
| | "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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| | 李斯列传: |
臣闻地广者粟多，国大者人众，兵强则士勇。是以太山不让土壤，故能成其大；河海不择细流，故能就其深；王者不却众庶，故能明其德。是以地无四方，民无异国，四时充美，鬼神降福，此五帝、三王之所以无敌也。今乃弃黔首以资敌国，却宾客以业诸侯，使天下之士退而不敢西向，裹足不入秦，此所谓“藉寇兵而赍盗粮”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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| | 李斯列传: |
夫物不产于秦，可宝者多；士不产于秦，而愿忠者众。今逐客以资敌国，损民以益雠，内自虚而外树怨于诸侯，求国无危，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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| | 李斯列传: |
秦王乃除逐客之令，复李斯官，卒用其计谋。官至廷尉。二十馀年，竟并天下，尊主为皇帝，以斯为丞相。夷郡县城，销其兵刃，示不复用。使秦无尺土之封，不立子弟为王，功臣为诸侯者，使后无战攻之患。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
始皇三十四年，置酒咸阳宫，博士仆射周青臣等颂始皇威德。齐人淳于越进谏曰：“臣闻之，殷周之王千馀岁，封子弟功臣自为支辅。今陛下有海内，而子弟为匹夫，卒有田常、六卿之患，臣无辅弼，何以相救哉？事不师古而能长久者，非所闻也。今青臣等又面谀以重陛下过，非忠臣也。”始皇下其议丞相。丞相谬其说，绌其辞，乃上书曰：“古者天下散乱，莫能相一，是以诸侯并作，语皆道古以害今，饰虚言以乱实，人善其所私学，以非上所建立。今陛下并有天下，别白黑而定一尊；而私学乃相与非法教之制，闻令下，即各以其私学议之，入则心非，出则巷议，非主以为名，异趣以为高，率群下以造谤。如此不禁，则主势降乎上，党与成乎下。禁之便。臣请诸有文学诗书百家语者，蠲除去之。令到满三十日弗去，黥为城旦。所不去者，医药卜筮种树之书。若有欲学者，以吏为师。”始皇可其议，收去诗书百家之语以愚百姓，使天下无以古非今。明法度，定律令，皆以始皇起。同文书。治离宫别馆，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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| | 李斯列传: |
斯长男由为三川守，诸男皆尚秦公主，女悉嫁秦诸公子。三川守李由告归咸阳，李斯置酒于家，百官长皆前为寿，门廷车骑以千数。李斯喟然而叹曰：“嗟乎！吾闻之荀卿曰‘物禁大盛’。夫斯乃上蔡布衣，闾巷之黔首，上不知其驽下，遂擢至此。当今人臣之位无居臣上者，可谓富贵极矣。物极则衰，吾未知所税驾也！” |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
始皇三十七年十月，行出游会稽，并海上，北抵琅邪。丞相斯、中车府令赵高兼行符玺令事，皆从。始皇有二十馀子，长子扶苏以数直谏上，上使监兵上郡，蒙恬为将。少子胡亥爱，请从，上许之。馀子莫从。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
其年七月，始皇帝至沙丘，病甚，令赵高为书赐公子扶苏曰：“以兵属蒙恬，与丧会咸阳而葬。”书已封，未授使者，始皇崩。书及玺皆在赵高所，独子胡亥、丞相李斯、赵高及幸宦者五六人知始皇崩，馀群臣皆莫知也。李斯以为上在外崩，无真太子，故秘之。置始皇居輼輬车中，百官奏事上食如故，宦者辄从輼輬车中可诸奏事。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
赵高因留所赐扶苏玺书，而谓公子胡亥曰：“上崩，无诏封王诸子而独赐长子书。长子至，即立为皇帝，而子无尺寸之地，为之柰何？”胡亥曰：“固也。吾闻之，明君知臣，明父知子。父捐命，不封诸子，何可言者！”赵高曰：“不然。方今天下之权，存亡在子与高及丞相耳，愿子图之。且夫臣人与见臣于人，制人与见制于人，岂可同日道哉！”胡亥曰：“废兄而立弟，是不义也；不奉父诏而畏死，是不孝也；能薄而材谫，强因人之功，是不能也：三者逆德，天下不服，身殆倾危，社稷不血食。”高曰：“臣闻汤、武杀其主，天下称义焉，不为不忠。卫君杀其父，而卫国载其德，孔子著之，不为不孝。夫大行不小谨，盛德不辞让，乡曲各有宜而百官不同功。故顾小而忘大，后必有害；狐疑犹豫，后必有悔。断而敢行，鬼神避之，后有成功。愿子遂之！”胡亥喟然叹曰：“今大行未发，丧礼未终，岂宜以此事干丞相哉！”赵高曰：“时乎时乎，闲不及谋！赢粮跃马，唯恐后时！” |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
胡亥既然高之言，高曰：“不与丞相谋，恐事不能成，臣请为子与丞相谋之。”高乃谓丞相斯曰：“上崩，赐长子书，与丧会咸阳而立为嗣。书未行，今上崩，未有知者也。所赐长子书及符玺皆在胡亥所，定太子在君侯与高之口耳。事将何如？”斯曰：“安得亡国之言！此非人臣所当议也！”高曰：“君侯自料能孰与蒙恬？功高孰与蒙恬？谋远不失孰与蒙恬？无怨于天下孰与蒙恬？长子旧而信之孰与蒙恬？”斯曰：“此五者皆不及蒙恬，而君责之何深也？”高曰：“高固内官之厮役也，幸得以刀笔之文进入秦宫，管事二十馀年，未尝见秦免罢丞相功臣有封及二世者也，卒皆以诛亡。皇帝二十馀子，皆君之所知。长子刚毅而武勇，信人而奋士，即位必用蒙恬为丞相，君侯终不怀通侯之印归于乡里，明矣。高受诏教习胡亥，使学以法事数年矣，未尝见过失。慈仁笃厚，轻财重士，辩于心而诎于口，尽礼敬士，秦之诸子未有及此者，可以为嗣。君计而定之。”斯曰：“君其反位！斯奉主之诏，听天之命，何虑之可定也？”高曰：“安可危也，危可安也。安危不定，何以贵圣？”斯曰：“斯，上蔡闾巷布衣也，上幸擢为丞相，封为通侯，子孙皆至尊位重禄者，故将以存亡安危属臣也。岂可负哉！夫忠臣不避死而庶几，孝子不勤劳而见危，人臣各守其职而已矣。君其勿复言，将令斯得罪。”高曰：“盖闻圣人迁徙无常，就变而从时，见末而知本，观指而睹归。物固有之，安得常法哉！方今天下之权命悬于胡亥，高能得志焉。且夫从外制中谓之惑，从下制上谓之贼。故秋霜降者草花落，水摇动者万物作，此必然之效也。君何见之晚？”斯曰：“吾闻晋易太子，三世不安；齐桓兄弟争位，身死为戮；纣杀亲戚，不听谏者，国为丘墟，遂危社稷：三者逆天，宗庙不血食。斯其犹人哉，安足为谋！”高曰：“上下合同，可以长久；中外若一，事无表里。君听臣之计，即长有封侯，世世称孤，必有乔松之寿，孔、墨之智。今释此而不从，祸及子孙，足以为寒心。善者因祸为福，君何处焉？”斯乃仰天而叹，垂泪太息曰：“嗟乎！独遭乱世，既以不能死，安托命哉！”于是斯乃听高。高乃报胡亥曰：“臣请奉太子之明命以报丞相，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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| | 李斯列传: |
于是乃相与谋，诈为受始皇诏丞相，立子胡亥为太子。更为书赐长子扶苏曰：“朕巡天下，祷祠名山诸神以延寿命。今扶苏与将军蒙恬将师数十万以屯边，十有馀年矣，不能进而前，士卒多秏，无尺寸之功，乃反数上书直言诽谤我所为，以不得罢归为太子，日夜怨望。扶苏为人子不孝，其赐剑以自裁！将军恬与扶苏居外，不匡正，宜知其谋。为人臣不忠，其赐死，以兵属裨将王离。”封其书以皇帝玺，遣胡亥客奉书赐扶苏于上郡。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
使者至，发书，扶苏泣，入内舍，欲自杀。蒙恬止扶苏曰：“陛下居外，未立太子，使臣将三十万众守边，公子为监，此天下重任也。今一使者来，即自杀，安知其非诈？请复请，复请而后死，未暮也。”使者数趣之。扶苏为人仁，谓蒙恬曰：“父而赐子死，尚安复请！”即自杀。蒙恬不肯死，使者即以属吏，系于阳周。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
使者还报，胡亥、斯、高大喜。至咸阳，发丧，太子立为二世皇帝。以赵高为郎中令，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，乃召高与谋事，谓曰：“夫人生居世闲也，譬犹骋六骥过决隙也。吾既已临天下矣，欲悉耳目之所好，穷心志之所乐，以安宗庙而乐万姓，长有天下，终吾年寿，其道可乎？”高曰：“此贤主之所能行也，而昏乱主之所禁也。臣请言之，不敢避斧钺之诛，愿陛下少留意焉。夫沙丘之谋，诸公子及大臣皆疑焉，而诸公子尽帝兄，大臣又先帝之所置也。今陛下初立，此其属意怏怏皆不服，恐为变。且蒙恬已死，蒙毅将兵居外，臣战战栗栗，唯恐不终。且陛下安得为此乐乎？”二世曰：“为之柰何？”赵高曰：“严法而刻刑，令有罪者相坐诛，至收族，灭大臣而远骨肉；贫者富之，贱者贵之。尽除去先帝之故臣，更置陛下之所亲信者近之。此则阴德归陛下，害除而奸谋塞，群臣莫不被润泽，蒙厚德，陛下则高枕肆志宠乐矣。计莫出于此。”二世然高之言，乃更为法律。于是群臣诸公子有罪，辄下高，令鞠治之。杀大臣蒙毅等，公子十二人僇死咸阳市，十公主僇死于杜，财物入于县官，相连坐者不可胜数。 |
| | 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，乃上书曰：“先帝无恙时，臣入则赐食，出则乘舆。御府之衣，臣得赐之；中厩之宝马，臣得赐之。臣当从死而不能，为人子不孝，为人臣不忠。不忠者无名以立于世，臣请从死，愿葬郦山之足。唯上幸哀怜之。”书上，胡亥大说，召赵高而示之，曰：“此可谓急乎？”赵高曰：“人臣当忧死而不暇，何变之得谋！”胡亥可其书，赐钱十万以葬。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
法令诛罚日益刻深，群臣人人自危，欲畔者众。又作阿房之宫，治直［道］、驰道，赋敛愈重，戍傜无已。于是楚戍卒陈胜、吴广等乃作乱，起于山东，杰俊相立，自置为侯王，叛秦，兵至鸿门而却。李斯数欲请闲谏，二世不许。而二世责问李斯曰：“吾有私议而有所闻于韩子也，曰‘尧之有天下也，堂高三尺，采椽不斫，茅茨不翦，虽逆旅之宿不勤于此矣。冬日鹿裘，夏日葛衣，粢粝之食，藜藿之羹，饭土匦，啜土鉶，虽监门之养不觳于此矣。禹凿龙门，通大夏，疏九河，曲九防，决渟水致之海，而股无胈，胫无毛，手足胼胝，面目黎黑，遂以死于外，葬于会稽，臣虏之劳不烈于此矣’。然则夫所贵于有天下者，岂欲苦形劳神，身处逆旅之宿，口食监门之养，手持臣虏之作哉？此不肖人之所勉也，非贤者之所务也。彼贤人之有天下也，专用天下适己而已矣，此所贵于有天下也。夫所谓贤人者，必能安天下而治万民，今身且不能利，将恶能治天下哉！笔吾愿赐志广欲，长享天下而无害，为之柰何？”李斯子由为三川守，群盗吴广等西略地，过去弗能禁。章邯以破逐广等兵，使者覆案三川相属，诮让斯居三公位，如何令盗如此。李斯恐惧，重爵禄，不知所出，乃阿二世意，欲求容，以书对曰： |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
夫贤主者，必且能全道而行督责之术者也。督责之，则臣不敢不竭能以徇其主矣。此臣主之分定，上下之义明，则天下贤不肖莫敢不尽力竭任以徇其君矣。是故主独制于天下而无所制也。能穷乐之极矣，贤明之主也，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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| | 李斯列传: |
故《》曰“有天下而不恣睢，命之曰以天下为桎梏”者，无他焉，不能督责，而顾以其身劳于天下之民，若尧、禹然，故谓之“桎梏”也。夫不能修申、韩之明术，行督责之道，专以天下自适也，而徒务苦形劳神，以身徇百姓，则是黔首之役，非畜天下者也，何足贵哉！夫以人徇己，则己贵而人贱；以己徇人，则己贱而人贵。故徇人者贱，而人所徇者贵，自古及今，未有不然者也。凡古之所为尊贤者，为其贵也；而所为恶不肖者，为其贱也。而尧、禹以身徇天下者也，因随而尊之，则亦失所为尊贤之心矣，夫可谓大缪矣。谓之为“桎梏”，不亦宜乎？不能督责之过也。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
故韩子曰：“慈母有败子而严家无格虏”者，何也？则能罚之加焉必也。故商君之法，刑弃灰于道者。夫弃灰，薄罪也，而被刑，重罚也。彼唯明主为能深督轻罪。夫罪轻且督深，而况有重罪乎？故民不敢犯也。是故韩子曰“布帛寻常，庸人不释，铄金百溢，盗跖不搏”者，非庸人之心重，寻常之利深，而盗跖之欲浅也；又不以盗跖之行，为轻百镒之重也。搏必随手刑，则盗跖不搏百镒；而罚不必行也，则庸人不释寻常。是故城高五丈，而楼季不轻犯也；泰山之高百仞，而跛羊牧其上。夫楼季也而难五丈之限，岂跛羊也而易百仞之高哉？峭堑之势异也。明主圣王之所以能久处尊位，长执重势，而独擅天下之利者，非有异道也，能独断而审督责，必深罚，故天下不敢犯也。今不务所以不犯，而事慈母之所以败子也，则亦不察于圣人之论矣。夫不能行圣人之术，则舍为天下役何事哉？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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| | 李斯列传: |
且夫俭节仁义之人立于朝，则荒肆之乐辍矣；谏说论理之臣闲于侧，则流漫之志诎矣；烈士死节之行显于世，则淫康之虞废矣。故明主能外此三者，而独操主术以制听从之臣，而修其明法，故身尊而势重也。凡贤主者，必将能拂世磨俗，而废其所恶，立其所欲，故生则有尊重之势，死则有贤明之谥也。是以明君独断，故权不在臣也。然后能灭仁义之涂，掩驰说之口，困烈士之行，塞聪揜明，内独视听，故外不可倾以仁义烈士之行，而内不可夺以谏说忿争之辩。故能荦然独行恣睢之心而莫之敢逆。若此然后可谓能明申、韩之术，而修商君之法。法修术明而天下乱者，未之闻也。故曰“王道约而易操”也。唯明主为能行之。若此则谓督责之诚，则臣无邪，臣无邪则天下安，天下安则主严尊，主严尊则督责必，督责必则所求得，所求得则国家富，国家富则君乐丰。故督责之术设，则所欲无不得矣。群臣百姓救过不给，何变之敢图？若此则帝道备，而可谓能明君臣之术矣。虽申、韩复生，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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| | 李斯列传: |
书奏，二世悦。于是行督责益严，税民深者为明吏。二世曰：“若此则可谓能督责矣。”刑者相半于道，而死人日成积于市。杀人众者为忠臣。二世曰：“若此则可谓能督责矣。” |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
初，赵高为郎中令，所杀及报私怨众多，恐大臣入朝奏事毁恶之，乃说二世曰：“天子所以贵者，但以闻声，群臣莫得见其面，故号曰‘朕’。且陛下富于春秋，未必尽通诸事，今坐朝廷，谴举有不当者，则见短于大臣，非所以示神明于天下也。且陛下深拱禁中，与臣及侍中习法者待事，事来有以揆之。如此则大臣不敢奏疑事，天下称圣主矣。”二世用其计，乃不坐朝廷见大臣，居禁中。赵高常侍中用事，事皆决于赵高。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
高闻李斯以为言，乃见丞相曰：“关东群盗多，今上急益发繇治阿房宫，聚狗马无用之物。臣欲谏，为位贱。此真君侯之事，君何不谏？”李斯曰：“固也，吾欲言之久矣。今时上不坐朝廷，上居深宫，吾有所言者，不可传也，欲见无闲。”赵高谓曰：“君诚能谏，请为君候上闲语君。”于是赵高待二世方燕乐，妇女居前，使人告丞相：“上方闲，可奏事。”丞相至宫门上谒，如此者三。二世怒曰：“吾常多闲日，丞相不来。吾方燕私，丞相辄来请事。丞相岂少我哉？且固我哉？”赵高因曰：“如此殆矣！夫沙丘之谋，丞相与焉。今陛下已立为帝，而丞相贵不益，此其意亦望裂地而王矣。且陛下不问臣，臣不敢言。丞相长男李由为三川守，楚盗陈胜等皆丞相傍县之子，以故楚盗公行，过三川，城守不肯击。高闻其文书相往来，未得其审，故未敢以闻。且丞相居外，权重于陛下。”二世以为然。欲案丞相，恐其不审，乃使人案验三川守与盗通状。李斯闻之。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
是时二世在甘泉，方作觳抵优俳之观。李斯不得见，因上书言赵高之短曰：“臣闻之，臣疑其君，无不危国；妾疑其夫，无不危家。今有大臣于陛下擅利擅害，与陛下无异，此甚不便。昔者司城子罕相宋，身行刑罚，以威行之，朞年遂劫其君。田常为简公臣，爵列无敌于国，私家之富与公家均，布惠施德，下得百姓，上得群臣，阴取齐国，杀宰予于庭，即弑简公于朝，遂有齐国。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，若田氏之于齐也。兼行田常、子罕之逆道而劫陛下之威信，其志若韩玘为韩安相也。陛下不图，臣恐其为变也。”二世曰：“何哉？夫高，故宦人也，然不为安肆志，不以危易心，洁行修善，自使至此，以忠得进，以信守位，朕实贤之，而君疑之，何也？且朕少失先人，无所识知，不习治民，而君又老，恐与天下绝矣。朕非属赵君，当谁任哉？且赵君为人精廉强力，下知人情，上能适朕，君其勿疑。”李斯曰：“不然。夫高，故贱人也，无识于理，贪欲无厌，求利不止，列势次主，求欲无穷，臣故曰殆。”二世已前信赵高，恐李斯杀之，乃私告赵高。高曰：“丞相所患者独高，高已死，丞相即欲为田常所为。”于是二世曰：“其以李斯属郎中令！” |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
赵高案治李斯。李斯拘执束缚，居囹圄中，仰天而叹曰：“嗟乎，悲夫！不道之君，何可为计哉！昔者桀杀关龙逢，纣杀王子比干，吴王夫差杀伍子胥。此三臣者，岂不忠哉，然而不免于死，身死而所忠者非也。今吾智不及三子，而二世之无道过于桀、纣、夫差，吾以忠死，宜矣。且二世之治岂不乱哉！日者夷其兄弟而自立也，杀忠臣而贵贱人，作为阿房之宫，赋敛天下。吾非不谏也，而不吾听也。凡古圣王，饮食有节，车器有数，宫室有度，出令造事，加费而无益于民利者禁，故能长久治安。今行逆于昆弟，不顾其咎；侵杀忠臣，不思其殃；大为宫室，厚赋天下，不爱其费：三者已行，天下不听。今反者已有天下之半矣，而心尚未寤也，而以赵高为佐，吾必见寇至咸阳，麋鹿游于朝也。” |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
于是二世乃使高案丞相狱，治罪，责斯与子由谋反状，皆收捕宗族宾客。赵高治斯，榜掠千馀，不胜痛，自诬服。斯所以不死者，自负其辩，有功，实无反心，幸得上书自陈，幸二世之寤而赦之。李斯乃从狱中上书曰：“臣为丞相治民，三十馀年矣。逮秦地之陜隘。先王之时秦地不过千里，兵数十万。臣尽薄材，谨奉法令，阴行谋臣，资之金玉，使游说诸侯，阴修甲兵，饰政教，官鬬士，尊功臣，盛其爵禄，故终以胁韩弱魏，破燕、赵，夷齐、楚，卒兼六国，虏其王，立秦为天子。罪一矣。地非不广，又北逐胡、貉，南定百越，以见秦之强。罪二矣。尊大臣，盛其爵位，以固其亲。罪三矣。立社稷，修宗庙，以明主之贤。罪四矣。更克画，平斗斛度量文章，布之天下，以树秦之名。罪五矣。治驰道，兴游观，以见主之得意。罪六矣。缓刑罚，薄赋敛，以遂主得众之心，万民戴主，死而不忘。罪七矣。若斯之为臣者，罪足以死固久矣。上幸尽其能力，乃得至今，愿陛下察之！”书上，赵高使吏弃去不奏，曰：“囚安得上书！” |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
赵高使其客十馀辈诈为御史、谒者、侍中，更往覆讯斯。斯更以其实对，辄使人复榜之。后二世使人验斯，斯以为如前，终不敢更言，辞服。奏当上，二世喜曰：“微赵君，几为丞相所卖。”及二世所使案三川之守至，则项梁已击杀之。使者来，会丞相下吏，赵高皆妄为反辞。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
二世二年七月，具斯五刑，论腰斩咸阳市。斯出狱，与其中子俱执，顾谓其中子曰：“吾欲与若复牵黄犬俱出上蔡东门逐狡兔，岂可得乎！”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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| | 李斯列传: |
李斯已死，二世拜赵高为中丞相，事无大小辄决于高。高自知权重，乃献鹿，谓之马。二世问左右：“此乃鹿也？”左右皆曰“马也”。二世惊，自以为惑，乃召太卜，令卦之，太卜曰：“陛下春秋郊祀，奉宗庙鬼神，斋戒不明，故至于此。可依盛德而明斋戒。”于是乃入上林斋戒。日游弋猎，有行人入上林中，二世自射杀之。赵高教其女婿咸阳令阎乐劾不知何人贼杀人移上林。高乃谏二世曰：“天子无故贼杀不辜人，此上帝之禁也，鬼神不享，天且降殃，当远避宫以禳之。”二世乃出居望夷之宫。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
留三日，赵高诈诏卫士，令士皆素服持兵内乡，入告二世曰：“山东群盗兵大至！”二世上观而见之，恐惧，高既因劫令自杀。引玺而佩之，左右百官莫从；上殿，殿欲坏者三。高自知天弗与，群臣弗许，乃召始皇弟，授之玺。 |
| | 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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| | 李斯列传: |
子婴既位，患之，乃称疾不听事，与宦者韩谈及其子谋杀高。高上谒，请病，因召入，令韩谈刺杀之，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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| | 李斯列传: |
子婴立三月，沛公兵从武关入，至咸阳，群臣百官皆畔，不适。子婴与妻子自系其颈以组，降轵道旁。沛公因以属吏。项王至而斩之。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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| | 李斯列传: |
太史公曰：李斯以闾阎历诸侯，入事秦，因以瑕衅，以辅始皇，卒成帝业，斯为三公，可谓尊用矣。斯知六艺之归，不务明政以补主上之缺，持爵禄之重，阿顺茍合，严威酷刑，听高邪说，废适立庶。诸侯已畔，斯乃欲谏争，不亦末乎！人皆以斯极忠而被五刑死，察其本，乃与俗议之异。不然，斯之功且与周、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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