| | You Zhan was a court entertainer and a short-statured dwarf in the Qin dynasty. He was good at making humorous remarks, yet his words aligned with the principles of governance. Emperor Qin Shi Huang proposed to greatly expand the royal hunting grounds, extending eastward to Hangu Pass and westward to Yong Chencang. You Zhan said: "That is excellent. Release many wild animals into it. If bandits come from the east, let the deer and antelope gore them." Emperor Qin Shi Huang therefore abandoned the plan. When Second Emperor ascended the throne, he wanted to paint the city walls with lacquer. You Zhan said: "Good! Although painting the city wall would be a burden and expense for the people, it is indeed beautiful." "A lacquered city wall is smooth and level; bandits coming would not be able to climb it. Even if they wanted to approach, it would only require some lacquer, but it's difficult to provide shade for the palace chambers." Thus Emperor Er Shi laughed at this suggestion and abandoned the plan because of it.
|
