"Laughing and Talking about the Ups and Downs: Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han" (ebook/audiobook)

Book Title : Laughing and Talking about the Turbulent Times: Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han
Author : Dr. Zhang Tianliang

Book Introduction

**Note: This is an electronic product (not a physical book), and refunds are not available once sold.**

The "Laughing and Talking about History" series is a large-scale history series presented by Zhang Tianliang, covering all the important figures and major events from the "Records of the Grand Historian" to the "History of Ming".

"Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han" is the second book in the series, which details the history from the unification of China by Qin Shi Huang to the death of Emperor Wu of Han, and summarizes the entire series at the end.

About the Author

Dr. Zhang Tianliang is a highly accomplished scholar with expertise in both the humanities and sciences, as well as Chinese and Western learning. He possesses profound insights into many affairs in ancient and modern China and contemporary international affairs.

He is currently an associate professor in the Department of Humanities and Sciences at Fei Tian University and the host of the YouTube political commentary channel, "Dawn."

Dr. Zhang has also served as a visiting professor at George Mason University, a senior writer for The Epoch Times, a senior commentator for NTD Television, and a guest commentator for Voice of America and Radio Free Asia.

【Dawn】Premiered in April 2019, and as of April 2022, it has 380,000 subscribers and more than 100 million views.

Dr. Zhang Tianliang's major works include:

In 2003, he published the full-length documentary novel "Leaving the Dust";

In 2006, the DVD "A Casual Talk on Party Culture," which he helped plan and present, was distributed to tens of millions of people in mainland China.

In 2009, he published a collection of political essays entitled "China's Path of Peaceful Transition";

In 2010, he wrote and produced the film "Chance Encounter";

From 2011 to 2020, we co-produced a large-scale historical series called "Laughing and Talking about the Times" with NTDTV. The series consists of 192 episodes and about 1.5 million words, covering important figures and events from the pre-Qin period to the end of the Ming Dynasty.

In 2015, he co-authored "Unprecedented Evil Persecution" with scholars including the former Vice-President of the European Parliament;

In 2020, I taught "History of Chinese Civilization" at the City of Hope, where I systematically explained the three spiritual pillars that shaped Chinese civilization and clarified many misleading concepts.

sequence

The Chinese have always valued history. This isn't solely due to our long history. Many ancient peoples exist in the world; some, like the ancient Persians and Jews, have thrived even today, while others have vanished into the dust of ruins. But only the Chinese have left behind a continuous five-thousand-year-old historical record. Even though we were once conquered by foreign powers, our culture remained unbroken, and our history was passed down through generations—a true miracle in the history of human civilization.

Our ancestor was the Yellow Emperor, and Cangjie, who invented writing, was the Yellow Emperor's historian. This seems to suggest that one of the purposes of the Chinese invention of writing was to record history. Unlike many Western masterpieces that fabricate characters or stories out of thin air, Chinese literary creations mostly have historical prototypes. Even *Journey to the West*, considered a pinnacle of mythological fiction, is based on the journey of the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang to the West to obtain Buddhist scriptures, and the "Preface to the Sacred Teachings" in the 100th chapter of *Journey to the West* was personally written by Emperor Taizong of Tang. *Water Margin* originated from *The Remnants of the Xuanhe Era of the Great Song Dynasty*, and historical novels such as *Romance of the Three Kingdoms* and *Romance of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms* are even more derived from official history.

The emperor appointed historians to faithfully record major events daily, including natural disasters, wars, economic developments, and diplomacy. Archives preserved documents related to imperial edicts, literature, official systems, technology, and water conservancy. After the fall of a dynasty, scholars from the next dynasty would compile and edit the previous dynasty's documents, creating a comprehensive historical record.

Official histories. In addition, various books in the form of "veritable records", "chronicles", annals, miscellaneous histories, local chronicles, etc., also circulated, forming China's vast and profound historical archive, which is also China's encyclopedia.

Chinese people read history for various reasons, but the inherent enjoyment of history is undeniable. Sima Qian, the founder of the Twenty-Four Histories, vividly portrayed a wide range of figures, from the mighty Qin Shi Huang, Emperor Wu of Han, Han Xin, Xiang Yu, and Liu Bang—heroes who dominated the land—to the humblest thieves and commoners. Stories like the Orphan of Zhao, the story of Goujian's perseverance, the return of the jade to Zhao, Jing Ke's assassination attempt on the King of Qin, and the Farewell of the Hegemon-King to his Concubine have become recurring themes in literature and art. These real-life stories are often more captivating than novels or plays.

Sima Guang unearthed wisdom for governing the country from history, summarized the rise and fall of previous dynasties, and advised the emperor to practice benevolent governance. Therefore, he was given the name "Zizhi Tongjian" by Emperor Shenzong of the Northern Song Dynasty.

The CCP also seeks to utilize history. Qi Benyu gained Mao Zedong's favor with his work, "Studying History for the Revolution," and joined the Central Cultural Revolution Group, becoming a prominent figure. Because the CCP intends to use Marxist historical materialism to frame Chinese history, it therefore...

The most traditional values ​​that teach people to be virtuous and the glorious achievements have been discarded, and Chinese history education has become a collection of peasant rebellions. Historical dramas also often exaggerate the wickedness of people's hearts and their cunning and scheming. This is not the true history of China.

How to explore the true face of history and what its significance is for our society today? These questions are too abstract to answer in a brief manner, and once they are elaborated, they become lengthy and tedious, and they are closely related to people's beliefs and value systems.

As this book is about to go to press, I would like to express my special thanks to all my family, friends and colleagues who have provided help, suggestions, opinions and encouragement.

Due to my own limitations, omissions and errors are inevitable in this book. In presenting historical facts, I have tried my best to follow the records of serious historical materials such as the *Records of the Grand Historian* and the *Comprehensive Mirror for Aid in Government*. As for the viewpoints, they are merely one person's opinion. Criticism and suggestions from readers are welcome.

Zhang Tianliang

October 16, 2013, at Fei Tian University, USA

Table of contents

This series consists of 45 episodes, totaling approximately 400,000 words. A brief summary of each episode is as follows:

1. Mandate of Heaven: Qin Shi Huang unified China, established imperial titles, standardized official titles, reformed the calendar, changed clothing colors, abolished the feudal system, established prefectures and counties, and founded a centralized state.

2. Imperial Achievements: Standardizing cart axles, writing, weights and measures, and ethical norms; Qin Shi Huang unified currency, built highways, conquered the Baiyue in the south, defeated the Xiongnu in the north, and established trade routes with the southwestern Yi, thus establishing a unified multi-ethnic state. The mystery of the burning of books and burying of scholars alive.

3. The Dune Plot: Qin Shi Huang, during his tour of the empire, died in Dune. Zhao Gao and Li Si altered his will, and the Second Emperor, Hu Hai, ascended the throne.

4. Internal strife: Zhao Gao, emboldened by the emperor's wickedness, and the Second Emperor's perverse actions, led to the massacre of the imperial family and meritorious officials. Li Si, caught in his own trap, met his death and the extermination of his clan.

5. Uprising: Chen Sheng and Wu Guang raised their banners and made weapons of wood in Dazexiang, marching their troops towards Hangu Pass.

6. The downfall of Qin will inevitably be caused by Chu: Zhang Han quelled the rebellion, Wu Guang and Chen Sheng were successively killed, and Xiang Liang and Xiang Yu raised an army in Kuaiji. At the Xue meeting, King Huai of Chu was established as the overlord.

7. The Uprising After Slaying the Serpent: Liu Bang's miraculous experiences, the uprising after slaying the serpent, and Zhang Liang presenting his shoes at the Bridge of Yi.

8. Breaking the Cauldrons and Sinking the Boats: The death of Xiang Liang, the Battle of Julu by Xiang Yu, and the breaking of the cauldrons and sinking of the boats. Zhang Han surrenders, and Xiang Yu buries and massacres 200,000 Qin soldiers who have surrendered.

9. The Three Laws: Zhao Gao pointed at a deer and called it a horse, killing the Second Emperor. Ziying killed Zhao Gao. Liu Bang entered Xianyang, stationed his army at Bashang, and established the Three Laws.

10. The Fright at Hongmen: Liu Bang went to Hongmen to apologize, and Xiang Yu hosted a banquet. Xiang Zhuang performed a sword dance, his intention being to kill Liu Bang.

11. Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu: He massacred Xianyang, killed Ziying, burned the palaces, and enfeoffed various lords, restarting the chaotic Warring States period. Liu Bang was enfeoffed as the King of Han.

12. Unparalleled Strategist: Xiao He pursued Han Xin under the moonlight, and Liu Bang built an altar to appoint him as general. Han Xin criticized Xiang Yu for his mere bravery and womanly compassion, and systematically formulated a strategy for Liu Bang to conquer the world.

13. Crossing the Chencang Pass in Secret: Liu Bang secretly crossed the Chencang Pass, leading a coalition army of 560,000 princes to occupy Pengcheng, but was defeated by Xiang Yu's 30,000 cavalry and his entire army was wiped out.

14. Unparalleled Achievements: Han Xin pacified the Three Qin regions, captured King Bao of Wei, killed King Xie of Zhao, subjugated the State of Yan without a fight, and swiftly conquered the State of Qi.

15. The Battle of Xingyang: Liu Bang and Xiang Yu fought a fierce battle between Xingyang and Chenggao, with Peng Yue causing trouble for Chu. Liu Bang occupied Aocang, while Xiang Yu's army was running out of food, and signs of defeat were already evident.

16. Surrounded by Enemies on All Sides: A battle of wits and strength raged at Guangwu Ravine, with the Honggou Canal dividing the land between Chu and Han. An ambush from all sides, the Hegemon-King bids farewell to his concubine. Xiang Yu commits suicide at the Wujiang River.

17. The Founding of the Han Dynasty: Liu Bang discussed success and failure, adopted Lou Jing's suggestion to establish the capital in Guanzhong, Lu Jia wrote "New Discourses," Shusun Tong formulated etiquette, Xiao He established laws, and Han Xin enacted military law.

18. "When the birds are all gone, the bow is put away": Han Xin's bravery and strategic brilliance overshadowed the emperor, and his achievements were unparalleled. He was thus distrusted by Liu Bang and unjustly killed by Empress Lü.

19. The White Horse Alliance: In the early Han Dynasty, Liu Bang eliminated kings of different surnames and established the White Horse Alliance, stipulating that no one other than a member of the Liu family could claim the title of king.

20. The Siege of Baideng: The rise of the Xiongnu, Liu Bang's entrapment at Baideng Mountain, and the establishment of the policy of marriage alliances.

21. Ruthless and insane: Liu Bang's attempt to change the heir apparent failed, and while ill, he quelled Ying Bu's rebellion, composing the "Song of the Great Wind." After Liu Bang's death, Empress Lü cruelly tortured and murdered Consort Qi and poisoned Prince Ruyi of Zhao.

22. The Rebellion of the Lü Clan: Empress Lü starved Liu You to death and forced Liu Hui to commit suicide. After Empress Lü's death, Chen Ping and Zhou Bo exterminated the Lü clan.

23. The Reign of Wen and Jing: During the reigns of Emperors Wen and Jing, the Huang-Lao school of thought and the principle of non-action were adopted to govern. They reduced punishments, lowered taxes, lightened corvée labor, and allowed the people to rest and recuperate, thus creating a prosperous era.

24. A Warning in a Prosperous Age: Jia Yi, with his foresight and wisdom, foresaw that the Han Dynasty would face external threats from the Xiongnu invasion and internal troubles from the rebellions of the feudal lords. However, he was unappreciated and died young.

25. Emperor Jing's Reduction of the Feudal Powers: Chao Cuo, well-versed in Confucianism and Legalism, became Emperor Jing's teacher. He frequently submitted memorials to Emperor Wen, requesting a change in policy. After Emperor Jing ascended the throne, Chao Cuo, fearing the growing power of the vassal states, advised Emperor Jing to reduce their power.

26. The Rebellion of the Seven States - Seven states, including Wu and Chu, launched a rebellion under the banner of "punishing Chao Cuo and purging the emperor's inner circle." Chao Cuo's actions were flawed, and he was executed by Emperor Jing, who cut him in half at the waist and exterminated his entire clan.

27. Command with composure - Emperor Jing appointed Zhou Yafu as general, and within three months, the rebellion was swiftly quelled.

28. The Succession Crisis: Emperor Jing deposed Crown Prince Liu Rong, and Prince Liu Wu of Liang died of illness after failing to seize the throne. Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, ascended the throne.

29. Three Strategies on Heaven and Man - Dong Zhongshu's "Three Strategies on Heaven and Man" answered the questions of the legitimacy of the Han Dynasty's rule and how to govern, suggesting that Emperor Wu of Han appoint virtuous and capable officials, promote education, and establish the Imperial Academy.

30. The Confucian-Taoist Confucian Debate - Dong Zhongshu suggested suppressing all other schools of thought and exclusively honoring Confucianism. Zhu Fuyan presented the "Decree of Grace," peacefully resolving the problem of excessively powerful feudal states.

31. The Death of Dou Ying - Dou Ying's fall from power, Tian Fen's bullying, Guan Fu's insults, and Emperor Wu of Han's crackdown on powerful clans.

32. The Beginning of War - Emperor Wu of Han debates in court, abolishing the policy of marriage alliances. The Mayi Plot opens the curtain on the war between the Han and the Xiongnu.

33. A Renowned General – With Wei Zifu entering the palace and Empress A Jiao being deposed, Wei Qing began to distinguish himself. After the Battle of Mobei, Wei Qing was appointed Grand General.

34. A Heroic Legend - Huo Qubing led troops into battle at the age of eighteen, and at twenty, he won the Hexi Campaign, opening the road for the Han Dynasty to the Western Regions; in the Battle of Mobei, Wei Qing and Huo Qubing fought side by side, completely defeating the main force of the Xiongnu.

35. Li Guang's Fate - Li Guang was skilled in archery with long arms, and his soldiers fought bravely. However, he once killed a surrendered Qiang person, which destined him to never be ennobled. He then committed suicide.

36. The Silk Road - Zhang Qian's mission to the Western Regions, the opening of the Silk Road, Emperor Wu of Han's expedition to Dayuan, and the acquisition of the Ferghana horses.

37. Su Wu Herding Sheep - Su Wu was sent as an envoy to the Xiongnu, upholding his loyalty as a subject, and herded sheep by the North Sea for nineteen years; Li Ling fought against the Xiongnu, but ran out of arrows and supplies, and was defeated and surrendered.

38. The Tragedy of Li Ling - Due to numerous misunderstandings, Li Ling's entire clan was exterminated. Sima Qian defended Li Ling and was imprisoned and sentenced to death. Sima Qian decided to endure the humiliation and accept castration.

39. The Grand Historian's Book - "Letter to Ren An," Sima Qian completed China's first comprehensive history in biographical style, and it is also the foundational work of the "Twenty-Four Histories." The book consists of 130 chapters and 520,000 words.

40. A Hermit in the Court – The Witty and Witty Dongfang Shuo, the Guessing Game Dongfang Shuo, the Naturalist Dongfang Shuo, and Dongfang Shuo as a Hermit

41. Ministers Who Promoted Prosperity - Emperor Wu of Han's financial difficulties, Sang Hongyang's life and financial policies, unification of coinage, equalization of transport and price levels, calculation and reporting of taxes, and the salt and iron monopoly system.

42. The Witchcraft Injustice - The rise and fall of Crown Prince Wei, Lady Gouyi giving birth to Prince Liu Fuling, and Jiang Chong framing the Crown Prince and Empress Wei Zifu with witchcraft.

43. Emperor Wu Entrusts His Son to the Throne - Crown Prince Wei committed suicide, the grandson of the emperor was killed, Li Guangli surrendered to the Xiongnu and was killed, Emperor Wu issued the "Edict of Self-Reproach", and appointed Huo Guang, Jin Midi and Shangguan Jie as regents.

44. Great Talent and Strategy - Emperor Wu of Han's wars against Korea and Nanyue, the establishment of a government of commoners and civil officials, the use of talent without being bound by convention, the promotion of education, and the establishment of the Inner Court.

45. The Great Cause of Unification - From Qin Shi Huang to Emperor Wu of Han, the more than 130 years were filled with struggles for unification and division in many aspects such as politics, economy, culture, and military. Qin Shi Huang and Emperor Wu of Han made great contributions to the establishment and maintenance of the unity of the Chinese nation.