The Meng family had served the Qin kings faithfully for three generations. The emperor respected their ability and held them in esteem. At that time, General Meng Tian was supervising 300,000 troops in building the Great Wall. Prince Fu Su, the emperor’s oldest son, had been banished to join Meng Tian after protesting his father’s harsh policy of fen shu keng ru, “burning books and burying scholars.” Meng Yi, the younger brother of General Meng Tian, was a high-ranking minister in charge of internal administration, sacrificial rites, and ancestor worship. The First Emperor was particularly close to Meng Yi. At court, Meng Yi was allowed to stand in the imperial presence. Outside, he often rode in the same carriage as the emperor. With Meng Tian entrusted with the bulk of the Qin army and Meng Yi constantly at the emperor’s side, the Meng brothers were well regarded and treated with deference by the other ministers.
The eunuch Zhao Gao’s family originally came from Zhao, distantly related to the House of Zhao. According to Shiji, his father had committed a crime and was punished. His mother became a slave and was imprisoned. While in prison, she had illicit relations and bore her sons, all of whom were born in prison and were made eunuchs. As a eunuch, Zhao Gao was allowed to enter into service within the palace. Intelligent and diligent, Zhao Gao rose from obscurity to become a minor official with the title of keeper of the chariots. At one time he assisted Li Si in standardizing the written script and came to know the prime minister well. Later he was put in charge of the royal seal as well as of dispatching the emperor’s edicts. His knowledge and understanding of the law made a favorable impression on the emperor, who appointed him tutor to Prince Hu Hai, his youngest son. In no time at all, Zhao Gao became his student’s mentor and was able to exert almost total control over the weak and sensuous young man.
Sometime in the past, Zhao Gao had committed a serious offense. His case was referred to Meng Yi, who had found him guilty and sentenced him to death. For some reason, perhaps as a result of pleading from Prince Hu Hai, the emperor had remitted his sentence and given him a special pardon. From then on, Zhao Gao had borne a secret grudge against the Meng family.
This was the background of the imperial entourage that set off on its fateful journey. Records show that the First Emperor sailed down the Yangtze River and visited his eastern territories, including present-day Hangzhou, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu. After offering sacrifices to ancient kings and erecting stone memorials to extol his own virtue, he meandered along the coast of the Yellow Sea. One night he had a dream about a physical fight with a sea monster. He was told that a giant fish-demon was patrolling the waters and keeping him from reaching the immortals who were in possession of the magic elixir of eternal life. He went out to sea with his men and killed a whale in the waters of the former state of Qi (present-day Shandong Province) with crossbows and arrows. He then traveled westward along the seashore. Nine months went by, and it was the height of summer. One thousand miles away from home, the emperor suddenly became ill. Although no one around him was allowed to mention the word si (death), he knew in his heart that he was about to die.
Shiji relates that the emperor commanded Zhao Gao to appear before him and instructed the eunuch to write the following imperial edict to his oldest son, Prince Fu Su:
On receiving this letter, immediately proceed to Xianyang. Meet my funeral procession there. Hold the rites and bury me in my mausoleum.
The letter was sealed but not yet given to the messenger when the emperor died in Shaqiu (Sand Hill in present-day Hebei Province) on July 20, 210 B.C.E. He was forty-nine years old and had been on the throne for thirty-six years. At that time, besides Zhao Gao, Prince Hu Hai, and Prime Minister Li Si, only five or six trusted servant-eunuchs knew of the emperor’s demise. Meng Yi had been ordered to return to the capital a few days earlier to carry out sacrifices to the mountains and rivers.
Fearing unrest and rebellion because a crown prince had not been named, the prime minister deliberately concealed the emperor’s sudden death. He swore everyone to secrecy and behaved as if the emperor were still alive but merely resting in his chariot. Various officers continued to submit documents and the trusted eunuchs would pretend to transmit the emperor’s approvals. They also went on serving food and administering to the emperor’s daily needs as before.
In China it is not unusual for a leader’s death to be deliberately concealed during times of political crisis. When Mao’s designated successor, Lin Biao, was killed in a plane crash on September 12, 1971, while fleeing after failing to assassinate Mao, no public announcements were made. The October 1971 issue of People’s China, China’s widely read picture magazine, featured a large photo of Mao Tse-tung and Lin Biao on its cover. For over a month after Lin’s death, big character posters continued to be pasted on the walls of Tiananmen Square exhorting readers to adhere to Lin’s words, and the people went on worshiping Lin along with Mao as before. The grand National Day ceremony held annually at Tiananmen Square on October 1 was canceled at the last minute, probably because Lin’s absence at Mao’s side would have drawn comments from the international press.
Although there were rumors of Lin’s death within China in late October, it was only on November 27 that the Washington Post released the news to the rest of the world. “Lin Biao Believed to Be Dead” read the headline that day.
Aunt Baba, who was then living in Shanghai, was attending a political meeting in January of 1972 when her group was instructed to tear out and destroy the first two pages of Mao’s Little Red Book, which contained Lin Biao’s foreword. Along with many other elderly men and women, my aunt was fearful of this new dictum.
“How is it possible,” one of the old ladies finally asked the cadre in charge after a long silence, “that Lin Biao, who was Chairman Mao’s designated successor and minister of defense, is now suddenly being called a double dealer, traitor, conspirator, and counter-revolutionary? By ordering us to tear out the first two pages of Mao’s Little Red Book, are you sure you are not saying wang guo zhi yan, ‘words that would cause a nation to perish,’ and giving us advice that will lead to total disaster?”
Zhao Gao, who was in possession of the dead emperor’s last letter to Prince Fu Su as well as the imperial seal, saw his opportunity. He approached his former student, Prince Hu Hai, and said, “Your father, the emperor, has died without proclaiming a legitimate heir to the throne. All he left behind is this letter to your older brother. When Prince Fu Su meets us in Xianyang, he will be crowned as emperor while you will be left without a foot or even an inch of territory. Are you planning to do anything about this?”
Hu Hai replied dutifully, “I have heard that the enlightened ruler knows his subjects and the smart father understands his sons. Since my father died without proclaiming an heir, what can I do or say?”
“I beg to disagree,” the eunuch replied. “In fact, Your Highness, at present the fate of the empire rests in the hands of three people: you, the prime minister, and me. Please keep this in mind. Besides, when it is a matter of ruling others or being ruled by others, or a choice of making others one’s vassals or being the vassals of others, how can you even think of considering them in the same instance?”
Still the young prince resisted. “It is not right to displace an older brother and install a younger one in his shoes,” he protested. “It is also wrong not to pass on a father’s true wishes. Such acts are against the moral obligations of a son. When a person has limited skills and capability, it is reprehensible for him to take over the assignments of another who has proven himself through his achievements. These three acts are contrary to the correct behavior of a wise ruler, and the empire will not condone them. If I were to behave in such a manner, I would fall into danger and the spirits of the land would reject my sacrifices.”
But the eunuch was not so easily dissuaded. He cited two precedents: the first a minister who killed his master, and the second a son who murdered his father, both for just causes. The former received approbation from the general populace while the latter w
as applauded by no less a person than Confucius himself, who did not consider the son to have been unfilial. “Great men do not perform grand deeds out of prudence. Neither do virtuous acts arise from gallant denial,” he said to the prince. “A person of decision and daring will carry the world before him, so much so that even spirits and ghosts dare not obstruct his way. Only then will he perform memorable feats. I beg you to consider my words. Now is the time! Now is the time! Be not afraid because fear is the only thing that can make us fail.”
At this, the young prince heaved a sigh and nodded his agreement. Having had his way with his student, the eunuch now said, “For our plan to succeed, we need to involve the prime minister. I request permission to speak to him on your behalf.”
Years earlier, the cunning eunuch had worked with Li Si on standardizing the script. He knew the prime minister intimately and was very much aware of his love of money and power. Besides having been ennobled as a marquis of the highest rank, Li Si had also seized for himself the greatest revenues from the government. Zhao Gao knew that he had but one chance to present his case. If he were to fail in his persuasive mission, he would be accused of treason and his life would be in jeopardy.
He now approached Li Si and said, “At this uncertain time, may I remind Your Highness of the close relationship between General Meng Tian and Prince Fu Su, the emperor’s oldest son and rightful heir. For many years now, the Meng family has held the reins of power in the Qin empire.
“I beg your lordship to pose to yourself the following questions: As to talent and ability, how do you compare with Meng Tian? In resourcefulness and strategic military planning, how do you compare with Meng Tian? Regarding meritorious service, how do you compare with Meng Tian? In popularity and legendary heroism, how do you compare with Meng Tian? Last but not least, in the mind and heart of Prince Fu Su, how do you compare with Meng Tian?”
“You know very well, sir,” replied old Li Si sadly, “that in all five aspects, I cannot compare with Meng Tian. Why do you question me thus?”
“I am but a lowly eunuch in His Majesty’s service,” said Zhao Gao humbly, “who has been fortunate enough to be admitted into the Qin palace through the writing of words. In my twenty years with the emperor, I have seen many exemplary ministers who have been dismissed. Alas! Not a single one has retained his feudal holdings to pass on to the next generation. In fact, every one has been eventually executed….”
He saw Li Si’s right hand trembling and knew that his warning had struck home. He cleared his throat and continued, “We both recognize that the emperor’s oldest son is resolute, steadfast, brave, and trustworthy. When he ascends the throne, he is bound to appoint General Meng Tian as his prime minister. In that case, it is certain that Your Highness will not be able to sustain your present exalted position and may even have to surrender your seal of high office and go back to your village.”
“What you are saying are wang guo zhi yan, ‘words that would cause a nation to perish.’ I have read our late majesty’s final decree,” replied Li Si feebly. “According to the sages, we should listen and obey the will of Heaven. Who am I to question or doubt the emperor’s final intent?”
Zhao Gao knew that for his plan to succeed, Li Si’s complicity was essential. “Do not be so sure of your own reasoning,” the wily eunuch counseled. “What you consider dangerous may actually be safe. And what you consider safe may actually be dangerous. Would it not be wiser to decide first on what is dangerous and what is safe before worrying about the will of Heaven or how to honor the sages?”
“In spite of my lofty position, I began life as a commoner;” Li Si replied, “having been born in the narrow lanes of the village of Shangcai. Through the grace of the emperor, I was fortunate to have attained my present post of prime minister. Hence it is my responsibility to decide on the measures that should be taken to safeguard the integrity of our empire. Do not tempt me by advising me to ignore my duty. One who is loyal to the memory of his emperor cannot hope to do a proper job if he blanches at the thought of his own death. I beg you to say no more.”
Sensing weakness in the old man’s words, Zhao Gao persisted, “It has been said that sometimes even the sages do not follow the usual patterns of behavior but adapt to change as they see fit. Besides, no rule is unerring. The only thing that does not change is that everything changes. If circumstances are constantly altering, how can there be but one correct rule of conduct?
“If you would only grant me the patience to listen to my plan, you will see for yourself that it has been specifically designed for you to maintain your power and position for as long as you wish. However, if you should reject my proposal, it is equally obvious that you and your offspring will suffer disastrous consequences. The adroit minister is one who can turn calamity into opportunity and success. Your Highness, please let me know your decision.”
The old minister looked up to Heaven and heaved a great sigh. Tears flowed down his cheeks as he lamented, “It seems that the fate of the great empire of Qin has fallen upon my shoulders. Why must I alone of all my family be saddled with such chaotic times? And since I am unable to face the possibility of sacrificing my life, what fate should I hope for?”
Zhao Gao continued, “Fortune is smiling on us because the conditions for carrying out my plan cannot be more perfect. The royal seal and His Late Majesty’s last letter are both in the possession of Prince Hu Hai.
“I propose that we first burn the emperor’s letter to Prince Fu Su. Using the emperor’s seal, let us send Fu Su a new letter instead. Meanwhile, let me report back to Prince Hu Hai.”
The eunuch hurried back to Hu Hai and said, “I hereby hand you the emperor’s seal as well as his letter to your oldest brother, Fu Su. I humbly ask your permission to relay your commands as heir apparent to the prime minister. From now on, he will not dare disobey your orders.”
The three men first prepared a false edict from the First Emperor, purportedly instructing the prime minister to establish Hu Hai as crown prince. They then forged a new letter to the eldest son, Prince Fu Su, after destroying the first letter.
The false letter read:
We are touring the empire and performing sacrifices to prolong our life. Meanwhile, Fu Su is with General Meng Tian. The latter has been stationed at the border for more than ten years. Not only has Fu Su not been able to gain an inch of territory after the loss of numerous soldiers, he has sent us frankly written letters criticizing our policies. As a son, Fu Su has been critical and unfilial. We hereby present him with our sword for him to end his existence. General Meng Tian has done nothing to correct Fu Su’s faults, though he must be aware of them. Because of his disloyalty, we present him with the opportunity to take his own life. We further direct that he hand over his troops to the command of Assistant General Wang Li immediately.
After the letter was sealed with the seal of the emperor, Zhao Gao said to Li Si, “For our plan to succeed, it is essential that no one must know of the emperor’s demise. We will say that His Majesty is indisposed and is keeping to his bed in the coach. The messenger who delivers this message to Fu Su must be someone with authority, preferably a nobleman.
“As soon as Prince Fu Su commits suicide, your position as prime minister and marquis will be secure. Prince Hu Hai is young, malleable, and intelligent. He will need your guidance for as long as you live. And after your death, one of your sons will probably take your place at the side of the emperor for many generations to come.”
The story of Zhao Gao, Li Si, and Prince Hu Hai after the death of Qin’s First Emperor was taught to me in class when I was in the sixth grade in my Shanghai primary school. I was fascinated and related the tale to my aunt when I came home from school. I have never forgotten our discussion that evening.
“Always remember this story!” Aunt Baba told me. “Up to the point of his conversation with Zhao Gao, Li Si was a loyal minister and a moral man. He listened to Zhao Gao and became corrupted. A person’s character is made or unmade by our
intentions. If a person listens to an evil plan without protest, he has already compromised his integrity, even though he may think he has remained innocent and uninvolved. Eventually, a deception that Li Si secretly condoned behind closed doors was carried out and proclaimed by him in public without a second thought. By overlooking corruption for personal gain, Li Si tainted his conscience and came to behave in exactly the same way as Zhao Gao.
“In China, we have a concept called qi. Qi means the foundation of courage, will, and intention. It is dependent on moral conviction. Li Si knew very well that he was condoning evil when he went along with Zhao Gao’s plans. He thought that he could control and outsmart the eunuch, but he had forgotten about his personal morality. His own behavior eventually made him lose face in his own eyes, and he started loathing himself.
“A person’s moral integrity is of the utmost importance. It is the foundation of one’s sense of self-worth. If a person feels in his heart that he is right, he will go forth even against thousands and tens of thousands. But if he feels in his heart that he is wrong, he must stand in fear even though his opponent is the least formidable of foes.
“When Li Si listened to Zhao Gao, he lost his integrity and with it his moral authority. At one point, Li Si accused Zhao Gao of saying wang guo zhi yan, ‘words that would cause a nation to perish.’ The same proverb also means ‘advice that leads to total disaster.’ Disaster for Li Si himself as well as for the nation because from then on, Li Si was a broken man and could no longer hold up his head. He went over to the side of evil and afterward had nothing but contempt for himself within his own heart. Outwardly, Li Si appeared the same and was still prime minister. But inwardly, he was rotting and he knew it.
“Never forget this story!”
Chinese journals and newspapers often publish articles identifying contemporary politicians with historical figures. The First Emperor is invariably represented as Mao Tse-tung and Zhao Gao as a current villain-at-large such as Lin Biao. The character of Li Si is more difficult to depict, but the general consensus is that he did more good than harm. Diplomatic, conciliatory, and compromising, Li Si has been compared with the Communist premier Zhou Enlai, who was similarly flexible, tactful, and adaptable. Both were skillful at handling human relations and often hid their true feelings so as not to offend anybody. In one of the publications, however, a warning was given that in life it is impossible to please everyone. A policy of accommodation toward amoral and ruthless individuals may, in the long run, lead to personal and national disaster.
A Thousand Pieces of Gold Page 11