Chapter 5 Chapter 4: Behind the Scenes of the Terracotta Warriors

Chinese and foreign scholars should express their gratitude to the staff of Lintong County People's Commune.Fortunately, in the spring of 1974, they excavated the earthen army buried 20 feet under the loess for 2,200 years to defend Qin Shihuang's mausoleum.Even if this discovery does not answer historians' questions about the unification of China, it at least provides clues where it matters most.Most importantly, this evidence shows that the historical character of China is very different from that of early civilizations in other parts of the world. In the written historical records, the ancestors of the Qin royal family are recorded in series according to the procedure of "who begets who", just like the "Old Testament" in the "Bible".By the time of the Warring States period, these records began to introduce novel deeds.His "portrait" also seems to come from a satirist. The author must first have a concept of "eagle" before painting the upper lip like a bird's beak.The great historian Sima Qian wrote a book about 100 years after the first emperor, and he provided the following about the origin of the first emperor: In about 250 BC, according to the custom of the day, a son of the state of Qin took a hostage in the court of King Zhao to ensure the truce between the two countries Agreement shall not be violated.Even so, military clashes on the border between the two countries have continued intermittently.Because the son lacks a sense of security, he is only one of the more than 20 sons of the prince of Qin, so he cannot be valued by his country.Lu Buwei, a wealthy businessman, found out that this situation can be used to play tricks. It happened that at this time Prince Qin promoted his favorite concubine Ji to the crown princess. Although she was powerful, she had no children.Lu Buwei first handed over the young master as a hostage with flattering words and expensive gifts.Then, as the son's personal representative, he traveled to the Qin court and made more publicity, opening the door with light words and heavy money.He convinced the Crown Princess that if she needs to ensure the safety of the future, it is better to take the son who is a hostage in Zhao State as her own son. He is loyal and honest, but he does not foresee the political disputes of the Qin court.After this plan was successful, the neglected young master returned to the country in the future just as King Qin passed away, Prince Qin was established as King Qin, and the former hostage finally became the prince.

In the middle of the story, there is still a mystery: when the prince was in Zhao State, he met a beautiful concubine from Lu Buwei who was good at dancing.Lu generously gave her away, and the prince was pleasantly surprised that she was pregnant.Within a year, she gave birth to a son for the prince, and thirteen years later, the prince of unknown origin became the king of Qin.Twenty-five years later he became Qin Shihuang, who unified China.His pro-father, a wealthy businessman, Lu Buwei, also served as prime minister in the court until he lost his position and was defeated. The unification of China in 221 BC was an important milestone in history.There is no doubt that this extraordinary event must be treated by extraordinary people, but the appearance of the above-mentioned characters in a special environment is just a coincidence.As mentioned in the previous chapters of this book, the factors of weather, geography, and personnel behind the scenes have been brewing for centuries.The feudal innovation of the Zhou Dynasty and a king directly commanding the whole people through the bureaucracy was not specially created by Qin, and winning Qin was not the vanguard of the reform.However, while other countries are still undergoing partial reforms, Qin State is implementing comprehensive renovations.Its plan does not allow accommodation and borrowing, and its implementation steps include aristocrats being abolished as civilians, officials serving according to their ability, the well field system being abolished, land can be bought and sold freely, land tax is levied per mu, and soldiers are enlisted according to the procedure of conscription.The state also promotes agriculture and mulberry while denigrating other industries, in order to ensure that the whole country has ample food and clothing.From the history books, it seems that about 100 years before Qin Shihuang came to the throne, the above policies had been put into practice.This system focuses on centralization and can maintain a collective character among the people within the territory. It is not an exaggeration to call it "totalitarianism".

Qin State is a country dominated by police power.It differs critically from the modern totalitarian state in that the latter turns an already pluralistic society back to serve its narrowly defined ends.Winning Qin does not wait for social diversification, and has already formed a centralized system. In addition, Qin's centralization has no signs of nationalism.Although this country's mission is to conquer other countries, the only people it intends to destroy are the royal family and nobles of the other party. The important ministers of King Qin himself are all Hakka, even after the unification of the world.In the records of Qin Dynasty, there is no evidence that the people were treated with relative discrimination because of their original nationality.

Since Qin's system became streamlined, Legalist thought constituted its ideology.Although it stands from the position that human nature is evil, it also believes that human beings can collectively do good.This belief is very close to the theory of the 19th century German historian Henrch von Treitschke.Also because of its "modern" tone, Chinese Legalism sometimes captivates Western readers.Their conception of the rule of law is not swayed by tradition, custom, ancient privilege, prevailing morality, family closeness, or even compassion.The law represents the will of the sovereign, must be written law, must be written in detail and without doubt, and must be enforced without discount and without distinction.Because they stand on a materialistic standpoint and regard the prosperity of the country as the only way, they cannot create Western-style civil laws.It was only hundreds of years before Christ was born that they were advocating that the prince broke the law and committed the same crime as the people. This must have created a sense of equality in the minds of the people of that day.The Legalists also believed that they upheld the laws of nature. They believed that once the law was promulgated, the king was like the axle, which could move without moving, and the officials were like the spokes of the car, which turned with the wheels.Judging from the style of Chinese bureaucracy in the next two thousand years, such imitation cannot be regarded as completely incorrect.

In a nutshell, the prematurity of China's political system was an achievement in those days, but the Chinese had to pay a price for it.In outward form, with these facilities before Christ, the institutions of the state were streamlined, but their lower parts were crude and unable to grow, especially by later standards.Until recently China lacked a judicial system as strong and independent as the West, and the reasons for this can be traced back to antiquity.Confucian law makes the law inseparable from the family concept, and confuses law with emotion and discipline. Legalist law is actually the most convenient administrative tool, but it is useless in other respects.

Ancient historians even pointed out that Qin State gained geographical advantages when it competed with other countries to rule China.Its east is blocked by mountains and rivers. Qin people can switch to meet the enemy, but the opponent cannot come and go freely in and out of Qin territory.The natives in the southwest of Qin have a low level of culture and can be absorbed and annexed at will.In the struggle for supremacy in the Warring States Period, unification was the ultimate goal, and the peripheral ones focused on long-term strategies, so they must have an advantage over the central states, because the central states are constantly bewildered by disputes, discord, conspiracy, and tricks among themselves.It was not until the last few decades that countries had to deal with Qin's offensive that they attempted to form alliances with each other.It is generally rarely mentioned that Qin actually benefited from economic backwardness.Only when the economy is backward can we emphasize the unity of agriculture, mobilize, focus on the same, and have strong internal cohesion.This period is still a period of victory by quantity, military technology is roughly in a state of balance, and no belligerent country has changed the situation of the war because of its superiority in quality.

Qin Shihuang's exploits were the same as those of his predecessors.The standard method of warfare is to continuously encroach on the enemy's territory, followed by armed immigration.Qin's strategists demanded that potential opponents destroy important fortifications and fortresses on the border.Sometimes they slaughter the enemy's strong men without hesitation to reduce their combat capabilities.Diplomatic offensives focus on breaking down ties between enemy nations, softening their resistance.In most cases, the Qin army fought in enemy territory while maintaining the integrity of the Qin land.We believe that the Qin army often sent troops to collect food from the enemy on the spot.After Qin Shihuang ascended the throne, several natural disasters prevailed, and the Qin army also took the opportunity to develop.There was famine in 244 BC, and locusts infested western China the following year.Drought in 235 BC, and famines in 230 and 228 BC are also recorded.However, Shi Huang's military achievements were also considered outstanding. In the 10 years before the reunification, 5 of the 6 hostile kings became prisoners of war, and the other surrendered.All the kingdoms were occupied, and finally the Qin army entered Yan to threaten Qi's northern flank.After this battle, the king of Qin proclaimed himself emperor.

After unification, various consolidation steps were taken.The borders of the six countries were abolished, and the whole country was divided into 36 counties.All six royal families and nobles were abolished, and each county had a guard (equal to the governor), a lieutenant (equal to the commander of the defense area), and a supervisor (equal to the ombudsman).Chinese characters had divergent trends in the Warring States Period, and since then seal script has been used as the standard.The units of weight and measure are also standardized, and the length of the axles is also standardized.The 120,000 prestigious families across the country were all relocated near the capital to prevent the revival of local power.Except for the weapons used by the Qin army, all others were confiscated and destroyed. They were cast into 12 huge golden figures and placed in front of the palace to carry out the emperor's determination.

In 213 BC, Emperor Qin ordered the burning of several books.A minister of literature suggested that traditional politics should still be respected. When Shi Huang submitted his suggestion to his ministers for discussion, Li Si, the legalist prime minister, refuted it.He also advocated that all private teaching should be prohibited to prevent "defamation".Because of this review, the order to burn books was issued. At the same time, it was also ordered that anyone who quoted classics in daily language, or commented on current events based on ancient examples, would be sentenced to death.The books burned included the histories other than Qin Dynasty, classical works, and the philosophies of various schools of thought. Only books written by the Qin court, medicine, divination, agriculture and mulberry were not included in the burning list.

In the following year, there was another so-called "pitting Confucianism".In addition to the general ministers of literature, Qin Shihuang also adopted many astrologers and alchemists. From the perspective of the day, such people can be regarded as half-hearted scientists.Two of them were hired by Shi Huang to search for longevity medicine. They did not find the medicine, but instead spread rumors, accusing Shi Huang of being irritable and not meeting the conditions for longevity.The first emperor was furious and ordered the guards to search every house in the capital.The above-mentioned two persons have not been found yet, but there are 460 people arrested. They either have contacts with these two people, or they are showing off similar alchemy.In the end, more than 400 people were all buried alive.

Traditional Chinese historians have always praised and judged people.When it came to Qin Shihuang, he felt that the subject matter was too big and involved a lot, and it was not easy to deal with it casually.How can his cruelty reach a bizarre level without condemnation?However, his work of unifying China was designed with such a long-term vision and completed with such exquisite skills, so why not admire him?A thoughtful reader may be troubled by the barbarism of Qin Shi Huang and his entourage, but in another passage, he is constantly trying to realize his schemes beyond the imagination of ordinary people, even at infinite risk. Dangerous, executed relentlessly and moved. The first emperor in historical records shows that he was vain, sometimes fashionable and behaved strangely.Under the general conditions of the day, the superstitious tendencies described are likely to be true.It is mentioned in the history books that once he was unable to cross the Xiangshui due to wind blocking, he blamed the goddess Xiangjun for causing trouble, so he sent 3,000 prisoners to cut down the trees on the mountain in retaliation. It can be seen that he was fighting against supernatural powers, not shaking Fascinated by supernatural powers.His use of black to represent the color of the empire is also an original creation beyond the times.Judging from his inscriptions, it can be seen that in addition to the long-term peace in the region, he also paid great attention to sexual morality, and believed that it was related to the solidarity of the whole people.He has more than 20 sons and at least 10 daughters.Except for the mention of his Dove's mother, there is no mention of the women involved in his life in the historical records.The first emperor traveled extensively. He not only walked in the city, but also traversed the famous mountains and rivers. He once patrolled the capital at night in micro-clothes.Although the first emperor loved to conquer, he never commanded the three armies.In addition, he is a worker who is not afraid of fatigue. He is scheduled to read the bamboo slips every day, and the progress is made by weight, and he will not rest until he reaches the goal.He always consults his subordinates first when it comes to national affairs, but the final decision is always his own.Perhaps most notable is the 12 years that Qin Shihuang ruled the country with an iron fist, without major incidents.This is a vast country, which has been under war for dozens of years, and the turbulent situation dating back to the past can still include hundreds of years. No one can take the place he left behind.As soon as he died, the prime minister, eunuch and prince killed each other with conspiracy and coup d'état.Within a year, countless rebellions rose up in counties across the country.Three years later, Qin died, and all relatives and important entourages of the first emperor died. The archaeological results in 1974 cannot determine whether Qin Shihuang's origin was legal or illegitimate, nor can it be used to argue that he is a good person or a bad person.What has been unearthed so far is only a portion of the periphery of his burial, but the results have established a size and design so magnificent that it dazzles the eye. The excavation site totaled 3 acres.It is estimated that there are 7,000 pottery warriors with practical weapons and chariots and pottery horses defending the tomb of the first emperor.On the one hand, the entire structure expresses the grandeur of the design, and on the other hand, it also expresses the precision and seriousness of the subtleties.The soldiers modeled seem to be imitated from living people as models, and no two are exactly alike.There are hundreds of different expressions on their faces.Their hair seems to be shaved according to the same rules, but there is still infinite variation in the style of combing, the trimming of mustaches, and the bunting of buns. Made of leather strips.There are iron nails on the soles of the boots.The armor used by soldiers is different from cavalry and infantry.It is obvious that cavalry do not use shoulder guards to keep their horses moving freely.The helmets used by officers are also finer than those used by ordinary soldiers. The ironwork is more elegant, and the armor pieces are smaller, and they are constructed with decorative designs.The postures of all the statues are also determined according to the needs of the battle: some are standing solemnly at attention, some are kneeling and holding crossbows, some are pulling chariots, and some are preparing for hand-to-hand combat.In short, all of them happened to be the first division of the Qin infantry, with chariots and cavalry covering the flanks, ready to fight the enemy at any time.The materials unearthed so far are impressive enough, but experts predict that more clay soldiers, horses and chariots may be at the southern end of this division.What is even more astonishing is that the other three sides of the place where the first emperor was buried may also have a whole division of soldiers and horses of the same type, so what has been unearthed now is only 1/4 of the total. According to the historian Sima Qian, the Mausoleum of the First Emperor was in operation for 36 years, employing 700,000 craftsmen.There are also models of palaces in the underground buildings, and the mountains and rivers of the whole country are reproduced with quicksand and mercury.The critical parts are protected by mechanical crossbows to prevent tomb robbers. Many craftsmen were buried alive in the mausoleum because they knew too much about the inside story. These legends may never be verified.However, only with the current information, visitors can also make a definite conclusion in history based on what they see.If Qin Shihuang believed completely in supernatural powers, why didn't he replace the numerous terracotta warriors with large-scale portraits?Why not use superhuman statues, each several feet high, like the great Nubian statue overlooking the Aswan Dam today?Or create three heads and six arms, just like the Hindu tradition?In fact, pottery terracotta warriors can be made in batches in the same way as founding sand, such as the relief statues in front of Darius's Hall of Audience, or even the one on the Arch of Constantine. A stereotyped, lifeless group of portraits. If the observer uses a little imagination, he can close his eyes and see that when making these terracotta figures, philosophers, artists, craftsmen, groups of fortune-tellers, and hundreds of military officers were brainstorming and shoulder to shoulder. Research scenarios.This underground portrait project could not have been achieved without a comprehensive exchange of opinions from design to implementation, and then continuous technical consultations.In this respect, Tao Zhi Bingyong can be regarded as a kind of historical document, which confirms the deeds of full-scale mobilization during the Warring States Period mentioned in the history books, and it also points out that the contention of a hundred schools of thought at that time is true.It also shows that China's 2,200-year history does have a vertical stem, and many characteristics of Chinese character have appeared on that day.Such a system must have a conceived element at the top, somewhere between rationalization and irrationality. Although we cannot believe in the legalist doctrine that the individual must be compelled by the community to do good and to do evil, this mass of kiln-fired statues proves that a public purpose can be created by the will of the state.Universal egoism advocated by Machiavelli cannot be denied because it is evil.Willie (see Chapter 2) has a deep meaning in summarizing all legalists under the name of "realist". But tourists may also have doubts when they see this large group of images baked by kiln fire: With such ingenuity, great vision and organizational ability, and detailed planning work, why can't China make full use of these advantages to make a major breakthrough in science and technology? , as the Renaissance is to Western Europe?The non-sustainability of these arts and techniques can be explained by the lack of social motivation.Michelangelo needed employment from the Holy See in order to develop his genius.Rubens made a good living by painting portraits of kings of various countries.The unfortunate thing about the unknown artists in Qin is that their works are collectively completed and can only be contributed to one monarch, and his own portrait still paints his upper lip like an eagle's beak, and his memorial hall is actually buried in the ground. Mausoleum.However, what happened to these unknown artists was not all unfortunate.Not all of their works were lost in the dust. About 2,200 years later, their masterpieces were unearthed, and some people repaired them so that they could be seen again, expressing the feeling and reality of an important historical transition.