The Court of Qin Shi Huang

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2 Contents Chair Letter... 2 Historical Background... 3 The Zhou Dynasty... 3 From the Spring and Autumn period to the Warring States... 3 Crisis and Consequence... 3 The Court of Qin Shi Huang... 4 Committee Objectives... 4 Conquering the Warring States... 5 Unifying China... 6 Northern and Southern Expansions... 7 Economic and Political Reforms... 8 The Search for the Elixir of Immortality BCE Current Situation... 9 Questions to Consider... 9 Character List Bibliography SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 1

3 Dear Delegates, My name is Garima Karia, and it is with great pleasure and excitement that I welcome you to the Court of Qin Shi Huang. I ll be your Chair for the duration of SSUNS 2018, and I can t decide if I m more excited to meet you all or to create our committee groupchat for the sole purpose of sending each other the dankest memes we can find. When I m not memeing and scheming, I m either studying Joint Honours Political Science & History, eating pizza with our Crisis Director Peter, talking about my semester abroad in Paris, and/or listening to Drake. I m joined by Beryl Liu, your amazing Vice-Chair. Beryl studies Political Science and English, and staffed the Cannes Film Festival this year! Look out for her at the Oscars in the years to come. Whether you ll be a first-time crisis delegate at SSUNS or you re a long-time MUN aficionado, I can assure you that both our dais and staff will do everything in our power to make your SSUNS weekend both fun and memorable. For newcomers to crisis committees, prepare yourselves for a weekend of dynamism, action, and hands-on Model UN. You ll never want to do a GA again. And to our crisis veterans, I expect you to bring your A-game. Our crisis team will ensure that your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure will be put to the ultimate test. It is my hope that this committee experience will be both educational and exciting for all of you. My team and I have exciting tasks and seemingly challenging plot twists up ours sleeves, and we re looking forward to working with all of you as we embark on a quest to conquer and unify China. I d like to take this opportunity to introduce Peter, your Crisis Director. Peter and I have been doing Model UN together since we were first years, and this committee is the culmination of every crazy, creative idea we ve ever shared. Like me, Peter studies political science, history, and economics, and also enjoys tagging his friends in memes, wearing onesies, and telling anyone who listens about his upbringing in Bangkok and Oslo. This conference will likely be his last before he graduates, so I hope you ll assist me in making it his best. Peter is joined by his lovely Assistant Crisis Director, Vivian Qiang. Vivian is in her second year studying cognitive neuroscience, but more importantly, she s a west coast ballerina who can rap Nicki s verse in Monster. Please don t hesitate to contact me, Peter, or any member of the SSUNS secretariat with any questions you may have leading up to the conference. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you this November! Sincerely, Garima Karia Chair, Court of Qin Shi Huang SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 2

4 Historical Background The Zhou Dynasty To understand the current situation at hand with the Qin Dynasty, we must venture towards the establishment of the Zhou dynasty which was one of China s first and longest-lasting dynasties, lasting over 800 years. During the Zhou period, the theory of the Mandate of Heaven was created which indicates the divine right of a ruler to be in power. Moreover, the Mandate of Heaven further stipulates that there could only be one legitimate ruler of China who has the divine right to rule over the lands entrusted to him by the heavens 1. This theory of the Mandate of Heaven will be a driving force in the search for establishing a unified Empire as it is written in the heavens. The Zhou dynasty also consolidated codified writing and improved metal-work. Confucianism emerged during this period and would continue to be an influential philosophy way after the collapse of the Zhou dynasty and it will potentially prove to be a challenge to the authority of the future Emperor. As the centralized authority of the Zhou royal court collapsed into decentralized feudal units, China would enter into several centuries of civil wars 2. This period of decentralization and the emergence of feudalism is most notably referred to as the Spring and Autumn period. From the Spring and Autumn period to the Warring States Currently, the committee stands in 230 BCE which is in the midst of the Warring States period. This period refers to an era of political decentralization where the political climate of the territory was comprised of seven major states all with a ruler believing they are the entrusted by the Mandate of Heaven to be the legitimate ruler of China. The political atmosphere preceded the legacy from the Spring and Autumn period with Chu and Qin as dominant amongst the states while the Qin and the Yan as second-tier powers due to their remote geographic location. Furthermore, the partition of the state of Jin in 403 BCE created the three additional states: Wei, Zhao, and Han 3. Crisis & Consequence The Warring States period looms in consistent military security threats and constantly changing political atmospheres that leaves the current crisis much of a Hobbesian chaotic and anarchic world. Each state is faced with security threats and uncertainty to the actions of other states. In order to protect the safety of one's state and its people, each state must utilize their strategic knowledge to execute military actions, secure the longevity of their state, fight to rule for hegemon and create the first dynasty with a unified China. 1 Ancient China." Ancient History Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Aug < 2 Ibid. 3 Ibid. SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 3

5 The Court of Qin Shi Huang The current ruler of the Qin state is King Zheng, who will be referred as Qin Shi Huang in this guide as optimistically, he will become the future Emperor of the seven united Warring States. Qin Shi Huang is the governing authority of the Court. The advisors summoned for the Court of Qin Shi Huang are expected to uphold the reputation on the Qin state and do what is best for the interests of the Qin state and, hopefully, the Empire as a whole. If the Court successfully manages to consolidate the Chinese states under Emperor Qin Shi Huang of the Qin State, the Court will be able to move forward in expanding the Empire and ensuring its hegemony in the territory. Issues to deal with would include standardizing Chinese characters and the education process, creating new titles for conquered states to keep them loyal and employing the philosophy of legalism across the board. Other issues would include stabilizing a unified China through strong military strategies as well as establishing the Great Wall of China. Many crisis elements will be employed and the Court, along with the Emperor, must respond in an effective and efficient manner to establish the prosperity of the Chinese Qin Dynasty as the possibility of a unified empire looms near. Committee Objectives This committee has assembled with two principal goals: conquering the surrounding states in order to unify China, and subsequently implementing innovative reforms in order to create a sound unified empire, in addition to consolidating the power of the Emperor. Through both immense feats, it will be your duty to protect your Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, for his safety is of paramount importance, given that it guarantees the stability of the dynasty and, later, China. Many of the enemies of this Dynasty, may be they Crown Princes of other states or perhaps even close advisors to the Emperor seeking power, have attempted to take the life of the Emperor 4, and will continue to plot elaborate schemes against the Empire. In the midst of your missions and military pursuits, you must bear the imminent danger of external and internal threats in mind to ensure the long-lasting reign of the Emperor. 4 Bodde, Derk. The State and Empire of Ch'in. Chapter. In The Cambridge History of China, edited by Denis Twitchett and Michael Loewe, 1: The Cambridge History of China. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 4

6 Conquering the Warring States When the centralized authority of the Zhou Dynasty collapsed into decentralized feudal units, the surrounding territories would be plunged into centuries of civil war. China entered what we would know as the Warring States period ( BCE). The Seven Warring States (excluding Qin) that originated after the collapse of the Zhou dynasty are the following: Qi ( 齊 / 齐 ) Chu ( 楚 ) Yan ( 燕 ) Han ( 韓 / 韩 ) Zhao ( 趙 / 赵 ) Wei ( 魏 ) Each ruler styled themselves as King, following the doctrine of the Mandate of Heaven as they all appointed themselves to be rulers ordained by heavenly powers in order to legitimize their power 5. The Chu and the Qin were the most influential states as they held the most land and were the most influential thus it is going to Source: Wikimedia Commons become a particularly daunting challenge not only to conquer the remaining six Warring States, but also compete with the Chu state for ultimate domination of the region. The quest to annex the surrounding territories will indeed not be an easy task as the Qin state will be faced by popular resistance and various armies which will put the strength of the Qin to the test. If the advisors of the future Emperor manage to coordinate internally, however, the challenging states will be no match for the perseverance and strategic prowess of the Qin. The committee will begin with a declaration of war against the Han province. It will be up to the Court to undertake the planning and execution of this offensive, as well as subsequent attacks on other provinces in an effort to annex them all, while simultaneously confronting natural disasters, internal reforms within the Warring States, and various possible military setbacks and developments. Once the Qin has conquered the Warring States, the Court can engage in the official unification of China, and establish both law and order within the state. Once conquered, it is the wish of the future Emperor that each Warring State see itself not as an independent unit, but as a 5 Morton, W. Scott. China: Its History and Culture (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN , SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 5

7 part of one great nation. It will be the task of the Court to enshrine this in the functioning of each state once we have conquered them all through the establishment of the Qin empire. Unifying China Qin Shi Huang once famously declared 天下共苦戰鬥不休, 以有侯王 賴宗廟, 天 下初定, 又復立國, 是樹兵也, 而求其寧息, 豈不難哉! which translates to the reason for which China suffers bitterly from endless wars is because of the existence of feudal lords and kings. A reliance on ancestral temples initially brought stability, but the revival of states results in the spread of soldiers. Doing so will never bring about stability! 6 Indeed, once each Warring State is under the control of one state, the Court must engage in a series of grueling yet crucial structural reforms. Currently, the Warring States are feudal, meaning that they are regulated under an ideology of decentralized government and a hierarchy of occupations. 7 This ideology, known as Fēngjiàn ( 封建 ), is similar to what we know as feudalism as individuals were assigned to tend and rule over smaller territories while paying regular homage to the King of the designated state. Qin Shi Huang, on the other hand, is a strong proponent of the legalism philosophy which promotes the notion of strict law and order, collective punishment, despotism, and centralize rule 8. By establishing legalism as the main sociopolitical ideology rather than Fēngjiàn, the Court will have direct control over the lives of the people which could reduce dissent and opposition. The establishment of a legalist system of power is key in establishing a unified Empire since it would create a highly efficient and powerful government by restoring societal order with an iron fist. The halting of civil disorder and the restoration of peace and harmony can only be achieved through the establishment of authoritarian and centralized government. The Legalist proponents believed in a strong ruler that would ensure his power by providing rewards to people who performed their duties well and harsh punishments to those that were disobedient to the laws of the Empire. In practice, however, rewards were seldom implemented, but punishments were rampant. Furthermore, the Legalists believed in not only controlling the actions of the citizens, but also their philosophies and ideas as well. They suggested that the government should burn all writing that might encourage people to criticize the government in order to ensure the obedience of the people and crush political opposition before it emerges 9. Furthermore, they suggested the killing of scholars that disagree with legalist views as it would also open the door for opposition. 6 Sima, Qian, and Burton Watson Records of the Grand Historian of China. Records of the Grand Historian of China. Records of Civilization: Sources and Studies, No. 65. New York: Columbia University Press. 7 Murthy, Viren Modernity against Modernity: Wang Hui's Critical History of Chinese Thought. Modern Intellectual History 3 (1): Khan Academy. The Philosophers of the Warring States. Ancient and Imperial China. 9 First Age of Empires. The Unification of China. Chapter 4, 106. SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 6

8 In both the quests to conquer the Warring States and unify China, it is key to have a strong, unified army. A powerful Empire must have a powerful army to consolidate its power. Military innovation is then key in ensuring the unification of the Empire. In order to build up the army, a national conscription was implemented where every male between the ages of seventeen and sixty years was obliged to serve at least one year in the army 10. The fortification of walls built by the Warring States was also pushed for to prevent intrusion from foreign states. In order to further build up the supply from the army, the prisoners of war were forced to make weapons for the army 11. The Court should focus on the built up of the army as well as military strategies that can be implemented to consolidate its power. Northern and Southern Expansions The Yue tribes form part of a territory in coastal China that is comprised of temperate climates, fertile fields, maritime trade routes, and relative security from the warring factions from the west and northwest, the wealth and access to luxury tropical products from Southeast Asia 12. Naturally, the vast advantages of this coastal territory make the Yue tribes a clear target in the expansion of the Empire. Nevertheless, the Yue tribal people are known for their fierce disdain from foreign visitors interested in their territory so if the Court decides that the Empire must expand South they will be met with strong opposition from the Yue tribes. Furthermore, the geography of the South is mostly a semitropical frontier region thus the army must be prepared not only to deal with hostile locals, but with a terrain mostly unknown to them. Map of Southern China. Source: Wikimedia Commons Another territorial expansion to consider is the northern pasturelands of Ordos Loop plateau. The northern frontier, however, will not be easier to conquer than the coastal south. It is well known that Xiongnu, the strongest nomadic tribe in the north, are hardy people that constantly pillage 10 China Education Center. History of Qin Dynasty BC Ibid. 12 Stein, Stephen K. (2017). The Sea in World History [2 volumes]: Exploration, Travel, and Trade. Greenwood Press. p. 61. SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 7

9 and plunder the sedentary settlements that establish themselves in the north 13. Thus, it is only natural to assume that they will pose a serious threat to the Court s ambition for northern expansion. Furthermore, there are reports that the Xiongnu are being brought together as a confederacy by an apt leader Mody Chanyu 14. This would allow them to be more organized and form strategic wars at the northern frontier which would further difficult the expansion campaign envisioned. Economic and Political Reforms Other reforms need to be implemented in addition to those military in order to consolidate the Empire. The question of the division of the Empire arises if the Court successfully manages to conquer all the Warring States as well as the establishment of a concrete hierarchy of power and governmental administration. The standardization of written language, laws, weights, measures and paper money is also a goal the Court should strive for. Furthermore, as the Empire becomes a unified conglomerate, construction of a network of roads, canals and fortresses should also be a priority for the Court. The Search for the Elixir of Immortality As the dynasty of the Qin Empire establishes itself, it is the desire of the Emperor that it lasts for 10,000 generations 15. This endeavor can only be achieved through the quest of the Elixir of Immortality. Rumours far and wide indicate that this elixir could potentially be found abroad in the islands of the Eastern Sea. Another possibility is employing masters in the arts of alchemy and magic to devise the Elixir for the Court. If the Court is successful in achieving eternal life for the Emperor, the range and success of the Empire would surpass any dynasty in the world, making the Qin Dynasty the most important global powerhouse that has ever existed in history. A Note on Qin Shi Huang s Character and Personality Emperor Qin Shi Huang was not known for his benign and humane leadership values. In researching for this committee, delegates will likely come across sources depicting his harsh methods and problematic practices, such as book burning and live burial of Confucian scholars. The dais would like the flag these elements ans disturbing and graphic, and highlight that the focus of this committee will be substanctive territorial and legal reforms, as opposed to the Emperor s personality and beliefs. We advise delegates to think critically and concertedly about the strategic elements of this time period, as that is what the crisis will be based upon. 230 BCE Current Situation 13 Koon San, Tan. Dynastic China: An Elementary History. Kuala Lumpur: The Other Press, Ibid Katz, Brigit year-old Texts Reveal the First Emperor of China s Quest for Eternal Life. Smithsonian Magazine. 29 December SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 8

10 Source: Wikimedia Commons When the committee begins, China does not exist. It is 230BCE and the Warring States each have their own systems of government, armies, economies, etc. As the Court of Qin Shi Huang, this committee will have to work together to direct the Qin state s annexation campaigns in order to invade and occupy the other states and ultimately unify what will be known as China. The committee s territory, 秦国 Qin Guo, or is the Qin State, is depicted in red in the figure above. As the committee progresses, members of the Court can chose to advance the interests of the Empire (or their own interests if they feel the current leaders are not fit) in order to consolidate the Qin Dynasty. Questions to Consider 1. How can the goal of unity among the Warring States be best pursued strategically? 2. What are the threats of a newly established Empire? How can the Court counter them? 3. What legacy can the government following the establishment of the Empire and the hope to leave both nationally and internationally? SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 9

11 Character List Disclaimer to all delegates: please take into consideration that these character descriptions and portfolio powers may not be entirely historically accurate, as information regarding the specific individuals involved in the Qin Dynasty are relatively difficult to obtain; however, you may consult the wide variety of sources available to you on the Qin Dynasty, and the Qin Huang Shi to acquire in-depth research on the era. Ying Zheng Qin Shi Huang Played by the Chair 1. Li Si You are the prime minister, and chief advisor to Qin Shi Huang, and your pivotal role allows you to influence the young and fickle king s opinions and decisions. You believe in a highly bureaucratic system, and are working passionately to implement your radical political views. From literacy to law making to currency, you strongly believe in the universality and standardization of all aspects of life; you often say one world comprising all Chinese, bringing with universal dominion universal peace. Your vision of a new and improved China requires sacrifices that you are willing to make. 2. Xu Fu You are the court sorcerer of Qin Shi Huang, and a great explorer. The Emperor has often enquired about the possibilities of immortality, and you have made it your purpose to seek and find the elixir of life. He very willingly provides impressive resources at your disposal. Qin Shi Huang, a religious man, trusts you, and relies on you for spiritual counsel. 3. Fu Su You are the eldest son of Qin Shi Huang, and the crown prince to the Qin Empire throne. Despite your favourable position with your father, the Emperor, you often quarrel due to your opposing views on literacy and education. Emperor Qin, influenced by his prime minister, has shared his plans to unify China by suppressing certain freedoms, but you understand that the oppression of scholars directly counters Confucianism, a worldview that remains prevalent within in your kingdom. 4. Zhao Gao You are an official, and advisor to Qin Shi Huang. You were a eunuch, and having intimately served all three emperors of the Qin dynasty, you are uniquely knowledgeable about the inner workings of this empire. All these years of serving greedy, prideful and selfish emperors has revealed injustice and corruption too rampant to ignore. As a descendent of the royal family of the Zhao state, you seek revenge, but must maintain your cover as a loyal and trustworthy servant. 5. Meng Tian You are a prominent general of the Northern region. Known for your ruthlessness, you lead important military campaigns against the conquests of the Xiongnu, a nomadic tribe who poses a significant threat to the Qin empire s survival, as well as the Qi state. Having descended from a SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 10

12 long line of great military generals and architects, you and your younger brother Meng Yi, are respected. You are also commissioned to lead the construction of the Great Wall. 6. Meng Yi You serve in Qin Shi Huang s court as a prominent minister, and you are one of the emperor s closest advisors. Your older brother, Meng Tian, is an accomplished general, and you have learned to rely on each other during this tumultuous era of serving the Qin state. The Meng family boasts a long line of great military generals and architects, so you and your brother are well respected. Qin Shi Huang fully trusts you, and often asks you to communicate with the spiritual realm for divine advice on his behalf. 7. Zi Ying You are the son of Fu Su, the eldest son of Qin Shi Huang. Though you may be young, you have a great sense of loyalty to the great generals of the Court, particularly the Meng brothers, as you understand the importance of military prowess in this trying time of suppressing civil unrest, and territorial expansion. 8. Zhang Han You are an influential general of the Qin state. Known for your innovative tactics, you have lead many successful battles against rebels. You are well-respected and trusted by Qin Shi Huang. 9. Liu Bang Though you were born into a peasant family, and served as a minor patrol officer, you have become the first anti-qin rebel leader. You are currently a prisoner of the Court of Qin Shi Huang for stirring uprisings, and public unrest in your hometown within the conquered state of Chu. You are exceptionally ambitious and ruthless, and have many plans to overthrow the emperor, and perhaps, even create your own empire. 10. Lady Zhao You are the Queen Dowager, and mother of Qin Shi Huang. You are the daughter of a prominent Zhao family, and though you served your husband, the former King Zhuangxiang of Qin, you had long and passionate affairs with both Lü Buwei and Lao Ai. Though you are the only woman in the Court of Qin, you are tactical, and have formed trusting relationships with many of the ministers, including your son. 11. Lü Buwei You are a minister of the Qin state. Though you were initially just a merchant, you befriended the former King Zhuangxiang of Qin, and through masterful manipulation and earning his trust, you ascended to serve as his chancellor. You also had a long and passionate affair with King Zhuangxiang s wife, Lady Zhao. 12. Lao Ai You are an official of the State of Qin, and promoted as the Marquis of Changxin. You were initially an imposter eunuch, but after seducing former King Zhuangxiang s wife, Lady Zhao, you climbed the ranks, and even fathered children with the Queen Dowager. Though currently you serve in Qin Shi Huang s Court, you are planning rebellions against the emperor. SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 11

13 13. Wei Liao You are an important advisor to Qin Shi Huang. Having studied under the late Lord Shang, you are a prominent theoretician and philosopher who wrote the renowned Wei Liaozi, a text on military strategy. You advocate for civil and military approaches to affairs, and a virtuous ruler (which does not currently reflect the rule of Qin Shi Huang). You adamantly believe that any deviance from the state should be punished harshly. 14. Wang Ben You are a military General of the state of Qin, and having played a pivotal role in Qin s wars of unification, you are greatly respected in the Court. Wang Jian, a prominent military general, is your father. 15. Wang Jian You are a military General of the state of Qin. Qin Shi Huang greatly respects you, and has given you leadership over the conquests of the states Zhao, Yan, and Chu. Your son is Wang Ben, another respected General. 16. Qin Er Shi/Hu Hai (for Part II) You are the eighteenth son of Qin Shi Huang. By forcibly dethroning your older brother, Fu Su, you have become the second emperor of Qin. As the youngest son, you were doted on by your father. From an early age, you have studied Legalism - a Chinese philosophy that largely dismisses morality or idealist societies, but rather focuses on achieving order, security and stability by oppressive authority. SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 12

14 Bibliography Ancient China." Ancient History Encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Aug Bodde, Derk. The State and Empire of Ch'in. Chapter. In The Cambridge History of China, edited by Denis Twitchett and Michael Loewe, 1: The Cambridge History of China. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, China Education Center. History of Qin Dynasty BC. First Age of Empires. The Unification of China. Chapter 4, 106. Katz, Brigit year-old Texts Reveal the First Emperor of China s Quest for Eternal Life. Smithsonian Magazine. 29 December year-old-texts-reveal-first-emperor-chinas-quest-eternal-life / Khan Academy. The Philosophers of the Warring States. Ancient and Imperial China. Koon San, Tan. Dynastic China: An Elementary History. Kuala Lumpur: The Other Press, Morton, W. Scott. China: Its History and Culture (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN , Murthy, Viren Modernity against Modernity: Wang Hui's Critical History of Chinese Thought. Modern Intellectual History 3 (1): Sima, Qian, and Burton Watson Records of the Grand Historian of China. Records of the Grand Historian of China. Records of Civilization: Sources and Studies, No. 65. New York: Columbia University Press. Stein, Stephen K. (2017). The Sea in World History [2 volumes]: Exploration, Travel, and Trade. Greenwood Press. p. 61. SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNITED NATIONS SYMPOSIUM 2018 PAGE 13