Okay, here is the translation following your instructions: Original: () Translation: A Correct Account of the Eighties of Past Dynasties (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Qiao Jitang
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-11-18
Features: There are countless records and books about Chinese emperors, but very few about empresses and concubines in the imperial harem. Do you want to know about their lives? Do you want to know how they became empresses? Do you want to know about the power struggles in the harem? This book reveals the truth of history and clarifies the blind spots of fictional tales.
Chu Ji, the mother of Qin Shi Huang
Chu Ji (fl. 228 BC), the biological mother of Qin Shi Huang, was a native of Zhao. Some say she was surnamed Xue, hence called Xue Ji. She was posthumously titled "Empress Dowager." She held a very important position in the history of the Qin Dynasty. Although she was merely a pawn in political transactions, her mysterious background, experiences, and the pivotal role she played in connecting different parties and creating a smokescreen can be said to have set the precedent for the history of empresses, concubines, and palace intrigue in subsequent dynasties.
I. The Mystery of Chu Ji’s Son’s Birth
It is well-established in history that Chu Ji gave birth to Qin Shi Huang. However, who his father was remains shrouded in mystery. The story begins in the 42nd year of the reign of King Zhao of Qin (265 BC). That year, Yiren, the grandson of King Zhao of Qin and the son of the crown prince An Guo Jun, was sent to Zhao as a hostage. The city of Handan, the capital of Zhao, was a bustling metropolis at the time. Taverns and brothels glowed with red lights at night, as wealthy merchants, high-ranking officials, charming scholars, and street ruffians came and went, leaving Yiren envious. Among these roguish figures was Lü Buwei, a wealthy merchant from Puyang in Wei. Lü Buwei resolved not to accumulate wealth bit by bit like his father but to make a big profit in one go. Once, he asked his father how much profit could be made from farming, to which his father replied about ten times. He then asked how much profit could be made from selling pearls and treasures, and his father said about a hundred times. Finally, he asked how much profit could be made by first bribing and manipulating a ruler and then profiting from it, and his father was stunned.
Lü Buwei came to Handan with such political ambitions, but the glittering lights did not dim his resolve. He finally discovered Yiren was the ideal candidate. With the eyes of a merchant, Lü Buwei assessed Yiren and believed him to be a rare commodity worth hoarding. Lü Buwei said to Yiren, "Your mother is not favored by your father, An Guo Jun. He favors Huayang Lady. But Huayang Lady has no sons, according to the system. Whose son will be designated as the legitimate heir depends on her, so she plays a decisive role." Yiren nodded, filled with pain. Lü Buwei then smiled and said, "Now, you have over 20 brothers, and your age places you in the middle. Once your grandfather passes away and your father succeeds as king, it will be difficult for you to become crown prince." Yiren lowered his head in shame. Lü Buwei added, "I sympathize with your situation and am willing to spend all my wealth to support you and help you climb the social ladder." Yiren, tears in his eyes, said, "If you help me become the king of Qin, I will be your partner in everything."
Lü Buwei first gave Yiren money to live lavishly. Then, he traveled to the Qin capital, Xianyang, with a heavy sum of gold. He first met Yangquan Jun, the younger brother of Huayang Lady, and asked him to introduce him to her. Lü Buwei said to this beautiful woman, "Your husband, An Guo Jun, may soon inherit the throne, and it is hoped that you will be designated as crown prince. However, the mother of the candidate, Yiren, holds a deep grudge against you, which is unfortunate for you." Huayang Lady, realizing the danger, lost her composure. Lü Buwei then said with confidence, "The hostage Yiren in Zhao is very obedient, and his mother, Xia, does not please An Guo Jun. If you recognize Yiren as your son and persuade An Guo Jun to designate him as crown prince, you will be able to avoid the deep grudge he holds against you." Huayang Lady, realizing the crisis, was visibly frightened. Lü Buwei then said with certainty, "Now, if you recognize Yiren as your son and persuade An Guo Jun to designate him as crown prince, you will be able to avoid the deep grudge he holds against you."