Okay, here is the translation following your instructions: Say China's Twenty Emperors

Author: He Junda
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-09-01
Features:
1. Qin Shi Huang (Ying Zheng) – Achieved the great feat of unification but failed to maintain it ◇ Brief Biography ◇ Qin Shi Huang reigned from 221 to 210 BC. Born in Handan, the capital of Zhao, in 259 BC, his father was King Zhuangxiang of Zhao, who was a hostage in Zhao at the time. At the age of 13 in 247 BC, he ascended the throne as the 31st king of Qin. In 237 BC, he drove away Chancellor Lü Buwei and took direct control of state affairs, appointing Wu Liao and Li Si, strengthening foreign policy, and using a strong, elite army to gradually eliminate the six rival states. In 221 BC, he finally unified the empire. After unification, he adopted the title "Emperor," abolished feudal states, implemented the prefecture-county system, standardized characters, currency, and weights and measures across the empire, and reformed politics, presenting a new atmosphere of unification. He launched campaigns against the Xiongnu in the north and annexed the Nanyue in the south, expanding the territory of China. However, he excessively exploited the people's labor, building the Great Wall, thepalace of Apang, and the mausoleum of Lishan, causing the people immense suffering. He also burned books and buried scholars, further fueling public resentment, which ultimately led to his downfall. In 210 BC, the First Emperor died of illness during an inspection tour. His successor, the Second Emperor, ruled for four years before the Qin Empire collapsed due to widespread rebellions. ◇ "Emperor" ◇ Qin Shi Huang was the first emperor in Chinese history, and his name has been associated with "the Great Wall" and "burning books and burying scholars" since ancient times, making him widely known. Due to his excessive exploitation of the people, he is often seen as a typical tyrant. However, in recent years, there has been a trend to reevaluate the value of Qin Shi Huang. When evaluating a person, one must grasp both the bright and beautiful aspects while also recognizing the dark and ugly ones. Judging only the bright side cannot lead to a correct and fair assessment, nor can judging only the dark side. One must rise above personal biases and view the situation objectively to gain a comprehensive understanding without distortion. Qin Shi Huang was indeed a tyrant, as evidenced by his excessive exploitation of the people and his burning of books and burying scholars. However, his unification of the empire and the creation of a strong, centralized central authority in China are also achievements that cannot be erased. We will gradually detail the historical deeds of Qin Shi Huang, but here we first highlight the impact of Qin Shi Huang and the Qin Empire he created on later generations. One term that deserves attention is the title "Emperor." This title, along with others such as the monarch referring to himself as "I" and others addressing the monarch as "Your Majesty," was officially established and adopted during the reign of Qin Shi Huang. In 221 BC, King Zheng of Qin defeated the six long-standing rival states and unified them into one. At this time, it was necessary to choose a new title for the monarch. Why? If he continued to be called "king," would he not be seen as no different from the defeated kings of Han, Wei, and others? How could he display his extraordinary and magnificent military achievements? Therefore, the title of "king" was no longer suitable for one who had unified the empire! Soon after unifying the empire, King Zheng summoned the Chancellor and Censors and said: "I am unworthy, yet with this humble body, I have led armies to conquer the states, thanks to the blessings of my ancestors and ancestral temples, making the six states bow their heads in submission and establishing peace in the world. If I do not change my title now, it will be impossible for my achievements to be passed down to future generations. I hope you will discuss a new title for the emperor." The Chancellor Wang Wan and others responded in unison: "Five generations ago, in ancient times, there were three rulers: the Heavenly Emperor, the Earth Emperor, and the Great Emperor, who ruled the world. Among them, the Great Emperor was the most noble. We dare to trespass and propose this honorable title."