The Swift Conquest of Han and Qin’s Unshaken Resolve

In 230 BCE, the state of Qin swiftly conquered Han, one of the weakest of the Warring States. Yet, the event barely stirred excitement among the Qin populace. When the Han royal family was paraded through Xianyang’s southern gates, the streets remained bustling as usual. Only merchants from the other six states watched with mixed emotions, while the Qin people barely spared a glance. The subdued reaction was telling—Han’s fall was expected, merely the first domino in Qin’s grand unification plan.

The real focus was Zhao, Qin’s bitter rival since the devastating Battle of Changping (260 BCE). Despite decades of recovery, Zhao had managed to inflict several defeats on Qin, fueling a deep-seated resentment. Qin’s people, known for their resilience, saw these losses as temporary setbacks. Their collective mindset, forged through centuries of hardship, demanded vengeance. With Han subdued, the stage was set for the ultimate confrontation.

Natural Disasters and Political Tumult

Just as Qin prepared for war, nature intervened. Earthquakes struck Longxi and Beidi commanderies, followed by a severe drought that decimated crops and livestock. Starving refugees flooded into Guanzhong, while rumors spread like wildfire: Qin’s aggression had angered the heavens; the state’s “earthly veins” were severed, foretelling doom. The death of Queen Dowager Huayang further fueled unrest, and merchants from rival states began fleeing, fearing persecution.

Chancellor Li Si and strategist Wei Liao advised postponing the Zhao campaign to address the crisis. Qin’s response was swift:
– Disaster Relief: Refugees were employed to fortify the Great Wall or sent to the southern mountains to forage.
– Political Stability: Queen Dowager Huayang’s death was framed as a natural passing, and public ceremonies proceeded without disruption.
– Open Borders: Foreign merchants and scholars were free to leave, quelling panic.

Within a month, order was restored. The rumors, likely spread by rival states, had failed to destabilize Qin.

The Zhangtai Conference: Crafting the Zhao Strategy

In the summer of 229 BCE, King Zheng convened a council at Zhangtai Palace. The agenda was singular: finalize the invasion of Zhao. Attendees included top generals like Wang Jian and Meng Tian, as well as rising stars like Wang Ben (son of Wang Jian) and Li Xin, a daring tactician.

### Intelligence and Strategy
Spymaster Dun Ruo delivered a critical assessment: Zhao’s recent victories were a mirage. Corruption under King Daoxiang had eroded its foundations, and General Li Mu, its last great defender, was politically isolated. Dun Ruo’s conclusion: “Zhao is a rotting tree—one strong push will topple it.”

General Wang Jian proposed a three-pronged attack:
1. Northern Advance: From Taiyuan, threatening Handan’s rear.
2. Western Push: Through Shangdang, pressuring Zhao’s western flank.
3. Direct Assault: From Henei, striking Handan head-on.

The goal was to force Zhao to split its defenses, creating openings for political subversion. Dun Ruo would exploit divisions in Zhao’s court, while Yao Jia turned attention to Wei, Qin’s next target.

The Campaign Unfolds

By spring 229 BCE, Qin’s armies marched. The multi-front assault overwhelmed Zhao, and internal strife sealed its fate. General Li Mu, falsely accused of treason, was executed—a catastrophic blow. Within months, Zhao collapsed, marking a pivotal step toward unification.

Legacy and Lessons

Qin’s conquest of Zhao exemplified its ruthless efficiency:
– Adaptability: Natural disasters and rumors were neutralized with precision.
– Strategic Depth: Military might was paired with political manipulation.
– Relentless Focus: Each victory was a stepping stone to the next.

For modern readers, Qin’s rise offers timeless insights into statecraft, resilience, and the interplay of power and perception. The fall of Zhao wasn’t just a military triumph—it was a masterclass in calculated ambition.

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Footnotes:
[1] “Earthquake” (地动) was the ancient term for seismic events.
[2] The Zhongjun Sima (中军司马) functioned similarly to a chief of staff.
[3] Historian Ma Feibai’s research notes descendants of Zhao She (马兴) played key roles in Qin’s campaigns.