The Road to Julu: Qin’s Desperate Stand Against Rebellion

The year was 208 BCE, and the once-mighty Qin dynasty found itself in a precarious position. Following the death of the First Emperor, rebellions had erupted across the empire, challenging the authority of the young and inexperienced Second Emperor. At the center of this conflict stood General Zhang Han, the last capable commander of Qin’s central army, tasked with suppressing the growing coalition of rebel forces.

Zhang Han had already achieved significant victories against rebel leaders, including the death of Xiang Liang, uncle of the formidable Xiang Yu. However, after the disastrous defeat at Julu where Wang Li’s northern army was annihilated by Xiang Yu’s forces, Zhang Han found himself forced to retreat to the Zhang River region. Here, he established a defensive perimeter stretching from Henei Commandery in the west to Sanchuan Commandery in the south, utilizing the natural barrier of the Yellow River and its tributaries to slow the rebel advance.

The Strategic Importance of Henei Commandery

Henei Commandery became the linchpin of Zhang Han’s defensive strategy. This region, located north of the Yellow River and south of Shangdang and Handan Commanderies, served as a crucial transportation hub connecting northern and southern China. During the Qin era, the Guangyang Road passed through Henei, linking it to Handan and eventually reaching Youbeiping – essentially following what would become the modern Beijing-Guangzhou railway route.

Zhang Han recognized Henei’s strategic value:
– It provided access to the Aocang granary via Yellow River transport
– Served as a northern shield for the Qin’s vital Luoyang-Chenggao-Xingyang supply line
– Had remained under firm Qin control throughout the rebellions
– Had previously supported Zhang Han’s campaigns, including the defeat of Xiang Liang at Dong’a

The general fortified his position between the Zhang and Yellow Rivers at Jiyuan (modern-day Daming, Hebei), constructing extensive defensive works and preparing for a prolonged campaign against the rebel coalition.

The Political Crisis in Xianyang

While Zhang Han struggled to maintain his military position, the political situation in the Qin capital grew increasingly dire. The execution of veteran officials like Li Si and Feng Quji left Zhang Han without allies at court. Chancellor Zhao Gao, now the dominant political figure, viewed the general with suspicion – a dangerous position given the emperor’s growing dissatisfaction with the war’s progress.

After the Julu defeat, imperial messengers arrived frequently at Zhang Han’s camp, demanding swift action and victories. The pressure mounted as military setbacks continued, creating an impossible situation for the veteran commander. In a desperate move, Zhang Han sent his trusted advisor Sima Xin to Xianyang to explain the situation and request reinforcements.

Sima Xin’s Fateful Mission to the Capital

Sima Xin’s journey to Xianyang would prove pivotal. After three days waiting outside the palace gates without being granted an audience with the emperor, he grew fearful of Zhao Gao’s intentions. His suspicions were confirmed when he learned of attempts to arrest him upon his departure, forcing him to return to camp via hidden routes.

This experience profoundly impacted both Sima Xin and Zhang Han. The advisor reported to his commander: “Zhao Gao controls the court completely. If we achieve victory, he will envy your success; if we fail, we cannot escape death. You must carefully consider our path forward.”

The Military Stalemate and Psychological Warfare

Meanwhile, the military situation remained deadlocked. Xiang Yu, after his victory at Julu, methodically advanced toward the Zhang River defenses. The rebel leader employed both military pressure and psychological warfare, sending letters from Chen Yu that drew historical parallels to Qin’s mistreatment of successful generals like Bai Qi and Meng Tian.

These arguments struck a chord with Zhang Han, who found himself:
– Facing increasing rebel forces while his own resources dwindled
– Lacking support from a suspicious court
– Burdened by the deaths of countless Qin soldiers under his command
– Haunted by his role in executing rebel leaders like Chen Sheng and Xiang Liang

The general began secret negotiations with Xiang Yu’s camp, sending his officer Shi Cheng to explore potential surrender terms.

The Strategic Collapse of Qin’s Defenses

The military balance shifted dramatically in mid-208 BCE when:
1. Zhao general Sima Ang advanced south from Shangdang, threatening to cross the Yellow River at Mengjin
2. Liu Bang’s forces briefly took Mengjin before retreating to Yingchuan
3. Chu general Pu successfully crossed the Zhang River at Sanhu Ford
4. Zhao general Shen Yang captured Henan County, severing Qin’s last supply route

These developments left Zhang Han’s forces completely encircled, with:
– Xiang Yu’s main army to the north
– Sima Ang’s forces cutting off western connections
– Shen Yang controlling southern approaches
– Rebel forces active in Dong and Yingchuan Commanderies

The Surrender at Yin Ruins

With no viable options remaining, Zhang Han formally surrendered in July 208 BCE at the historic Yin Ruins near the Huan River. The emotional meeting between Xiang Yu and Zhang Han symbolized the end of Qin’s military resistance:
– 200,000 Qin soldiers laid down their arms
– Xiang Yu appointed Sima Xin to command the surrendered troops
– Zhang Han was promised the title of King of Yong after Qin’s fall
– The surrender eliminated Qin’s last field army outside the capital region

The Legacy of Zhang Han’s Surrender

The capitulation of Qin’s central army marked the effective end of Qin’s ability to control its empire:
1. The northern army had been destroyed at Julu
2. The southern army had established the independent state of Nanyue
3. With the central army’s surrender, only the capital region remained under Qin control

This moment represented more than a military defeat – it signaled the complete collapse of the Qin administrative system that had unified China just fifteen years earlier. The events surrounding Zhang Han’s difficult decision illustrate the complex interplay of military strategy, political intrigue, and personal loyalty that characterized this pivotal transition between dynasties.

The story of Zhang Han’s surrender continues to resonate as a case study in leadership under extreme pressure, the consequences of political mistrust, and the difficult choices faced by military professionals when caught between duty and survival.