The Emperor’s Sudden Change of Plans

In the sweltering summer heat of 210 BCE, Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s grand inspection tour reached a critical juncture at Zhifu Island. What should have been the beginning of his return journey to Xianyang took an unexpected turn when the emperor, despite his failing health, made a dramatic decision to continue northward toward the frontier. This pivotal moment would set in motion events that would shape the future of China’s first unified empire.

The imperial entourage had already endured months of travel through the former Qi coastal regions, areas the emperor had visited twice before during previous inspection tours. Chief Minister Li Si, following established protocol, had made arrangements for their return journey along the well-maintained imperial highways that connected Zhifu Island directly to the capital. The route – passing through Jimo or Linzi, Juye Marsh, Daliang, Luoyang, and finally Hangu Pass before reaching Xianyang – was familiar, efficient, and avoided the treacherous Yellow River crossings.

The Fateful Military Report

The emperor’s sudden change of heart came after receiving triumphant news from the northern frontier. General Meng Tian had achieved a spectacular victory against the Xiongnu nomads, driving them far beyond their traditional territories. This military success, arriving during the hottest period of summer when travel was most arduous, became the catalyst for Qin Shi Huang’s controversial decision.

Despite visible signs of illness that had plagued him since Langya and Rongcheng, the emperor insisted on personally inspecting the northern defenses and overseeing the final stages of the Great Wall’s eastern section. His reasoning appeared sound – to reward the victorious troops and ensure the timely completion of this monumental defensive project. Yet the abruptness of this decision, made without consulting Chief Minister Li Si as protocol demanded, unsettled the entire court.

The Ministers’ Concerns and the Emperor’s Resolve

The imperial council meeting revealed deep divisions among Qin Shi Huang’s closest advisors. While Li Si ultimately supported the emperor’s decision, other senior ministers voiced serious concerns:

– Zheng Guo, the venerable irrigation expert, warned that the summer heat and the emperor’s fragile health made northern travel dangerously risky
– Hu Wujing, the minister of ceremonies, echoed these health concerns
– Dun Ruo, the diplomatic advisor, while excited by the prospect of seeing the Great Wall, worried about the physical toll
– Yang Duanhe, the usually silent commander of the palace guard, unexpectedly joined the opposition with his simple but profound statement: “This humble general feels uneasy in his heart”

Despite these objections, Qin Shi Huang remained steadfast. His characteristic determination shone through even as his body weakened. The emperor dismissed concerns about his health, recalling how he had recently climbed mountains to observe archers hunting great fish, and emphasized the importance of personally inspecting the northern defenses following Meng Tian’s victory.

The Reorganization of Imperial Authority

As preparations for the northward journey began, Qin Shi Huang made significant changes to his inner circle:

– Li Si retained overall responsibility for the tour’s logistics
– Zhao Gao, the emperor’s trusted eunuch, was unexpectedly given temporary control of the imperial secretariat and seal – roles traditionally held by Meng Yi, who was away performing sacrificial rites
– The emperor assured his ministers this was a temporary arrangement until Meng Yi’s return

This redistribution of power, particularly Zhao Gao’s elevation, caused quiet consternation among the ministers, though none dared openly oppose the emperor’s will. Li Si, while publicly supportive, privately questioned the wisdom of placing such responsibility in the hands of a palace eunuch.

The Perilous Journey Begins

The revised route posed significant challenges:

1. Crossing four major rivers (Ji, Yellow, Huan, and Zhang) during summer flood season
2. Traversing the rugged territories of former Zhao
3. Passing through Julu, Hengshan, and Dai commanderies before reaching Jiuyuan

Senior engineer Zheng Guo, consulted on the route planning, warned Li Si: “Crossing four great waterways during summer floods is no easy matter! Brother Li, you must take good care.” His ominous words weighed heavily on the chief minister as the imperial procession departed Zhifu Island at dawn to avoid the worst of the summer heat.

Li Si’s Growing Concerns

As the journey progressed, Li Si found himself increasingly troubled by several developments:

1. The Mystery of Prince Huhai: The emperor had brought his youngest son on the tour without informing Li Si, despite Huhai being betrothed to Li’s youngest daughter
2. Zhao Gao’s Rising Influence: The eunuch’s new role in handling state documents and the imperial seal represented an unprecedented concentration of power
3. The Emperor’s Health: Qin Shi Huang’s condition visibly worsened, yet he refused to alter his plans

Most disturbing to Li Si was his growing realization that the emperor might be keeping him at arm’s length regarding succession plans. The chief minister suspected the northern detour might be designed to facilitate secret meetings with Crown Prince Fusu and General Meng Tian away from the capital’s prying eyes.

The Critical Crossing at Pingyuan Ford

The expedition reached a crucial juncture at Pingyuan Ford on the Yellow River. Here, the emperor’s deteriorating health became impossible to ignore:

– Zhao Gao secretly urged Li Si to return to Xianyang immediately
– The emperor, despite clearly suffering, insisted from his carriage that the crossing proceed
– Li Si and Yang Duanhe arranged for the calmest possible conditions to transport the ailing ruler

This moment revealed the complex dynamics between emperor and ministers. Li Si, torn between duty to his sovereign and concern for the empire’s stability, found himself making decisions that might determine the Qin dynasty’s future.

The Emperor’s Final Days at Shaqiu Palace

After successfully crossing the Yellow River, the procession continued to the Huan River before the emperor’s condition forced a stop. Li Si selected Shaqiu Palace as a temporary residence where:

– Imperial physicians were summoned from Xianyang
– Officials scouted the region for renowned healers
– The court waited anxiously for the emperor’s health to improve

During brief moments of clarity, Qin Shi Huang expressed regret about two key policies:
1. The displacement of Qin clansmen from their ancestral lands in Guanzhong
2. His personal reliance on alchemists and their potentially harmful elixirs

These rare admissions from the normally resolute emperor hinted at his awareness of approaching mortality.

The Final Reckoning

By July 20 (210 BCE), with the emperor drifting in and out of consciousness for three days, Li Si convened an unprecedented ministerial meeting without imperial approval to discuss summoning Prince Fusu from the northern frontier. The council divided:

– Dun Ruo advocated immediate action to bring the crown prince south
– Zheng Guo and Hu Wujing counseled caution, believing the emperor should make such decisions
– Yang Duanhe deferred to Li Si’s judgment
– Zhao Gao, arriving late, suggested waiting for the emperor’s next lucid moment

Li Si’s ultimate decision to delay action reflected both his respect for protocol and his growing uncertainty about his position in the emperor’s final plans. This hesitation, born of years as a cautious administrator rather than an assertive leader, would have profound consequences for the empire’s future.

The Legacy of a Fateful Decision

Qin Shi Huang’s insistence on continuing northward despite failing health demonstrated his characteristic determination but also revealed the limits of imperial power against human mortality. The journey:

– Showcased the emperor’s unwavering commitment to personally overseeing his empire
– Highlighted the growing divide between the emperor and his most senior minister
– Set the stage for the succession crisis that would follow his death
– Demonstrated how the very strengths that built the Qin empire – centralized authority, uncompromising will, personal oversight – could become vulnerabilities when the central figure weakened

The sands of Shaqiu would soon witness the passing of China’s first emperor and the beginning of the Qin dynasty’s rapid unraveling. The decisions made during these final weeks – both by the emperor and his ministers – would echo through Chinese history for centuries to come.