Sima Qian · Complete work
The Rulers of Qin: A Chronicle
The Rulers of Qin: A Chronicle of 10. Read it here for reference, or continue through the entire work without leaving the reader.
Open the complete readerOriginal Classical Chinese
襄公立，享國十二年。初為西畤。葬西垂。生文公。
文公立，居西垂宮。五十年死，葬西垂。生靜公。
靜公不享國而死。生憲公。
憲公享國十二年，居西新邑。死，葬衙。生武公、德公、出子。
出子享國六年，居西陵。庶長弗忌、威累、參父三人，率賊賊出子鄙衍，葬衙。武公立。
武公享國二十年。居平陽封宮。葬宣陽聚東南。三庶長伏其罪。德公立。
德公享國二年。居雍大鄭宮。生宣公、成公、繆公。葬陽。初伏，以御蠱。
宣公享國十二年。居陽宮。葬陽。初志閏月。
成公享國四年，居雍之宮。葬陽。齊伐山戎、孤竹。
繆公享國三十九年。天子致霸。葬雍。繆公學著人。生康公。
康公享國十二年。居雍高寢。葬竘社。生共公。
共公享國五年，居雍高寢。葬康公南。生桓公。
桓公享國二十七年。居雍太寢。葬義裏丘北。生景公。
景公享國四十年。居雍高寢，葬丘裏南。生畢公。
畢公享國三十六年。葬車裏北。生夷公。
夷公不享國。死，葬左宮。生惠公。
惠公享國十年。葬車里（康景）。生悼公。
悼公享國十五年。葬僖公西。城雍。生剌龔公。
剌龔公享國三十四年。葬入里。生躁公、懷公。其十年，彗星見。
躁公享國十四年。居受寢。葬悼公南。其元年，彗星見。
懷公從晉來。享國四年。葬櫟圉氏。生靈公。諸臣圍懷公，懷公自殺。
肅靈公，昭子子也。居涇陽。享國十年。葬悼公西。生簡公。
簡公從晉來。享國十五年。葬僖公西。生惠公。其七年。百姓初帶劍。
惠公享國十三年。葬陵圉。生出公。
出公享國二年。出公自殺，葬雍。
獻公享國二十三年。葬囂圉。生孝公。
孝公享國二十四年。葬弟圉。生惠文王。其十三年，始都咸陽。
惠文王享國二十七年。葬公陵。生悼武王。
悼武王享國四年，葬永陵。
昭襄王享國五十六年。葬茝陽。生孝文王。
孝文王享國一年。葬壽陵。生莊襄王。
莊襄王享國三年。葬茝陽。生始皇帝。呂不韋相。
獻公立七年，初行為市。十年，為戶籍相伍。
孝公立十六年。時桃李冬華。
惠文王生十九年而立。立二年，初行錢。有新生嬰兒曰「秦且王」。
悼武王生十九年而立。立三年，渭水赤三日。
昭襄王生十九年而立。立四年，初為田開阡陌。
孝文王生五十三年而立。
莊襄王生三十二年而立。立二年，取太原地。莊襄王元年，大赦，修先王功臣，施德厚骨肉，布惠於民。東周與諸侯謀秦，秦使相國不韋誅之，盡入其國。秦不絕其祀，以陽人地賜周君，奉其祭祀。
始皇享國三十七年。葬酈邑。生二世皇帝。始皇生十三年而立。
二世皇帝享國三年。葬宜春。趙高為丞相安武侯。二世生十二年而立。
右秦襄公至二世，六百一十歲。
Musean translation
Mouseia’s complete machine-assisted Musean translation, made directly from the classical Chinese, passage for passage, covering the whole of chapter 6 of the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), 126 paragraphs, including the Grand Historian’s judgment, Jia Yi’s “Faults of Qin”, the chronicle of the Qin rulers and Ban Gu’s afterword.
Duke Xiang succeeded and reigned twelve years. He first established the western altar. He was buried at Xichui and fathered Duke Wen.
Duke Wen succeeded and lived in Xichui Palace. He died after fifty years and was buried at Xichui. He fathered Duke Jing.
Duke Jing died without reigning. He fathered Duke Xian.
Duke Xian reigned twelve years and lived in the new western city. He died and was buried at Ya. He fathered Duke Wu, Duke De, and Chuzi.
Chuzi reigned six years and lived at Xiling. The three senior ministers Fuji, Weilei, and Canfu led assassins to murder Chuzi at Biyan. He was buried at Ya. Duke Wu succeeded.
Duke Wu reigned twenty years and lived at Feng Palace in Pingyang. He was buried southeast of Xuanyang village. The three senior ministers were punished for their crime. Duke De succeeded.
Duke De reigned two years and lived at Dazheng Palace in Yong. He fathered Dukes Xuan, Cheng, and Mu, and was buried at Yang. He first established the summer sacrifice to ward off evil influences.
Duke Xuan reigned twelve years, lived at Yang Palace, and was buried at Yang. He first recorded intercalary months.
Duke Cheng reigned four years, lived in a palace at Yong, and was buried at Yang. Qi attacked the Mountain Rong and Guzhu.
Duke Mu reigned thirty-nine years. The Son of Heaven acknowledged his hegemony. He was buried at Yong. Duke Mu studied under the man named Zhu. He fathered Duke Kang.
Duke Kang reigned twelve years, lived at the High Residence in Yong, and was buried at Qushe. He fathered Duke Gong.
Duke Gong reigned five years and lived at the High Residence in Yong. He was buried south of Duke Kang and fathered Duke Huan.
Duke Huan reigned twenty-seven years, lived at the Great Residence in Yong, and was buried north of Yili hill. He fathered Duke Jing.
Duke Jing reigned forty years, lived at the High Residence in Yong, and was buried south of Qiuli. He fathered Duke Bi.
Duke Bi reigned thirty-six years and was buried north of Cheli. He fathered Duke Yi.
Duke Yi died without reigning and was buried at the Left Palace. He fathered Duke Hui.
Duke Hui reigned ten years and was buried at Cheli beside Kang and Jing. He fathered Duke Dao.
Duke Dao reigned fifteen years and was buried west of Duke Xi. He fortified Yong and fathered Duke Ligong.
Duke Ligong reigned thirty-four years and was buried at Ruli. He fathered Dukes Zao and Huai. In his tenth year a comet appeared.
Duke Zao reigned fourteen years, lived at Shou Residence, and was buried south of Duke Dao. In his first year a comet appeared.
Duke Huai returned from Jin and reigned four years. He was buried at Liyushi and fathered Duke Ling. His ministers surrounded him, and he killed himself.
Duke Suling was the son of Zhaozi. He lived in Jingyang, reigned ten years, was buried west of Duke Dao, and fathered Duke Jian.
Duke Jian returned from Jin, reigned fifteen years, and was buried west of Duke Xi. He fathered Duke Hui. In his seventh year common people first wore swords.
Duke Hui reigned thirteen years and was buried at Lingyu. He fathered Duke Chu.
Duke Chu reigned two years. He killed himself and was buried at Yong.
Duke Xian reigned twenty-three years and was buried at Xiaoyu. He fathered Duke Xiao.
Duke Xiao reigned twenty-four years and was buried at Diyu. He fathered King Huiwen. In his thirteenth year he first made Xianyang the capital.
King Huiwen reigned twenty-seven years and was buried at Gongling. He fathered King Daowu.
King Daowu reigned four years and was buried at Yongling.
King Zhaoxiang reigned fifty-six years and was buried at Zhiyang. He fathered King Xiaowen.
King Xiaowen reigned one year, was buried at Shouling, and fathered King Zhuangxiang.
King Zhuangxiang reigned three years and was buried at Zhiyang. He fathered the First Emperor. Lü Buwei was his chancellor.
In the seventh year of Duke Xian’s reign, markets were first established. In his tenth year, households were registered in groups of five.
In the sixteenth year of Duke Xiao’s reign, peach and plum trees blossomed in winter.
King Huiwen was nineteen years old when he took the throne. In his second year, coinage was first instituted. A newborn infant said: “Qin will be king.”
King Daowu was nineteen years old when he took the throne. In his third year the Wei River ran red for three days.
King Zhaoxiang was nineteen years old when he took the throne. In his fourth year field boundaries were first laid out.
King Xiaowen was fifty-three years old when he took the throne.
King Zhuangxiang was thirty-two years old when he took the throne. In his second year he took Taiyuan territory. In his first year he proclaimed a general amnesty, honored meritorious servants of former kings, showed abundant kindness to his kin, and bestowed favors upon the people. Eastern Zhou plotted with the lords against Qin; Qin sent Chancellor Lü Buwei to destroy it and annex all its territory. Qin did not end its sacrifices, but granted the Zhou lord the land of Yangren to continue them.
The First Emperor reigned thirty-seven years and was buried at Liyi. He fathered the Second Emperor and was thirteen years old when he took the throne.
The Second Emperor reigned three years and was buried at Yichun. Zhao Gao was chancellor and Lord of Anwu. The Second Emperor was twelve years old when he took the throne.
From Duke Xiang of Qin to the Second Emperor spans six hundred and ten years.
Plain English translation
Mouseia’s complete Plain English edition, made independently and directly from the classical Chinese, covering the whole of chapter 6 of the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), 126 paragraphs, including the Grand Historian’s judgment, Jia Yi’s “Faults of Qin”, the chronicle of the Qin rulers and Ban Gu’s afterword.
Duke Xiang took the throne and ruled for twelve years. He first established the western altar. He was buried at Xichui. His son was Duke Wen.
Duke Wen took the throne and lived in Xichui Palace. He died after fifty years and was buried at Xichui. His son was Duke Jing.
Duke Jing died without ruling. His son was Duke Xian.
Duke Xian ruled for twelve years and lived at the New Western City. He died and was buried at Ya. His sons were Duke Wu, Duke De, and Chuzi.
Chuzi ruled for six years and lived at Xiling. Three senior clan chiefs, Fuji, Weilei, and Canfu, led assassins to kill Chuzi at Biyan. He was buried at Ya. Duke Wu took the throne.
Duke Wu ruled for twenty years. He lived in the Feng Palace at Pingyang and was buried southeast of Xuanyangju. The three clan chiefs paid for their crime. Duke De took the throne.
Duke De ruled for two years. He lived at Dazheng Palace in Yong. His sons were Duke Xuan, Duke Cheng, and Duke Mu. He was buried at Yang. He first held the fu sacrifice to ward off harmful spirits.
Duke Xuan ruled for twelve years. He lived at Yang Palace and was buried at Yang. He first recorded the intercalary month.
Duke Cheng ruled for four years and lived in the palace at Yong. He was buried at Yang. Qi attacked the Mountain Rong and Guzhu.
Duke Mu ruled for thirty-nine years. The Son of Heaven recognized him as hegemon. He was buried at Yong. Duke Mu studied with the man named Zhu. His son was Duke Kang.
Duke Kang ruled for twelve years. He lived in the Upper Resting Palace at Yong and was buried at Qushe. His son was Duke Gong.
Duke Gong ruled for five years and lived in the Upper Resting Palace at Yong. He was buried south of Duke Kang. His son was Duke Huan.
Duke Huan ruled for twenty-seven years. He lived in the Great Resting Palace at Yong and was buried north of Yili Hill. His son was Duke Jing.
Duke Jing ruled for forty years. He lived in the Upper Resting Palace at Yong and was buried south of Qiuli. His son was Duke Bi.
Duke Bi ruled for thirty-six years. He was buried north of Cheli. His son was Duke Yi.
Duke Yi did not rule. He died and was buried at Zuogong. His son was Duke Hui.
Duke Hui ruled for ten years. He was buried at Cheli, near Kang and Jing. His son was Duke Dao.
Duke Dao ruled for fifteen years. He was buried west of Duke Xi and built the walls of Yong. His son was Duke Ligong.
Duke Ligong ruled for thirty-four years. He was buried at Ruli. His sons were Duke Zao and Duke Huai. In his tenth year a comet appeared.
Duke Zao ruled for fourteen years. He lived at Shouqin and was buried south of Duke Dao. In his first year a comet appeared.
Duke Huai came from Jin. He ruled for four years and was buried at Liyushi. His son was Duke Ling. His ministers surrounded him, and he killed himself.
Duke Suling was the son of Zhaozi. He lived at Jingyang, ruled for ten years, and was buried west of Duke Dao. His son was Duke Jian.
Duke Jian came from Jin. He ruled for fifteen years and was buried west of Duke Xi. His son was Duke Hui. In his seventh year, common people began wearing swords.
Duke Hui ruled for thirteen years. He was buried at Lingyu. His son was Duke Chu.
Duke Chu ruled for two years. He killed himself and was buried at Yong.
Duke Xian ruled for twenty-three years. He was buried at Xiaoyu. His son was Duke Xiao.
Duke Xiao ruled for twenty-four years. He was buried at Diyu. His son was King Huiwen. In his thirteenth year, Xianyang first became the capital.
King Huiwen ruled for twenty-seven years. He was buried at Gongling. His son was King Daowu.
King Daowu ruled for four years and was buried at Yongling.
King Zhaoxiang ruled for fifty-six years. He was buried at Zhiyang. His son was King Xiaowen.
King Xiaowen ruled for one year. He was buried at Shouling. His son was King Zhuangxiang.
King Zhuangxiang ruled for three years. He was buried at Zhiyang. His son was the First Emperor. Lü Buwei was his Chancellor.
In Duke Xian's seventh year on the throne, markets were first established. In his tenth year, households were registered in groups of five.
Duke Xiao took the throne at sixteen years of age. At that time, peach and plum trees flowered in winter.
King Huiwen took the throne at nineteen years of age. In his second year, he first issued coins. A newborn baby said: “Qin will be king.”
King Daowu took the throne at nineteen years of age. In his third year, the Wei River ran red for three days.
King Zhaoxiang took the throne at nineteen years of age. In his fourth year, the boundaries between fields were first opened up.
King Xiaowen took the throne at fifty-three years of age.
King Zhuangxiang took the throne at thirty-two years of age. In his second year he took the Taiyuan region. In the first year of his reign he issued a general pardon, honored the earlier kings' deserving ministers, treated his relatives generously, and gave benefits to the people. Eastern Zhou plotted with the other rulers against Qin. Qin sent Chancellor Lü Buwei to destroy it and absorbed all its territory. Qin did not end its ancestral sacrifices: it gave its ruler the land of Yangren, so he could continue to offer them.
The First Emperor ruled for thirty-seven years and was buried at Liyi. His son was the Second Emperor. The First Emperor took the throne at thirteen years of age.
The Second Emperor ruled for three years and was buried at Yichun. Zhao Gao was Chancellor and Lord Anwu. The Second Emperor took the throne at twelve years of age.
The rulers listed above, from Duke Xiang of Qin to the Second Emperor, span six hundred and ten years.