Historical story

During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, not only was the twelve-animal zodiac used for marking years, but the renowned scholar Shen Jiong also composed China's first delightful poem featuring all twelve zodiac animals: "Mouse tracks leave dust on the desk, ox and sheep return at dusk. Tiger roars sit in the empty valley, rabbit moon shines through the window. Dragon marshes stretch far with verdant green, snake winds near the willow trees. Horse orchids are just picked from afar, sheep carry spring seedlings. Monkeys offer chestnuts and fragrant fruits, rooster's crow draws a clear cup. Dog embodies a carefree spirit, pig peers from the window in leisure."

In 262 BC, King Zhaoxiang of Qin dispatched the general Bai Qi to attack the state of Han, capturing the city of Yewang (present-day Qinyang, Henan). This cut off the connection between Shangdang Commandery (its seat located in present-day Changzhi, Shanxi) and the Han capital, placing Shangdang in a critical situation. The Han military leaders in Shangdang refused to surrender to Qin and sent an envoy to present the maps of Shangdang to the state of Zhao.

With Lin Xiangru and Lian Po working together to defend the state of Zhao, Qin indeed dared not to invade. However, Qin still managed to seize considerable territory from the states of Chu and Wei. At that time, real power in Qin lay in the hands of the Queen Dowager and her brother, Lord Rang (Wei Ran, "Rang" pronounced "ráng"). In 270 BC, Lord Rang planned to send troops to attack the state of Qi.

King Zhaoxiang of Qin was determined to subjugate the state of Zhao, repeatedly invading its borders and seizing several territories. In 279 BC, he devised another scheme, inviting King Huiwen of Zhao to meet him at Mianchi (west of present-day Mianchi County, Henan Province; "Mian" pronounced "miǎn") in Qin territory. Initially, King Huiwen of Zhao feared being detained by Qin and hesitated to go. However, both the general Lian Po and the minister Lin Xiangru believed that refusing the invitation would only show weakness to Qin.

Although the state of Qi had suffered a defeat at Changshao, it did not affect Duke Huan of Qi's later status as a hegemon. Over ten years later, the northern state of Yan (its capital in present-day Beijing) sent an envoy to request military aid, reporting that their state had been invaded and defeated by the Shanrong tribe nearby. Duke Huan decided to lead a large army to rescue Yan. In 663 BC, when Qi's army arrived in Yan, the Shanrong had already looted people and treasures and retreated.

In the prosperous and beautiful city of Beijing, on the grand and magnificent Tiananmen Square, stands the Monument to the People's Heroes, towering and majestic. Eight enormous bas-reliefs record the history of the Chinese nation's indomitable struggle for liberation. Before the prominent first relief, people inevitably pause and gaze for a long time—this is the world-shocking "Destruction of Opium at Humen." The history of the modern Chinese people's anti-imperialist and anti-aggression struggle began right here.

More than four thousand years ago, numerous clans and tribes lived in the regions around the Yellow River and Yangtze River basins of ancient China. The Yellow Emperor (Huangdi) is the most famous tribal chieftain in legend.

At the end of the Qin Dynasty, the rulers were corrupt and tyrannical, constantly exploiting the people. The common folk not only had to pay heavy taxes but also endure grueling corvée labor, living in dire misery. At that time, there was a man named Chen Sheng, styled She. Due to his impoverished family background, he had no choice but to work as a tenant farmer. He deeply understood the suffering of the lower classes and was deeply resentful of the severe wealth disparity in society. Thus, he secretly resolved to change this situation.

During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a gem merchant in the state of Chu. He conducted his business with great integrity, earning widespread trust, so many people preferred to buy jewels from him. One day, the merchant acquired a beautiful pearl. Intending to sell it, he decided to package it elaborately, believing that with a luxurious container, the pearl’s perceived value would naturally increase.

During Empress Wu Zetian's reign, she implemented a policy of terror and high pressure, rewarding informers, through which many people gained promotions and higher ranks. At that time, numerous cruel officials emerged, inventing all kinds of brutal torture devices to force suspects to confess—truly employing every possible extreme method. Among them, Zhou Xing and Lai Junchen were the most notorious.