When will Qi perish?

in 221 BC, under the strategic offensive of Qin's "far-reaching and near-attacking" disintegration, after the five countries were destroyed by Qin, Qi, a great eastern country founded for 845 years, was the first of the five tyrants in the Spring and Autumn Period, followed by the crown of the seven heroes in the Warring States Period. There are many reasons for the demise of Qi, and the lesson is painful. Although from our historical point of view today, reunification is conducive to social development and progress. However, under the historical conditions at that time, Qi was once called the "East Emperor", which was a rival to Qin Fen, and its politics, economy and culture were dominant among other countries, so it was possible to unify the whole country. Su Shi, when analyzing the reasons for the demise of the six countries in The Six Kingdoms, said: "The downfall of the six countries lies in bribing Qin", and "the way to ruin is to blame Qin". However, he also saw that Qi did not die because of bribery. His analysis is: "Those who fail to bribe will lose their support, and they cannot be alone. If the five countries are destroyed, Qi will be inevitable." The disaster is indeed as he said.

First, the process of the decline and fall of the State of Qi

Since the establishment of the State of Qi by Tai Gong, the State of Qi has respected sages for economic development, facilitated agriculture, mulberry and salt fishing, and established the country's foundation. Later, Guan Zhong became a duke and nine princes, and became the first of the five tyrants in the Spring and Autumn Period. At the end of Tian's generation of ginger, Wei Wang and Xuan Wang made great efforts to revive the power of the great country, which was second to none among the seven males of the Warring States Period, ranking first among the seven males. Mencius said that Qi Xuanwang "wanted to open up land, go to Qin Chu, visit China and caress the four barbarians." In order to accomplish this historic task, Qi Xuanwang further expanded the Jixia Academy, often listened to the opinions of people of insight, respected their personality, extensively recruited talents, and selected talents and talents. With his outstanding wisdom and amazing courage, he attacked Wei, broke Yan, and joined forces with Han and Wei to attack Chu, and Wang Ye of Qi developed rapidly.

in 31 BC, Qi Xuanwang died, and Zitian ascended the throne for the sake of Qi and Min Wang. At the beginning of Min Wang's accession to the throne, he was able to inherit the legacy of his ancestors, pursued the annexation of princes and unified the world, and made it an important task to listen to all kinds of people and make great efforts to govern the country. Therefore, Qi maintained a position stronger than the world. He helped Korea to control Chu, attacked Yan to destroy Song, and joined forces to resist Qin, which made Qiang Qin, who rose through Shang Yang's political reform at that time, closed to the outside world for many years. Historical Records Tian Wan Jing Zhong Shi Jia records that in the thirty-sixth year of King Qi Min, the State of Qin sent an envoy Wei Ran to the State of Qi to preach the will of the King of Qin, honoring King Qi Min as the "East Emperor" and King Zhao of Qin as the "West Emperor". At that time, Qi was vast in territory, rich in products, large in population and powerful, and King Jimin was hesitant. Just then, Su Dai came to Qi from Yan and met King Jimin at the East Gate of zhanghua. King Qi Min asked him, "Yes, sir, I have a question for you."? Qin sent Wei Ran to make me emperor. What do you think of this? " Su Dai replied, "This question is asked too suddenly. I hope your Majesty will accept the request of the Qin envoy, but don't really want to be the emperor. Why? If Qin proclaimed himself emperor, the world would accept it safely. If the king proclaimed himself emperor, it would bring a lot of trouble. Besides, it is good or bad to give up the emperor's name in order to gain a good reputation. King Zhao of Qin proclaimed himself emperor, and everyone disliked him. If you don't proclaim yourself emperor, you will be supported by everyone, which is a great advantage. Imagine the two emperors in the world. Does your majesty think that all countries respect Qi or Qin? Min Wang said, "Respect Qin". Su Dai added, "If the King gives up the imperial title, will everyone love Qi or Qin?" "Min Wang said:" Of course, I love Qi and hate Qin. " Su Dai also said, "Which is more advantageous, the two emperors made an agreement to attack Zhao or Jie Song?" Min Wang replied: "Naturally, it is to cut the Song Dynasty." Su Dai added: "Being emperor with Qin * * * is the only thing in the world that respects Qin, while giving up the imperial title will make the world love Qi and hate Qin. It is better to attack Zhao than Jie Song, so I advise the king to give up the imperial title to collect the trust of the world. May the king think it over. " Under the analysis and persuasion of Su Dai, King Qi Min gave up the title of "East Emperor". At that time, if Min Wang could continue to carry forward the legacy of Wei Wang and Xuan Wang along this line of thinking, make positive progress, listen to others, make great efforts to govern, and maintain good relations with the five countries, the great cause of unifying the world was expected to be realized.