Unifying China
Thus the empire was divided into thirty-six provinces, each province provided with a governor, a military commandant, and a superintendent. The common people were renamed ‘black-headed ones’. There was great feasting. Weapons from all over the empire were confiscated, brought to Xianyang, and melted down to be used in casting bells, bell stands, and twelve men made of metal. These last weighed 60 metric tons each and were set up in the palace. All weights and measures were standardized, the gauge of wheeled vehicles was made uniform, and the writing system was standardized.
Sima Qian, The Basic Annals of Qin found at this site
The execution of scholars
The First Emperor said, ‘I confiscated all the books from the empire and got rid of all those that were of not use....I have also directed people to question the various scholars residing in Xianyang, and it appears that some are spreading dubious stories in order to mislead the black-headed people!’ He [the Emperor] then ordered the imperial secretary to subject all the scholars to investigation. The scholars reported on one another in an attempt to exonerate themselves. Over 460 persons were convicted of violating the prohibitions, and were executed at Xianyang, word of it being publicized throughout the empire so as to act as a warning to later ages. In addition, increasing numbers of convicts were transported to the border regions.
Sima Qian, Biography of the First Emperor found at this site
The First Emperor visits Mt Liang
The First Emperor visited the palace at Mt. Liang and happened to look down from the mountain and observe the carriages, outriders, and attendants of the chancellor. He was not pleased. One of the officials reported this to the chancellor, who thereafter reduced the number of his carriages and outriders. The First Emperor was furious, saying, ‘Someone among the officials is leaking word of what I say! He examined the officials, but none would confess to the crime. He then ordered the arrest of all those who had been in attendance, and had every one put to death. From that time on, no one knew where he was when he was absent from the palace.
Sima Qian, Biography of the First Emperor found at this site