Emperor Qin’s Sacred Journey: Inscribing History
In ancient times, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first sovereign to unify China, ascended Mount Tai, the sacred peak revered by generations of emperors, to perform the Fengshan ceremony. This ceremonial ascent was not merely a ritualistic display of imperial authority but a profound affirmation of his reign and the mandate of heaven over all under his rule.
The inscription on the stone stele commemorating this event reads:
“The Palace of the Gods, from the west ascends, below lies a fairyland, encompassing three thousand li, the abode of spirits and the test of gods.”
This statement, etched into history, marked Emperor Qin’s ascendancy and his divine connection to the heavens. The stele’s inscription further elaborates:
“Upon the stone, the seal, the worship.”
This line signifies the solemnity of the occasion, where Emperor Qin performed rites and offered sacrifices, invoking the blessings of the divine.
The commentary provides deeper insight:
“Fu Qian said: ‘Elevating to the heavens, giving credit to heaven.’ Zhang Yan said: ‘Heaven’s height is unreachable, standing on Mount Tai, sealing the Fengshan, hoping to draw closer to the spirits.’ Zhan said: ‘Accumulating earth to create a Feng, meaning carrying earth to Mount Tai, constructing an altar and performing sacrifices.’ Below, a violent storm ensued, seeking shelter under a tree, and thus, the tree was sealed as the ‘Five Great Lords.'”
The stele’s inscription was a poetic tribute to Emperor Qin’s reverence for the divine and his endeavor to unite heaven and earth under his rule. It continues:
“Seal Liangfu.”
Fu Qian explained: “‘Shan’, broadens the land.” Zhan said: “In ancient times, the holy king sealed Mount Tai, and the Liangfu or Liangfu Mountain, all small mountains below Mount Tai. Changing ‘dun’ to ‘shan’, the correct pronunciation is ‘fu’. Located eighty miles north of Sishui County, Yanzhou.”
The carved stone bore these words:
“The Emperor ascended the throne, promulgated clear laws, and refined his subjects.”
For twenty-six years, he unified the realm, and none dared to disobey. Personally touring the distant corners, he ascended Mount Tai and surveyed the eastern extremity. His ministers pondered his footsteps, recounting his deeds, reciting his achievements.
“Governance and operations, various productions prospered, all had their laws. Great justice was clear, passed down to future generations, maintaining conformity without change. The Emperor himself was holy, having pacified all under heaven, unwavering in governance. Rising early and sleeping late, he built for long-term benefit.”
“Concentrating on teachings, spreading knowledge, far and near comprehended thoroughly, all followed his holy intentions. Distinctions between high and low were clear, men and women followed customs, careful in their duties. Illuminating both inside and outside, leaving nothing unclean, benefiting future generations. Influencing infinitely, adhering to his will, perpetually observing solemn warnings.”
“Thus, he also encompassed the sea east of Bohai, past the Huang and Chui rivers, crossed Mount Cheng, ascended the Fuo, and erected stones, praising the virtues of Qin.”
He joyously descended to Langya, enjoying three months. He relocated thirty thousand households to the foot of the Langya Tower, three months later. In the present Langya Tower, the stone was carved, praising the virtues of Qin, a clear expression of his intentions:
“In the twenty-eighth year of the reign, the Emperor started.”
This excerpt captures the essence of the historical inscription while maintaining the eloquence and depth of the original text.