In the late period of the Qin Dynasty, two important ministers, Li Si and Zhao Gao, differed sharply in personality and behavior. Li Si was renowned for his loyalty and wisdom, while Zhao Gao was famous for his cunning and intrigue. Interestingly, however, these two vastly different figures both gave the same advice to Qin Er Shi Hu Hai: the theory of national ruin.

1. Li Si's Loyalty and Wisdom

Li Si, a famous politician and literary figure of the Qin Dynasty, served as the Prime Minister of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and made significant contributions to the unification and prosperity of the Qin Dynasty. Loyal to the country, his essay "Advice to the Emperor on the Exile of the Guest States" demonstrates his concern and advice for the nation. In this essay, Li Si bluntly points out various flaws in the Qin Dynasty's politics and proposes reform suggestions.

2. Zhao Gao's Cunning and Intrigue

Unlike Li Si, Zhao Gao was a typical eunuch official with great power and influence. He manipulated court affairs and even tampered with the will of the emperor, enabling Qin Er Shi Hu Hai to ascend the throne. Zhao Gao's actions were full of cunning and intrigue, and he would stop at nothing to pursue his own interests.

3. The Common Advice of Li Si and Zhao Gao: Theory of National Ruin

Despite their significant differences in personality and behavior, both Li Si and Zhao Gao gave Hu Hai the same advice: the theory of national ruin. Li Si warned Hu Hai to be vigilant of the nation's danger in his essay "Advice to the Emperor on the Exile of the Guest States," while Zhao Gao privately cautioned Hu Hai that if the politics were not reformed, the Qin Dynasty would perish. This shared advice undoubtedly revealed the political crisis of the late Qin Dynasty.

4. Hu Hai's Response and Historical Development

However, Hu Hai did not adopt the advice of these two ministers. He indulged in pleasure and ignored the nation's crisis. Ultimately, the Qin Dynasty declined rapidly under Hu Hai's reign, leading to the famous Chen Sheng and Wu Guang rebellion, and ultimately the downfall of the Qin Dynasty.

Conclusion

Although Li Si and Zhao Gao differed vastly in personality and behavior, they both gave Hu Hai the same advice: the theory of national ruin. This undoubtedly revealed the political crisis of the late Qin Dynasty. However, Hu Hai failed to adopt these advices, ultimately leading to the downfall of the Qin Dynasty. This historical episode teaches us that loyalty and cunning are not the keys to determining a nation's fate; rather, it is crucial for rulers to listen to loyal advice and make necessary reforms.

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