![]() Current historians are rightly skeptical as that would have been a 12 month pregnancy but the drama raises the question head on and leaves room for viewers to decide for themselves. The most slanderous and malicious accusation in Sima Qian's Shiji (史记 or Records of the Grand Historian) is that Ying Zheng was in fact Lv Buwei's son that his former concubine Zhao Ji was already pregnant when she married Ying Yiren. ![]() I love that this drama properly credits both Lv Buwei and Li Si with many of the lasting reforms made during Ying Zheng's reign indeed many (not all) were well underway while he was still a powerless boy king. Even though I think the drama ends at the right place, it is a pity we don't get to see the irony that Li Si whose life work was Qin's unification may have brought about Qin's rapid downfall with his cruel interference in Ying Zheng's succession. ![]() I find Li Si the character insufferable and while Li Naiwen's acting is good, it is not quite on par with that of Duan Yihong. Their scheming both as rivals and allies and mutual respect despite their differences is one of the most complex and riveting portrayals in this drama. This wonderfully grey character that was so inspired by a vision bigger than himself that he actively recruited and promoted the best talent even against his own nature and interest, notably in the case of Li Si. This is the best written and best acted role in the drama that literally steals the show. His economic reforms and policies paved the way for the eventual unification of the Warring States well before Ying Zheng's conquests began. This is a historical drama but if you are not familiar with Qin history, then be warned that there are mild spoilers in the paragraphs ahead.ĭuan Yihong's delicious portrayal of Lv Buwei, venal merchant turned kingmaker and indisputably one of history's great adventurers anchors well over half the drama. These themes are seamlessly woven into the visual storytelling in a way that you cannot miss the natural, impenetrable mountain fortress that is Hangu Pass and the Qin life size battle map that further reinforces the topological and geographical advantages of the Qin state. In-depth research and meticulous attention to detail are evident in the costumes, the weapons, the sets and the authentic portrayal of military strategies, diplomacy, espionage, the economics of funding prolonged warfare, the evolution of a common script, immigration and the consequent racial frictions and the conflict between meritocracy and legacy. The production values are very high and there is extraordinary, game of thrones worthy battle footage against some truly breathless backdrops that convey the epic vastness and splendor of the empire. These characters that made it all possible and how they were pitted against wily and determined opponents from six rival kingdoms is magnificently and vividly brought to life in this stunning production. Such a monumental task was not achieved without the vision and dedication of many great talents from brilliant tacticians, crafty spies, talented engineers and powerful generals. Qin Dynasty Epic, the fourth and final installment of the highly regarded Qin Dynasty series, is about how Yin Zheng fulfilled "Heaven's Mandate" to unify the Warring States (475-221 BC) and became the first emperor of China at age 38 in 221 BC. When you play the game of thrones, you win or you die. Ying Zheng starts on a bloody path to becoming an emperor as he uses the people around him to secure power. In order to seat her son on the throne, Zhao Ji and Lu Bu Wei join hands against Huayang Furen. ![]() After Ying Zheng, a prince of Qin, and his mother Zhao Ji make their way home, Ying Zheng begins to exhibit the qualities of a ruler under the guidance of Lu Bu Wei. However, the battle between Qin and Zhao proves to be difficult and deadly. Qin strikes down the other states with the ambition to rule all the lands. The eldest prince leaves the capital bringing the political unrest to a close. Lu Bu Wei, a powerful and influential merchant attempts to seize power by helping Ying Yi Ren, a prince in exile, to the throne. After the consecutive deaths of King Zhao Xiang and his successor King Xiao Wen, the royal court was thrown into disputes over legitimacy. The Qin State has achieved strategic dominance among the six states due to aggressive measures put forth by King Zhao Xiang. The Qin Empire becomes the first dynasty of Imperial China. Ying Zheng, Lu Bu Wei, Li Si, Wang Jian, and many formidable politicians work together to unite the six states under one rule. It follows the Qin State during the late stages of the Warring States era.
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