By 221 BC, through a combination of adroit diplomacy not necessarily bound by moral scruples, policies the looked beyond the short term gains and success in battle, Ying Zheng (259-210) emerged the triumphant conqueror of the six coexisting not only of the west but also of the northern and eastern parts of present-day China, the lush fertile lands of present-day Sichuan province and the woodlands of the north-east. In the east this area included the fields watered, and all too often flooded, by the Yellow River and the Huai River. With no remaining challengers, in 221 BC he adopted the majestic title of emperor (Huangdi), signifying that he claimed authority and wielded power over all lands and all peoples below the skies. He is known to history as a fanciful 18th century painting of the First Emperor on a tour of his realm.
Qin Shi Huangdi ‘The First Qin Emperor’, though his influence is such that he may correctly be termed China’s First Emperor.