The Contention of Hexi and the Rise of the Qin State from Historical Narrative and Political Geography
The reason for Qin's ascension to one of the seven Warring States could help illuminate its success in founding a unified dynasty.The key clue lies in Qin,and Jin(Wei)'s competition on Hexi land,which deserves re-examination on historical narrative and political geography,as well as an integrative study of Qin's history from the Spring and Autumn to the Warring States periods.Duke Mu of Qin easily extended his territory"eastward to the river",yet his actual goal was to advance into the south of Jin and the east of Yu so as to set foot on the Central Plains.The land,which Duke Hui of Jin had promised to Qin but later broke his covenant,was not"eight cities in Hexi"but the cities across the river and the towns to the east of the river.Historical Records'narratives on"eight cities in Hexi","present its Hexi land","Qin land east to the river"are likely later generation's fabrication and therefore unreliable.During the Spring and Autumn period,the world order underwent reconstruction:periphery powers ascended at the price of world center,while in the Warring States period the vassal states'center declined with the ascension of periphery powers.Qin also witnessed usurps of governing powers by ministers which destabilized duke power.Historical Records'condemnation of Duke Li,Duke Zao,Duke Jian and Chu Zi as"restless"was a narrative construction,which was aimed at denying the legitimacy of Non-Huai Gong-line Qin monarchs.In early Warring States period,Duke Wen of Wei's diligent policy foiled Qin's ambitious military adventures,which resulted in nothing but losing Hexi again during Duke Jian of Qin's reign.Duke Xian and Duke Xiao's military reforms,which was aimed at undermining ministers'power,could be traced back to Duke Mu's policy.King Huiwen of Qin,by recapturing Hexi and setting up administrative control over Shangjun and Yiqu,surpassed Duke Mu's achievements,and hence claimed the title of king,opening up a new chapter in Qin's contention for the world.
Duke Mu's HegemonyEight Cities in HexiHistorical NarrativePolitical GeographyKing Huiwen of Qin
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