Qin Standardization System

A comprehensive procedure for implementing uniform standards across a unified multi-state empire.

Overview

To ensure effective governance of newly unified territories, establish uniform standards for measurements, writing, and infrastructure.

Steps

1. Standardize weights and measures:

   • Unify all measuring instruments (衡石丈尺)
   • Ensure consistent commercial and administrative transactions

2. Standardize writing system:

   • Implement uniform script (书同文字)
   • Eliminate regional writing variations

3. Standardize transportation:

   • Establish uniform axle widths (车同轨)
   • Build roads to standard specifications

4. Implement Five Elements theory:

   • Determine dynasty's elemental virtue (Qin = Water)
   • Adjust calendar to begin in tenth month
   • Adopt black as imperial color
   • Use six as the sacred number:
     • Official caps: 6 inches
     • Carriage width: 6 feet
     • Step length: 6 feet
     • Horses per carriage: 6

5. Rename rivers: Rename Yellow River to 'Virtue River' (德水)

6. Rename populace: Call common people '黔首' (black-headed ones)

Expected Outcomes

• Unified commercial practices
• Consistent administrative documentation
• Efficient transportation network
• Coherent ideological framework

Validation

• Verify that all measuring instruments (衡石丈尺) are unified and consistent across administrative regions
• Confirm that the uniform script (书同文字) and axle width (车同轨) standards are implemented in all territories
• Check that Five Elements cosmological elements (calendar start, imperial color, sacred number) are consistently applied across official practices