Ri Shi, a Legalist scholar and politician, emerged from impoverished origins in Chu to become a pivotal figure in Qin’s political landscape. Studying under philosopher Jun Shi alongside Kan Pishi—a Han prince who consistently bested him academically—he honed a pragmatic worldview that propelled his ascent within Ryo Fui’s faction, where he served as one of the Four Pillars. Entrusted with administrative leadership and enforcing Legalist doctrine, Ri Shi navigated the Sanyou Campaign by ensuring legal compliance while cautioning Ryo Fui against the volatile royal harem faction. When the Ai Rebellion shattered Ryo Fui’s power, Ri Shi faced imprisonment yet persisted in drafting legal reforms from his cell. His expertise caught the attention of Shou Bun Kun, who recruited him to bolster Ei Sei’s unification campaign, leveraging his mastery of Legalism to forge a cohesive legal framework for China. Pardoned and reinstated, Ri Shi spearheaded administrative logistics during critical military operations, including stabilizing territories beyond Retsubi. In debates with Shou Bun Kun, he framed law as an evolving “wish” to steer nations toward idealized governance—a philosophy tested during discussions on post-unification legal systems. His storied rivalry with Kan Pishi reignited when the Han prince infiltrated Qin. Uncovering Kan Pishi’s espionage ties, Ri Shi sanctioned an investigation that exposed Han’s spy network. Kan Pishi’s demise in prison, orchestrated by double agent You Ka, compelled Ri Shi to prioritize strategy over sentiment, safeguarding You Ka’s cover to exploit intelligence advantages against rival states. Known for a stern disposition and incisive insight, Ri Shi detected subtle shifts in allies and foes alike. His pragmatism once drove him to authorize assassinations under Ryo Fui, yet he balanced severity with dry wit, playfully needling colleagues and his wife—a former classmate from Jun Shi’s tutelage. In Qin’s later reforms, he institutionalized Legalist theory through initiatives like the Three Pillars Plan’s family registry system, cementing his legacy as a architect of governance. Throughout, Ri Shi wielded Legalism as both weapon and blueprint, marrying calculated ruthlessness with an unwavering vision for a unified China.