Ying Zheng, known as Ei Sei, is the 31st King of Qin. Born in Kantan, Zhao during the Warring States period, he endured brutal mistreatment from an early age after his father, Shi So, abandoned him and his mother, Bi Ki, in enemy territory following his own ascension as King of Qin. Resentful Zhao citizens, angered by Qin's massacre of 400,000 Zhao prisoners, subjected him to severe hardship. This trauma left him emotionally detached, numb to physical sensations, and tormented by psychological distress. His path shifted when he met Shi Ka, a black-market merchant in Zhao. She offered him refuge and genuine kindness, becoming the first person he trusted. Her self-sacrifice to secure his escape to Qin restored his capacity to feel and profoundly shaped his worldview, laying the foundation for his leadership. Crowned at 13, Ying Zheng formally ascended the throne at his coming-of-age ceremony at 22. His early reign faced internal threats, including a coup by his half-brother, Sei Kyou, who contested the throne. During this crisis, he encountered Xin (Shin), a war orphan whose friend Piao served as Ying Zheng's body double and died protecting him. Initially viewing Xin as a tool, their shared struggle to reclaim the palace forged deep mutual trust. Ying Zheng entrusted Xin with critical missions, symbolizing their bond, with Xin vowing to serve as his "sword" to unify China. Ying Zheng's personality blends strategic resolve with evolving empathy. Early depictions show cold pragmatism, like executing an injured assassin without hesitation. Yet, he demonstrates fierce loyalty to those who earn his trust, such as carrying an exhausted Xin to safety. His leadership emphasizes unwavering commitment to unification to end centuries of warfare, envisioning a legalist system with equal rights for all under centralized law, eliminating borders and state conflicts. Politically, he navigated complex rivalries, chiefly against Chancellor Ryo Fui (Lü Buwei), who sought control or the throne. Their power struggle involved court intrigues and temporary alliances, like Ying Zheng's pragmatic truce with Sei Kyou to counter Ryo Fui and the Queen Dowager. Following the Six-State Coalition invasion orchestrated by Zhao's Ri Boku, Ying Zheng's direct leadership during the Battle of Sai proved pivotal. Rallying civilian defenders while clad in golden armor, his oratory and visible presence inspired a critical defense, solidifying popular support and weakening Ryo Fui. Key relationships define Ying Zheng. His marriage to Kou, initially formal, grew into mutual respect after she risked her life to deliver a crucial message. They had a daughter, Rei, whom he deeply cherishes due to her fragile health. His interactions with Sei Kyou evolved from antipathy to reluctant respect; though unable to forgive his brother's treason, he acknowledged their shared burdens as rulers. He placed utmost trust in advisers like Shou Bun Kun, who served as paternal figures. Alliances with formidable leaders like mountain tribe chief Yo Tan Wa were secured through shared visions of unity, despite initial hostilities over past Qin aggression. Ying Zheng developed significant military and strategic acumen. While not a frontline warrior like Xin, he demonstrated proficient swordsmanship, decisively eliminating threats like the assassin Jo Kan. His true strength lay in charismatic command and psychological resilience. He consistently countered adversaries' attempts to undermine his ideals, responding to critiques about unification's human cost with steadfast resolve. Figures like Ri Boku acknowledged the terrifying scale of his ambition, privately admitting respect for his vision. As Qin expanded, Ying Zheng confronted the personal toll of his campaign. The execution of his mother's conspirators and her subsequent imprisonment highlighted the sacrifices demanded. Sei Kyou (Cheng Jiao), in his final moments, implored Xin to remain by Ying Zheng's side, recognizing the emotional isolation inherent in unifying China through conquest, foreshadowing the burdens Ying Zheng would continue to bear.