Ei Sei, also known as Ying Zheng, reigns as the 31st King of Qin. Born in Kantan, Zhao during the Warring States period, his youth endured brutal hardship and isolation. Held as a political hostage after the Battle of Chouhei, he faced abandonment by his father, King Sou Jou, and active resentment from his mother, Bi Ki, who made multiple attempts on his life. Citizens of Zhao subjected him to consistent abuse and mistreatment fueled by hatred for Qin, forcing him to steal food for survival and numbing himself to physical sensation as a coping mechanism. A pivotal shift came when the black-market merchant Shi Ka intervened. Moved by his determination, she orchestrated his escape from Zhao. During this journey, Shi Ka demonstrated unanticipated kindness, helping him confront psychological demons stemming from his trauma and restoring his ability to feel physical pain and emotional connection. Her sacrifice during the escape ensured his safe return to Qin, shaping his resolve to forge a different future. After reclaiming the Qin throne by suppressing his half-brother Sei Kyou’s rebellion, Ei Sei’s initial demeanor showed strategic coldness and ruthlessness—evidenced by his swift execution of the assassin Jo Kan. However, exposure to loyal allies like the warrior Shin fostered gradual emotional thawing. He carried an exhausted Shin without complaint after their first encounter, signaling an emerging capacity for trust. Their bond deepened during the reclamation of the Royal Palace, where Ei Sei entrusted Shin with the critical mission to defeat Sei Kyou internally while he confronted external guards—a decision demonstrating significant reliance on Shin’s abilities. Ei Sei’s overarching ambition centers on unifying China’s warring states under Qin’s banner to permanently end centuries of conflict. He envisions a legalist system granting all citizens equal rights and obligations under impartial laws, eliminating borders, hereditary privileges, and discriminatory practices. This vision resonated with Yo Tan Wa, leader of the mountain tribes, who initially harbored hostility toward Qin but allied with him after recognizing their shared goals of unity. Politically, Ei Sei maneuvered against the chancellor Ryo Fui, whose faction dominated the Qin court. Surviving an assassination attempt orchestrated by Ryo Fui, he leveraged captured assassins as evidence of his rival’s treachery, declaring a covert war for control. He also navigated complex alliances, including a reluctant partnership with the Royal Harem faction led by his estranged mother, the Queen Dowager, whose motives he distrusted due to her history of violence against him. In personal relationships, Ei Sei showed nuanced growth. He developed genuine affection for his concubine Kou, confiding in her about his traumatic past in Zhao. He exhibited deep concern for his frail daughter Rei, though interactions with his son Fusu remained unshown. His trust in key supporters like the minister Shou Bun Kun was absolute, viewing him as both advisor and foundational pillar of his faction. His dynamic with Sei Kyou evolved significantly. Initially marked by mutual hatred following Sei Kyou’s failed rebellion, Ei Sei later pardoned and allied with him to counter Ryo Fui. This decision culminated in entrusting Sei Kyou with Kanyou’s defense during the Coalition Invasion—an act that fostered grudging respect in his half-brother, who ultimately sacrificed himself to protect Ei Sei’s unification dream. During the Battle of Sai, Ei Sei displayed unexpected military leadership by rallying civilians against the invading Zhao army. Clad in golden armor adorned with a dragon motif, he fought alongside soldiers, cementing his symbolic role as both ruler and warrior committed to his cause. His traumatic past in Zhao manifested as episodes where he perceived himself haunted by the ghosts of Chouhei. Yet, these experiences fueled his determination to create a China free from perpetual warfare. Ou Ki, one of Qin’s legendary generals, likened the fire in Ei Sei’s eyes to that of his revered ancestor, the "God of War" King Shou, underscoring the king’s transformative resolve.