The Heirloom Seal of the Realm: A Symbol of the Mandate of Heaven in Zizhi Tongjian

Brief Introduction

The Heirloom Seal of the Realm, commonly known as the "Imperial Seal of the Emperor," is one of the most legendary national treasures in Chinese history. It is regarded as the supreme token of the legitimacy of imperial power. According to historical records, this seal was carved by Qin Shi Huang (the First Emperor of Qin) after he unified the six states, using the famous "He Shi Bi" (Jade of He Shi). It bears an eight-character inscription written by Li Si in the Small Seal Script: "Received the Mandate from Heaven, may it last forever and prosper."

In Zizhi Tongjian (Comprehensive Mirror in Aid of Governance), the chronological universal history compiled by Sima Guang, the circulation of the Heirloom Seal is not merely a matter of artifact history but a core thread of political history. It symbolizes the attribution of the "Mandate of Heaven."

Core Knowledge Points

* Origin and Material: In the 28th year of Qin Shi Huang's reign (219 BC), Prime Minister Li Si suggested carving the seal. It was made from Lantian Jade (some sources claim the He Shi Bi), featuring a Chi tiger knob and an inscription in Small Seal Script.
* Meaning of the Inscription: "Received the Mandate from Heaven" signifies that political power is granted by the heavens. "May it last forever and prosper" implies the longevity of the national fortune. Together, they serve as the ultimate endorsement of an emperor's legitimacy to rule.
* Symbolic Significance: Possessing the Heirloom Seal was viewed as holding the orthodox qualification to rule the world. Emperors of successive dynasties often felt insecure without this seal, and some even forged copies to substitute for the original.
* Final Disappearance: Passing through the Qin, Han, Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, and Sui and Tang dynasties, the seal finally disappeared during the fall of the Later Tang dynasty in the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period, becoming an eternal mystery.

Connection with Zizhi Tongjian

In Zizhi Tongjian, Sima Guang did not view the Heirloom Seal merely as a piece of jade. Instead, he treated it as a "political barometer" for observing regime changes, weaving it throughout the entire book.

1. Confirmation of Han Legitimacy: The book records that after the fall of Qin, the seal fell into the hands of Xiang Yu, and was later obtained by Liu Bang. Through this event, Sima Guang emphasized that the Han dynasty inherited the Qin mandate and possessed the Mandate of Heaven, providing a basis of legitimacy for the establishment of the Han Gaozu's foundation.
2. Contest during the Wei, Jin, and Southern and Northern Dynasties: Zizhi Tongjian details how the seal changed hands multiple times during the chaos of the late Han dynasty, even falling temporarily into the hands of the Xiongnu. Whenever the seal returned to the Central Plains, it was often accompanied by the establishment of a new dynasty or the stabilization of a regime. For instance, the handover of the seal was recorded as a key ceremony during Cao Wei's acceptance of the abdication and Sima Jin's replacement of Wei.
3. End of Sui and Tang and the Shift of Mandate: The book records that Emperor Wen of Sui obtained the seal from Northern Zhou, and the Tang Gaozu obtained it from Sui. However, in the records of the late Tang dynasty, the seal disappeared during Zhu Wen's usurpation of the Tang. Sima Guang used this to imply that the Tang dynasty's fortune had ended, the Mandate of Heaven had shifted, and the old order had collapsed.

In the narrative logic of Zizhi Tongjian, the gain or loss of the Heirloom Seal is directly linked to "governance" and "chaos." Sima Guang uses this object to elaborate on his philosophy of "aiding governance": although the Mandate of Heaven is important, virtue and the hearts of the people are the fundamental basis for long-term stability. The loss of the Heirloom Seal symbolizes the collapse of the old order, while the establishment of a new order in the book is often accompanied by a redefinition of orthodoxy.

Conclusion

In Zizhi Tongjian, the Heirloom Seal of the Realm transcends its physical entity to become a symbol of the Mandate of Heaven and political power. It witnessed the rise and fall of the Chinese Empire over two millennia, serving as a key to understanding ancient Chinese political philosophy and historical narrative. Through the records in Zizhi Tongjian, we can not only see the circulation of the seal but also understand the ancient emperors' persistent pursuit of "orthodoxy."