221 BCE
Dear Diary,
I’m the new ruler of China. I have ordered my slaves to build a giant wall around my kingdom. I ordered them to do that because enemy forces are attacking so the wall will be used for defence. I have so many servants and I live in a big palace. This morning I put on a great silk robe after I got out of my magnificent bed. Then I was served rice, tea, and other foods that are grown near my palace. After breakfast I ordered my sculptors to build me an enormous army for the afterlife. I want an army because I need it to rule the afterlife, not just China. I told my 7200 sculptors my plan. I need a lot of sculptors because it will take a long time for them to sculpt an entire terracotta army. When I asked how things were going this afternoon I was amazed! The sculptors had already made two 6 foot men for my army!
In the upper class things are easy. As Emperor I have lots of money, I have a big palace and I have lots of splendid clothes. I eat fine foods. I feel very lucky to be Emperor. I’m royalty.
Sincerely,
Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi (H.M., Rm 35)
221 BCE
Dear Diary,
Today Emperor Qin ordered my fellow labourers and I to build 8000 Terracotta Warriors for him in his afterlife once he dies. Can you believe it? It is already so hard to be a slave because we have to craft every single thing for the Emperor and nothing for ourselves. Well, I am still working on my first warrior and it’s really difficult and complicated! I’ve been working on the face of a warrior and I need to sculpt tiny details with the eyes, a helmet, and hair. My hands are numb tonight and really dirty with clay. I wish I didn’t have to work so hard in life. I’m a slave so I wasn’t allowed to choose my trade. When I was really young Emperor Qin picked 5 labourers to be his slaves and I was one of them. I have been working for him since I was 4 years old. I feel so lonely working for Emperor Qin. I hope he likes the warriors I make for him.
Love,
Feiyan (J.S., Rm 35)
