Xiao Zhuan was simplified and reformed by Li Si, the prime minister, after Qin Shihuang unified China, on the basis of the original seal script used by Qin State under the policy of "homonym". It is characterized by simpler glyphs and more standardized writing, while retaining a strong oriental artistic style.
Qin Shihuang promoted Xiao Zhuan as a standard font for multiple purposes. First of all, the popularity and promotion of biographies will contribute to cultural exchanges and information dissemination throughout the country, making government decrees and information smooth. Secondly, the unification of seal script makes writing no longer the privilege of the aristocratic class, and also facilitates the lower class to enter the cultural circle to read and write. Finally, the creation of Xiao Zhuan was also one of the important means for Qin Shihuang to realize centralization and strengthen his rule.
Before Qin Shihuang unified China, there were differences in writing styles and characters used in different places, which brought great obstacles to cultural exchange and political reunification. Qin Shihuang broke this regional cultural barrier through the implementation of Xiao Zhuan, which enabled the whole country to use unified characters for communication. This also laid the foundation for the development and inheritance of China culture.
Qin Shihuang's reform measures:
1, burning books to bury Confucianism: In order to promote Confucianism, Qin Shihuang took measures to burn books to bury Confucianism. He burned all books except Confucian classics and persecuted and slaughtered Confucian scholars on a large scale. Although this measure had a far-reaching impact on Confucianism, it also destroyed many valuable cultural resources and had a negative impact on the development of China culture.
2. Implementation of the county system: After Qin Shihuang unified China, he abolished the feudal system and implemented the county system, dividing the country into several counties, each of which was managed by an official. This system enables the central government to better control local political power and strengthen centralization and ruling ability.
3. Building the Great Wall: Qin Shihuang built the Great Wall to prevent the invasion of nomadic people in the north. The Great Wall is not only a solid defense line, but also a great architectural and cultural heritage in the history of China.
4. unified measurement: After Qin Shihuang unified China, he also implemented unified measurement's measures. He stipulated a standard system of weights and measures, which was used uniformly throughout the country, making business transactions and government management more convenient. In addition, unified measurement has also promoted economic exchanges and trade between different regions and promoted economic development.