The Two Walls
Sam He, Group 3: Fiction, Xi'an International School
ew archaeologists were reading the old roll of papers and books that were written in 1700s. Some parts
of the Wall collapsed 5 days ago and inside, archaeologists found old papers and books. One
archaeologist named Liu Xinping took a book to hotel because his job is to translate the old Chinese
characters into modern day Chinese characters. It was a short story book, and on the back, it was written
that Chiang Kai-shek’s army was trying to carry this to Taiwan because he wanted to take to museums
in Taiwan bu
t Mao Zedong’
s army was close. Chiang Kai-shek decided to bury documents under the Great Wall.
Liu Xinping started to read the book.
The book started with “This is a story of my ancestor.”
“
Well, I don’t even know where my father and mother are. Good for you that you at least know your
parents and ancestors,” Liu Xinping said to himself. He continued to read.
It was Qin Empire at that time. There were many enormous constructions going on for several years. A
new colonel came to supervise the construction site in modern day Beijing. This colonel was only 16, but his
grandfather was minister of the army and his father was General of the Army. So, he became a colonel early.
Unfortunately, Liu Gao hated his job. So he was very cranky to workers.
“
Sir, the workers can’t continue working with only a bowl of soup for one whole day. Also, many workers
need more time to sleep. Fifteen workers already died because of huger. Please, increase the food and time to
rest. Will you?” asked an officer.
Another officer ran into the tent of the colonel and cried “Sir, ten workers felland they are injured badly.
We need the doctor quickly! We have to stop the construction for two days and demonstrate how to use tools, or
more workers will get injured.”
“
I don’t care!” the colonel barked.
“
But…” two officers tried to make an objection.
“
Listen!” the colonel snapped. “Qin Empire is huge. Do you agree?”
“
Yes.” The two officers answered.
“
Answer me in louder voice!”
“
Yes, sir!” The two officers answered again, but it was little louder this time.
“
Plus, there are lots of people. Do you agree?” the colonel asked. His voice was much kinder and softer this
time.
“
Yes.”
“
Now, look. If there are so many people, it doesn’t really matter if hundreds or maybe thousands of people
die. Am I correct?”
They knew it was wrong, but they had to agree. If they say no, they are sent to jail for disobeying the
colonel. “Yes.”
“
Then stop fussing about this small problems and get out,” the colonel barked.
Because of this cruel, mad, inhumane colonel, construction went very quick. But, 120 workers died after
this colonel came. In Xianyang, the capital of the Qin Dynasty, there was a rebellion which almost succeeded.
The leader of the rebellion was Liu Yi Bo, Colonel Liu Gao’s grandfather.
“
Liu Yi Bo, the leader of the rebellion; Liu Zheng, son of Liu Yi Bo; and another 30 people of the
rebellion will be executed because of their rebellion and attempt to murder the emperor,” announced a soldier.
About 1,000 people were forced to gather at the palace of Qin Shi Huang. Qin Shi Huang was making an
example.
“
People, listen to me. If you don’t want any more of your family being dragged into the army or
construction sites, unite. Unite and rebel against the Emperor!” Liu Zheng cried. That was his last words. Then
the sword of the soldier killed him. Liu Yi Bo was the last one to be executed.
Back at the construction site, Liu Gao was writing a letter to his father. Suddenly, a messenger from the
emperor and another colonel came into the tent. The messenger took out a paper that is written by Emperor. The
messenger gave the paper to Liu Gao.
“
Read it,” said the colonel that came with the messenger, “when you have free time. Now get out.”
“
How dare you to talk to me like that! My father is the general of the whole army. My grandfather is Liu Yi
Bo. I can ask them to send you to jail,” said Liu Gao.
“
Not anymore. Guards, take this man to worker’s quarters!” cried the new colonel.
That night, Liu Gao was sent to worker’s quarter. Liu Gao couldn’t read the letter because it was dark. So
F