(a) Currency
Creation of a single currency with 2 denominations:

• A circular copper coin with a square hole in the center as the inferior unit with half a tael as a unit, which was used till recently;
• A gold unit called the yi (20 taels) as the superior unit.

Prior to this, each kingdom minted its own currency in various shapes, sizes and weights. For example:

• Qi and Yan: knife-shaped coins.
• Han and Wei: made of cloth.
• Chu: `ant-nosed’ coins.
• Zhou and Qin: round coins with square holes in the center.

(b) Weights and Measures
Measures of length and capacity were also standardised. During the Warring States Period (403 BC to 221 BC), each state had its own system of weights and measures. For example, Qi used the `sheng’, `dou’ and `qu’ as the unit, with every 4 unit becoming the larger unit. The First Emperor imposed the Qin decimal system inaugurated by Lord Shang Yang in 361 BC, using the `sheng’, `dou’ and `tong’, in which 10 units formed the larger unit.

An excavated standardised weight

(c) Written Characters
Before unification, the tone and form of the same word in the Chinese vocabulary differed between the various kingdoms. As this impeded the implementation of government orders and cultural exchanges. Li Si, the Counselor-in- Chief, devised a unified script consisting of new standard characters to replace the various types of writing existing in different states. The 2 existing types of scripts were standardised:

• The small-seal script or xiaozhuan: this was reserved for inscriptions on stone and the engraving of official texts.

• The clerical script or lishu: this was a simplified version of the xiaozhuan, and was used in everyday life.