Use when abolishing the posthumous title system (谥法) to prevent subjects from judging rulers. Establishes sequential numbering from 始皇帝 onward as an alternative naming convention. Abolished by Qin Shi Huang in 221 BCE.
A governance reform procedure for eliminating the practice of assigning posthumous titles to deceased rulers.
Abolish the tradition where successors and ministers assign titles to deceased rulers based on their conduct, as this allows subordinates to judge superiors.
Identify the problem: The posthumous title system (谥法) allows:
Issue imperial decree: Formally abolish the posthumous title system
Establish alternative naming:
Prohibit future modifications: Ensure no later ruler can reinstate the system
Qin Shi Huang abolished this system in 221 BCE, though it was later restored under the Han Dynasty.