Chia Yi (200–168 B.C.), Chinese scholar who attempted to synthesize Legalist, Confucian, and Taoist ideas. The Ch’in dynasty (221–206 B.C.) used the Legalist practice to unify China, but unlimited use of cruel punishment also caused its quick downfall; hence the Confucian system of li (propriety) had to be established, and the emperor had to delegate his power to able ministers to take care of the welfare of the people. The ultimate Way for Chia Yi is hsü (emptiness), a Taoist idea, but he interpreted it in such a way that it is totally compatible with the practice of li and the development of culture. See also CON- FUCIANISM , TAOIS. S.-h.L.