Early Career

Zhao Gao started his career under the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, as Prefect of the Office for Imperial Carriages; an official in charge of managing the palace horse-drawn carriages.

He also served as an attendant and tutor to Huhai, Qin Shi Huang's youngest son. He was well liked by Qin Shi Huang, and thus saw a rise in position.

In 210 BC, Qin Shi Huang died.