Qin attended Changde First Middle School, but was expelled after refusing to swear allegiance to the Qing dynasty.

After Qing authorities noted his presence in China, Qin began his third journey to Japan, studying law at Waseda University.

Released after the Wuchang Uprising, Qin joined the Progressive Association and was active in the Xinhai Revolution.

He resigned from the Judicial Yuan in the midst Second Chinese Civil War for health reasons, and moved to Shanghai.

Zhou Enlai visited Qin there in February 1947, and he died months later on 18 April 1947, survived by a third wife, Quan Ruzhen.