Shang Yang

Shang Yang (390 BC - 338 BC), also known as Wei Yang or Gongsun Yang, was a Weiguo native in the middle Warring States Period. He was an important politician and military strategist in the 4th century BC. He was also one of the representatives of Legalism. He studied under Li Kui. During the period of Qin Xiaogong (382 BC - 338 BC), Shang Yang carried out profound reforms to Qin's political and social systems, which made Qin gradually prosperous and powerful, laying the foundation for the subsequent unification of the six countries. In his early years, Shang Yang studied Legalism and military strategist thought, and studied under Li Kui, the architect of Wei's reforms. He was the concubine of Wei's prime minister, Gong Shu Cuo. After Qin Xiaogong issued an order to seek talents, Shang Yang entered Qin and implemented reforms, which made Qin gradually stronger and stronger. It was called "Shang Yang's Reform" in history. Politically, he reformed household registration, law, military titles, land system, administrative divisions, taxation, weights and measures, and customs; economically, he promoted agriculture, restrained business, and rewarded farming and weaving; and militarily, he led the army to recover some of the lost land in Hexi. However, Shang Yang violated the interests of the old aristocracy by promoting reforms. After the death of Qin Xiaogong, Shang Yang lost power and was arrested by his political opponents for treason. He was eventually sentenced to quartering on five horses. Shang Yang and his reforms had a profound impact on Legalism. "Book of Shang Jun" compiled his thoughts, words and deeds, and "Historical Records" established the "Biographies of Shang Jun". Modern scholars have also conducted in-depth research on his achievements.