Forging Qin in Blood and Iron: Shang Yang's Reform

Shang Yang (c. 390–338 BCE) was a leading Legalist thinker of the Warring States period. Originally a member of the ruling clan of the state of Wei, he studied under Li Kui and brought The Book of Laws to Qin. After presenting his ideas to Duke Xiao of Qin three times, he won the duke’s favor with his doctrine of power and led a sweeping program of reform. He abolished the well-field system and opened up the land for private ownership; introduced the commandery and county system to strengthen central authority; established twenty ranks of military nobility to reward farming and warfare; standardized weights and measures; and built trust by moving a pole. His reforms enriched and strengthened Qin, helped it recover lost territory west of the Yellow River, and earned him the fief of fifteen towns in Shangyu. After Duke Xiao’s death, however, the old nobility struck back. Accused of rebellion, Shang Yang was torn apart by chariots. Though he died, his laws endured, laying a solid foundation for Qin’s unification of the Six Kingdoms and marking one of the most profound reforms in Chinese history.