The Evil Curse of Reform

+++++++ This story moves quickly, is not overly complicated, and has an unexpected ending. It tells the story of Shang Yang's reforms, stripped of mythology. The evil and cruelty of reform, and so-called political schemes that amount to little more than deception and mutual harm. Aside from the emotional elements and the unexpected ending, the story adheres to official history. Shang Yang was a villain, but there was something special about him. His death was not undeserved, but he was also pitiable. Harsh laws harm others and oneself alike, as they did to Shang Yang and to Qin, which fell after just two generations.

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Theme: Qin's government was cruel and its laws harsh, yet Qin's rule lasted two thousand years!