Some people say that Shang Yang is a ruthless person. What do you think of this? Why?
In order to repay the kindness of Qin Xiaogong, Shang Yang carried out drastic political reforms without caring about personal gains and losses. After the death of Duke Xiaogong of Qin, the leader of the Ming Dynasty, he was torn apart by a Qin chariot and died. He is a tragic figure in history. What happened is this:
Shang Yang’s real name is Gongsun Yang, and he is a retainer of the prime minister of Wei, Gongshu Cuo. Gongshu Cuo recommended Gongsun Martingale to King Wei Hui during his lifetime. After Gongshu Cuo died, King Wei Hui did not reuse Gongsun Martingale. Gongsun Yang heard that Qin Xiaogong was seeking talents, so he left Wei and came to Qin. He met Qin Xiaogong through his good friend Jing Jian. After many in-depth conversations, Qin Xiaogong believed that Gongsun Yang was a rare talent for governing the country.
Qin Xiaogong began to reuse Gongsun Yang and was appointed Zuo Shuchang to preside over political reforms. He established a judicial system and prohibited private fights among the people. All rewards, punishments and titles were based on military merit, and production was rewarded. Anyone who was poor due to laziness or doing business would be punished as a slave. People who had not done meritorious service could not use luxurious clothes even if they were rich. thing. These laws were not announced immediately after they were enacted. Gongsun Yang was afraid that the people would not believe him, so he erected a tree three feet long at the south gate and announced that whoever could move it to the north gate would be rewarded ten gold pieces. Everyone thought it was strange that no one moved it. Gongsun Yang thought the reward was too small, so he increased it to fifty. At this time, a man stepped forward and moved the wood away. Gongsun Yang immediately gave him fifty gold. Show that you mean what you say. Soon he announced the new decree.
When the reform first started, everyone opposed it. Many people said that the new law was not good. Soon the prince also broke the law. Gongsun Yang said: "The reason why the law is not enforced is because the people above did not obey it properly." ’ Of course the prince could not be punished, so the prince’s two masters were punished on his behalf. One was beaten and the other had his face tattooed. From then on, no one in Qin dared to break the law.
Ten years later, the whole country feels that the new law is very good. The public security of the Qin State has greatly improved, and the combat effectiveness of the soldiers has also improved a lot. Those who initially said the new law was bad are now praising it. Gongsun Yang said: "These people are not good people." ’ He ordered them to be moved to the border. From then on, no one dared to discuss the new law.
Gongsun Yang was soon promoted to Daliang Zao, who had military power, and began to lead troops in wars. He defeated the state of Wei many times and forced the state of Wei to move its capital to Daliang. Gongsun Yang returned in triumph and was granted the title of Shang by Qin Xiaogong. From then on, people called him Shang Yang.
Shang Yang’s reforms offended many Qin dignitaries. Soon Duke Xiao of Qin died and the prince ascended the throne. Those who opposed Shang Yang spoke ill of him and falsely accused him of treason. The prince then sent people to capture Shang Yang, and he managed to escape to Wei State. The people of Wei State said: "Shang Yang is a wanted criminal of Qin State. Qin State is so strong that we dare not offend him." ’ They sent Shang Yang back to Qin. Shang Yang was finally torn apart by a Qin chariot and died. But the laws he implemented were preserved, and Qin's national power became increasingly powerful.