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Shang Yang

Type Figure Region State of Qin Time c. -390–-338 Also known as Gongsun Yang、Wei Yang、Lord Shang

Shang Yang (c. 390–338 BCE), leading Legalist of the Warring States, from Wei;…

Timeline

  1. c. -390–-365State of Wei · Henan ProvinceShang Yang was originally named Yang, a grandson of the ruler of Wei, hence the names Gongsun Yang or Wei Yang. In his youth he traveled and studied in Wei, influenced by the reformist ideas of Li Kui and Wu Qi, mastering laws and administrative techniques; failing to advance in Wei, he went west into Qin.
  2. c. -359–-338Xianyang · Xianyang CityTrusted by Duke Xiao of Qin, Shang Yang twice issued reform edicts: abolishing hereditary offices and stipends, rewarding agriculture and warfare, instituting the county system, unifying weights and measures, and enforcing joint liability. Qin's power grew rapidly, winning repeated wars, and Shang Yang was enfeoffed as Lord Shang in the Shang region.

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