Shang Yang

Also known as Wei Yang · Gongsun Yang

Shang Yang, born Gongsun Yang and also called Wei Yang, descended from a minor branch of the Wey ruling house, studied penal law and served Gongshu Cuo, chancellor of Wei. When Duke Xiao of Qin called for talent, he went west and, through the favourite Jing Jian, persuaded the duke to reform. The Shiji relates that he won public trust by paying fifty measures of gold to the man who moved a pole from the capital's south gate, then imposed collective liability among households, rewards for military merit and priority for farming. In 350 BC Qin moved its capital to Xianyang; he merged villages into thirty-one counties, redrew field boundaries and standardized measures. After defeating Wei he received fifteen towns at Wu and Shang and the title Lord of Shang. When the duke died, Prince Qian and others accused him of rebellion, and after his defeat King Huiwen had him torn apart by chariots. A bronze measuring vessel inscribed in his name in 344 BC survives in the Shanghai Museum.