Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance
By Sima Guang
Translated By Yiming Yang
Annals of Zhou Book 2 Scroll 2 (continued)
The 29th year of King Xian (340 B.C.)
Wey Yang spoke to Duke Xiao of Qin: “The state of Wei is a threat to Qin, much like a heart disease to a person. If Qin does not annex the state of Wei, Wei will surely annex Qin. Why do I say this? The state of Wei lies to the west of a mountain range with its capital at the city of Anyi. It shares a border with Qin along the Yellow River, providing it with a unique defensive advantage to the east of the mountain range. During favorable times, Wei could launch an invasion westward into Qin. In unfavorable times, Wei could move eastward and expand its territory. Currently, Qin is strong and prosperous under your excellent leadership, while Wei suffered defeat at the hands of the state of Qi last year and has been bullied by other states. This presents an opportune moment to weaken Wei. Wei is no match for Qin, and it would have no choice but to move eastward. Qin can secure the mountain range and the Yellow River as natural defensive lines, obtaining a much better strategic posture against the states to the east. This is the path to dominate all states and establish Qin as the preeminent power.”
Duke Xiao of Qin approved and designated Wey Yang as the commander of the invasion of Wei. On the Wei side, Prince Ang was appointed as the general leading the defense.
When both armies were in their positions, Wey Yang sent a letter to Prince Ang: “We used to be friends, and now we find ourselves as commanders on opposing sides. I truly cannot bear the thought of attacking you. I propose that we have a reunion, share a drink together, and then cease fighting for the sake of the people in our states.”
Prince Ang liked the idea, and they arranged to meet. During their reunion, they shared drinks. However, after the meeting, Wey Yang ordered his armored soldiers to launch a surprise attack, capturing Prince Ang. Then he ordered an assault on the Wei army, which had lost its commander. The Wei army was decisively defeated. King Hui of Wei, fearing further losses, sent an envoy to offer all the land west of the Yellow River to the state of Qin as a means to negotiate for peace.
As a result of these events, the state of Wei moved its capital from Anyi to Daliang. King Hui expressed his regret, acknowledging that he should have heeded the advice of Gongshu Cuo.
The state of Qin rewarded Wey Yang with fifteen cities in Shang as his fief, and he was granted the title “the Lord of Shang,” or Shang Yang, which he held from that point forward.
During this time, the states of Qi and Zhao launched raids against the state of Wei.
Meanwhile, in the state of Chu, King Xuan passed away, and he was succeeded by his son, who became known as King Wei of Chu.
The 31st year of King Xian (338 B.C.)
Duke Xiao of Qin passed away, his son ascended to the throne as King Huiwen of Qin. Prince Qian and his supporters accused Shang Yang of plotting against the new king. King Huiwen ordered Shang Yang‘s arrest, prompting Shang Yang to flee to the state of Wei. However, he was not welcomed there and subsequently returned to Qin.
Shang Yang and his followers attempted to escape to his fiefdom but were intercepted by the people of Qin. They fled northward and besieged the city of Zheng. However, the Qin people caught up with Shang Yang and killed him. His body was torn apart by five horses, and all his family members were executed as well.
Shang Yang, who previously served as the prime minister of Qin, ruled with iron wrists, strict and harsh enforcement of the law. His methods were often brutal, and he frequently executed prisoners along the banks of the Wei River, staining its waters red. After governing Qin for a decade, he had accumulated many enemies.
One day, a man named Zhao Liang approached Shang Yang. Shang Yang posed a question to him, asking whether he thought Minister Five-Goatskins [Baili Xi, the prime minister of Duke Mu of Qin] or himself was the better ruler. Zhao Liang responded cautiously, saying, “The confirmation of thousands of yes-men, is not worth the honest discourse of one. May I speak freely without fear of retaliation?” Shang Yang agreed, saying, “You have my word.”
Zhao Liang continued his candid assessment: “Minister Five-Goatskin rose from being a cow herder in the state of Chu to becoming the prime minister of Qin, a position of immense power overseeing tens of thousands. This was an unimaginable ascent. During his six or seven years in office, he launched military campaigns against Zheng to the east, orchestrated the installation of three lords in the state of Jin, and rescued the state of Chu from dire straits. He led a frugal life, traveling without carriages or bodyguards even during sweltering summers. When he passed away, the people of Qin, regardless of age or gender, mourned his loss deeply. Even children stopped singing, and farmers halted their work to pay their respects.”
Zhao Liang then shifted his focus to Shang Yang: “Your rise to power was facilitated by the eunuch Jing Jian’s introduction to Duke Xiao. Your governing style has been characterized by oppressing the lower classes and bullying the upper classes. Gongzi Qian endured eight years of house arrest under your rule. You executed Zhu Huan, one of his teachers, and disfigured Gongsun Gu’s face. As the Book of Songs suggests, those who are popular rise, and those who are unpopular fall. Your actions, as I mentioned earlier, have not garnered popularity.”Zhao Liang pointed out Shang Yang‘s reliance on force: “Whenever you go out, you are surrounded by chariots and heavily armed guards. A group of burly men drives your chariot while encircling you. You parade through the streets with a procession of armed guards. Without a significant armed escort, you dare not venture outside. As the Book of Shu warns, those who rely on virtue prosper, but those who rely on force perish. Your actions have not been rooted in virtue, and your reign may be as fleeting as a drop of morning dew. While you enjoy the wealth from your fief and maintain a tight grip on power in Qin, the grievances of the people are mounting. If the current King of Qin loses control of power or decides to exclude foreigners from his government, there would not have been a shortage of people in Qin who wanted to put you in prison.” Shang Yang did not heed Zhao Liang‘s advice, and within five months, he faced his downfall.
Reflection by Rio Grande 
Leave a comment