Shang Ying (c. 389 BCE, 338 BCE) was a prominent political reformer of the Qin state during the Warring States period, who profoundly shaped the rise of the Qin state and the history of China's unification through a series of changes. The following are the key impacts of Shang Marting:
Rule of Law Concept:
Shang Yang advocated the rule of law and reform, and put forward the famous Legalist thought, which advocated the establishment of a legal system to govern the country. He firmly believed that the country could only be effectively governed if there was a strong rule of law.
Class concept: Shang Yang advocated the elimination of the feudal system, the abolition of the land-based privileges of aristocratic landlords, and the implementation of an equal social system. In the Qin state, he implemented a policy of equal distribution of land, eliminated feudal divisions, and improved the social status of the peasants.
Military reform: Shang Ying actively carried out military reforms and established a strong ** army. He advocated the implementation of the military merit knighthood system, linking personal military exploits with knighthoods, which stimulated the soldiers' enthusiasm for fighting and enhanced the overall combat effectiveness of the army.
Rule of law promotion: Shang Ying implemented a rule of law policy, formulated a series of laws, clearly defined criminal behaviors, and implemented corresponding punishments. This laid a solid foundation for the later establishment of the legal system in the Qin state.
Profound Influence: Although Shang Ying's reforms were opposed by the nobility at the time, his policies laid the foundation for the later Qin Shi Huang. Qin Shi Huang inherited and carried forward the Shang Dynasty's idea of the rule of law, further strengthened the centralization of power, and promoted the integration of the Qin State and the unification of China.