Celebrity Death Records

Author: Sun Youliang
Publisher:
Publish Date: July 1, 2006
Features: A reformer for enriching the nation and strengthening the military: Shang Yang
Identity: An outstanding representative of the pre-Qin Legalist school and a political reformer
Died: 338 BC (at the age of 52)
Cause of Death: Crucifixion
Location: Xianyang
Evaluation: After the Shang Yang Reforms, the society of Qin underwent radical changes. Feudal economy developed rapidly, and Qin quickly became the top power, laying a solid foundation for Qin Shi Huang's unification of the six states. However, Shang Yang was harsh and unfeeling, employing many cruel methods during the reforms. Sima Qian strongly criticized his shortcomings, believing that he died under a bad reputation, brought upon himself by his own actions. After the death of Duke Xiao of Qin, his son, Duke Huiwen, ascended to the throne. When Huiwen was a prince, he had been punished by Shang Yang for a crime. Since he was the heir to the throne, Shang Yang allowed his two teachers to take the blame in his place. As a result, Gongzi Qian had his nose cut off, and Gongzi Jia had characters branded on his face. Therefore, after Huiwen took the throne, although he publicly supported Shang Yang's reforms and respected him greatly, he harbored deep resentment in his heart. Huiwen's two teachers, having suffered great humiliation at the hands of Shang Yang, were unwilling to let it go. As soon as Duke Xiao of Qin passed away, they spread slanderous rumors in front of Huiwen, saying, "Shang Yang established laws to govern Qin, and although the state is now well-governed, men and women of all ages only know the laws of Lord Shang. No one speaks of the laws of Qin. He holds a high position and great power, and it is certain that he will plot rebellion in the future." Huiwen, upon hearing this, soon sent someone to seize Shang Yang's seal of office and ordered him to return to his fief. Shang Yang then left the court and left the city, accompanied by a retinue fit for a feudal lord, and officials all hosted farewell banquets for him. Gongzi Qian and Gongzi Jia secretly reported the matter to Huiwen, saying, "Lord Shang shows no remorse and even compares himself to a feudal lord. It seems he will surely plot rebellion upon returning to his fief." Some noble families who had been suppressed by Shang Yang also confirmed that this was true. Huiwen then ordered Gongzi Jia to lead troops to capture Shang Yang. Shang Yang had already traveled over 100 miles outside the city when he heard shouting behind him. He sent someone to investigate and reported, "The court is sending troops to pursue him." Shang Yang was greatly alarmed, realizing that Huiwen held deep resentment toward him and that he was likely to meet his end. He had no choice but to flee in disguise. When he reached the border, it was already dark, so he checked into an inn. The innkeeper asked for his identification, but Shang Yang had none. The innkeeper said, "Lord Shang issued an order that anyone staying overnight must have identification. If someone stays without identification and is later discovered, we will all be executed together with the person staying." Shang Yang sighed and said, "The orders I issued are now being used to punish me." He had no choice but to leave the inn and walk in the dark. After escaping from Qin, Shang Yang came to the state of Wei. King Hui of Wei, resenting him for taking away Wei's western territories earlier, arrested him and intended to send him back to Qin. However, Shang Yang escaped during the journey back to Qin and returned to his fief. Unbeknownst to him, Gongzi Jia pursued and captured him, tying him up and taking him away. Huiwen listed Shang Yang's crimes and then ordered him to be escorted out of the palace and executed by crucifixion. Shang Yang's entire clan was also executed.