Detailed Discussion of Famous Officials from Past Dynasties (Part 1, 2, and 3)

Author: Li Boqin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: The great officials of China are as numerous as stars in the sky, and their wisdom, magnanimity, and integrity are often praised and passed down repeatedly. This book selects the outstanding among the great officials of past dynasties, based on historical records, presenting their true faces to readers in an objective manner. The book is well-chosen in its selections, with fluent writing, making it an excellent historical work enjoyed by both scholars and the general public.
Biography: In the 4th century BC, the emergence of two figures rapidly changed the geopolitical landscape of the Warring States period. One was Duke Xiao of Qin, and the other was the great statesman and master of the Legalist school, Shang Yang. The most important thing was that the two of them came together.
The Unsuccessful State of Wei: As history progressed to the Warring States period, after countless wars and mergers, the Central Plains gradually solidified into a situation where seven major states vied for dominance: Qi, Chu, Qin, Yan, Zhao, Wei, and Han, with Qi and Chu being the most powerful. Qin had once been one of the Five Hegemons of Spring and Autumn, but due to the lack of ambition of its successive rulers, the state had gradually declined. Around 400 BC, the Western barbarian Qin had reverted to a small, obscure state. No one had high hopes for this backward and impoverished place, believing it would have no future. It was already considered a success that it had managed to survive this long without being swallowed by other states. However, at this time, the emergence of two figures rapidly changed this situation. One was the ruler of Qin, Ying Chuliang (also known as Duke Xiao of Qin), and the other was the great statesman and master of the Legalist school, Shang Yang. Shang Yang was born in Wei, but Wei was too small to serve as a foundation for his career. At the time, Wei was also a major state, so Shang Yang went to Wei early on and became a retainer in the household of the prime minister, Gongsun Xue (holding the position of Zhongshi at the time), and gained his respect with his extraordinary talent and boldness. Gongsun Xue had once planned to recommend him to the King of Wei, but his illness delayed the matter. Later, when Gongsun Xue fell seriously ill, King Hui of Wei came in person to visit him. King Hui asked Gongsun Xue about his succession: "If your illness cannot be cured, who can take over as the prime minister of Wei after you?" Seeing that the king had asked about this matter, Gongsun Xue immediately recommended Shang Yang to King Hui, saying, "Shang Yang's talent is ten times greater than mine. After my death, please entrust the prime ministership of Wei to him. Although young, he is truly talented and fully capable of serving as your prime minister. The future of Wei lies in him." King Hui thought Shang Yang was too young and wondered how such a young man could be appointed as the prime minister of Wei. Perhaps Gongsun Xue was delirious with his illness, recommending such a young person. He said to his attendants, "Gongsun is gravely ill, and he wishes to entrust the state to Shang Yang. How can that be right!" He did not take it seriously. Gongsun Xue saw the king's expression and realized that the king would not accept his advice. He dismissed his attendants and whispered to King Hui, "If your majesty cannot appoint Shang Yang, you must be sure to kill him. Never let him leave Wei. A talent like his, once taken by another state, will surely become Wei's great enemy in the future." Gongsun Xue knew Shang Yang's talent and understood that if he served another state, it would be detrimental to Wei, so he warned King Hui in this way. King Hui, though he verbally agreed to Gongsun Xue's request, did not take the matter to heart. The minister Wei Ang, deeply aware of Shang Yang's talent, also recommended him to King Hui, but the king dismissed it with a smile. It was clear that King Hui was an ordinary mediocre ruler, not someone worth entrusting with his life.