Shang Yang, born around 390 BC and died in 338 BC, was a prominent statesman and reformer during the Warring States period of China. He was originally from the State of Wei and later joined the State of Qin, where he was appointed as the Left Minister. Shang Yang advocated for the rule of law and implemented a series of reforms, including the abolition of the well-field system, the establishment of the prefecture-county system, and the encouragement of farming and warfare. His reforms laid the foundation for the rise of the State of Qin and its eventual unification of the six states. His legalist philosophy had a profound impact on later generations.
