Shang Yang

Shang Yang (Chinese: 商鞅; c. 390 – 338 BC), also known as Wei Yang (衞鞅) and originally surnamed Gongsun (公孫), was a chancellor and reformer of the State of Qin. Ultimately becoming arguably the "most famous and influential statesman" from the (early) Warring States period, he was more evidently known to Xun Kuang as a renowned military leader whose reforms strengthened Qin. Possibly going into broad circulation late in the period, writings associated with Shang Yang went on to influence the Han Feizi.

Born in the Zhou vassal state of Wey, he migrated to Wei, ultimately finding office in Qin in 359 BCE. Becoming Qin's chief minister for twenty years, he launched two series of reforms, laying the administrative, political and economic foundations that would eventually enable Qin to conquer the other six rival states, unifying China under centralized rule for the first time under the Qin dynasty. Scholars consider it likely that both he and his followers contributed to The Book of Lord Shang.