Shang Yang’s Qin Reforms | Generated by AI
Question: In the following passage from “Jian Zhu Ke Shu” (Remonstrance Against Expelling Guest Ministers), which of the guest ministers mentioned assisted Duke Xiao of Qin in implementing new laws and achieved success?
A. You Yu (由余)
B. Shang Yang (商鞅)
C. Zhang Yi (张仪)
D. Fan Ju (范雎)
Your answer: C
Correct answer: B
Answer:
The correct answer is B. 商鞅 (Shang Yang).
Detailed explanation:
The key sentence in the original text of 《谏逐客书》 clearly points to this:
孝公用商鞅之法，移风易俗，民以殷盛，国以富强，百姓乐用，诸侯亲服，获楚、魏之师，举地千里，至今治强。
Translation:
“Duke Xiao employed the laws/methods of Shang Yang, changed customs and traditions, the people became prosperous and numerous, the state became rich and strong, the common people were willing to serve, the feudal lords submitted willingly, he defeated the armies of Chu and Wei, seized a thousand li of territory, and to this day the state remains well-governed and powerful.”
This passage directly describes the great achievements brought about by Shang Yang’s Legalist reforms during the reign of Duke Xiao of Qin (秦孝公). These reforms (also called the Shang Yang Reforms or Yang Fa reforms) fundamentally strengthened Qin and laid the foundation for its later unification of China under Qin Shi Huang.
Brief timeline and role comparison of the four figures:
-
由余 (You Yu / You Yu)
A Rong (western nomadic) minister who defected to Qin during the reign of Duke Mu of Qin (秦穆公, much earlier than Duke Xiao). He helped Qin deal with western Rong tribes. Not related to Duke Xiao or the new laws. -
商鞅 (Shang Yang / Gongsun Yang)
The chief architect of the great Legalist reforms under Duke Xiao of Qin (reigned 361–338 BCE). He implemented strict laws, rewarded military merit, centralized power, abolished well-field system, encouraged agriculture, and unified weights and measures. His reforms made Qin rich and militarily powerful — exactly what the text describes. -
张仪 (Zhang Yi)
A famous Vertical-Alliances strategist (纵横家). He served King Huiwen of Qin (秦惠文王, son of Duke Xiao) and later King Wu and King Zhaoxiang. He was active after Duke Xiao’s death and is most famous for breaking the Qi-Chu alliance and helping Qin acquire land through trickery. Not active under Duke Xiao. -
范雎 (Fan Ju / Fan Sui)
The famous “far-attack, close-alliance” (远交近攻) strategist. He served King Zhaoxiang of Qin (秦昭襄王), several generations after Duke Xiao. He helped Qin defeat Zhao at the Battle of Changping. Also not from the time of Duke Xiao.
Conclusion:
Only Shang Yang served Duke Xiao of Qin and carried out the famous “new laws” (变法) that directly match the description in the passage. Therefore the correct answer is B.
References:
- 《谏逐客书》李斯 (Li Si’s original text)