SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature

Shang Yang

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 14.4

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    Juan

    Han Feizi warns slander can destroy even close bonds. Reformers like Shang Yang and Wu Qi perished due to treacherous ministers.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 13.3

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    Juan

    Han Feizi Chapter 13.3 continues the jade allegory, stressing Legalist reformers face harsh persecution. True statecraft must overcome elite resistance.

  • Han Feizi – Chapter 3.2

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    Juan

    Han Feizi lists tragic fates of loyal advisors. Wise, honest counsel often gets rejected; truth-tellers face persecution or death under foolish, tyrannical rulers.

  • Mencius – Chapter 7.6 Elite consensus as the catalyst for universal moral transformation

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    Ana

    Mencius said: “Governing the state is not difficult – the key is not to alienate the great families (influential aristocratic clans).What these great families admire, the whole state will admire;what the whole state admires, all under heaven will admire.Thus, moral education will spread abundantly and overflow throughout the Four Seas.”

  • Mencius – Chapter 2.12 The moral debt of rulers

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    Ana

    When a conflict broke out between the states of Zou and Lu, Duke Mu of Zou complained to Mencius: “Thirty-three of my officials died in the fighting, yet not a single commoner came to their aid. If I punish the people, there are too many to execute; if I don’t, how can I tolerate…

  • Mencius – Chapter 1.5 The invincible power of benevolence

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    Ana

    King Hui of Liang said to Mencius, “In the world there was not a stronger state than mine, as you, venerable sir, know, but during my reign, we have been defeated by the State of Qi on the east with my eldest son’s life sacrificed there; on the west we have lost seven hundred…

  • Su Qin vs. Zhang Yi: Alliances vs. Division [Warring States]

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    Rob

    This article explores the intense rivalry between the Vertical Alliance (Hezong) of Su Qin and the Horizontal Alliance (Lianheng) of Zhang Yi during the Warring States period. It details how Su Qin’s coalition of six states threatened Qin, only to be countered by Zhang Yi’s diplomatic stratagems that divided them. The narrative follows Su…

  • The iron reformer: Shang Yang [Warring States]

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    Rob

    This article chronicles the rise of Wei Yang (Shang Yang), the “Iron Reformer” of the Qin state during the Warring States period. It details his recruitment by Duke Xiao of Qin, who sought to transform his backward, humiliated state into a superpower. The narrative highlights Wei Yang’s legendary “Log at the South Gate” test…