Chapter 21 The Biggest Dilemma: Change or Change?

Wei Yang set off from Daliang to Liyang (now Xi'an, Shaanxi Province), the capital of Qin, with Li Kui's "Fa Jing" after hearing Qin Xiaogong's "Order for Seeking Virtue". In 362 BC, after the Qin army captured Pangcheng in Wei State, Qin Xiangong passed away, and the 21-year-old prince Quliang, also known as Qin Xiaogong, succeeded to the throne. During the Spring and Autumn Period, Qin State had a brief period of glory, that is the era when Qin Mugong ruled hegemony.However, more than two hundred years after Qin Mugong's death, due to the continued strength of the Jin State, Qin State was basically cut off from the Central Plains by the Jin State, and could only settle in the west. Over time, it was regarded as Diyi by the countries in the Central Plains.

After entering the Warring States period, the state of Jin disintegrated, and the state of Qin took the opportunity to expand eastward and invade the territory of the state of Wei, and was hit head-on by Wu Qi. After Qin Xiangong came to power, Qin State underwent a series of reforms, and its national strength has been strengthened. It has won several wars against Wei and forced Wei State to move its capital to Daliang.However, compared with the eastern powers, Qin is still very closed and backward, and the victories in several local wars have not fundamentally changed the balance of power between Qin and Wei.The state of Wei still controlled the Hexi area, and under the leadership of King Wei Hui, it gained a broad strategic space in the Central Plains, which put strong pressure on the state of Qin.

It was under such circumstances that Qin Xiaogong issued the Order of Seeking Talents: "At that time, Duke Mu, the first king of Qin, rose from Qishan and Yongcheng. He implemented benevolent government and boosted morale. He quelled the chaos of Jin in the east and drank the Yellow River. He ruled Rong and Di in the west and opened up thousands of miles. All countries came to congratulate and created a foundation for future generations. How glorious! However, in the era of Duke Li, Duke Cao, and Duke Jian, there was no peace for several generations. The country was troubled by internal and external troubles. They all look down on Qin, there is no greater shame than this. After Xian Gong came to the throne, he stabilized the border and moved the capital to Liyang, just to conquer the Three Jins, recover the lost land, and restore the glory of our Great Qin. Every time I think about this, I feel deeply Sad. If anyone can offer a strategy to enrich the country and strengthen the army, I will confer titles and ranks, and divide the land!"

All of a sudden, heroes from all over the world poured into Qin, and Wei Yang, who was thin and thin, was among them, not particularly eye-catching. He met Qin Xiaogong through Qin Xiaogong's favorite minister, Jing Jian. The first time we met, within ten minutes of talking, Qin Xiaogong yawned, sent Wei Yang away, and blamed Jing Jian: "The person you recommended is arrogant and ignorant, talking nonsense, there is a fart for it!" Jing Jian was very depressed, and when he came back, he asked Wei Yang, "What did you tell the Lord?" "Emperor Dao." Wei Yang said, "But it seems that he couldn't understand at all, and he yawned after he didn't say a few words."

Jing Jian said: "I don't understand what is true. But I want to tell you, don't play tricks in front of the Lord, but tell the truth. He doesn't like others to exaggerate and talk nonsense." Wei Yang wanted to laugh but didn't dare to, and said, "Please give me another chance, and I will tell him the truth." Jing Jian was also patient, and after five days, he arranged for Wei Yang and Qin Xiaogong to meet again.Unexpectedly, Wei Yang was kicked out again after the two chatted a few words. Needless to say, Jing Jian was criticized by Qin Xiaogong again, and came back to ask Wei Yang: "What did you say this time? Why were you kicked out again?"

Wei Yang said: "This time I'm talking about the kingly way, but it's still not to his liking." Jing Jian said, "What's the matter?" Wei Yang said: "Please give me another chance, believe me, the Lord will be satisfied." After a few days, Jingjian really arranged for Wei Yang to meet Qin Xiaogong again.After the meeting, Qin Xiaogong said to Jing Jian: "Your guest is actually quite knowledgeable. We had a good chat today. Let him come to me again in a few days." Jing Jian breathed a sigh of relief, and came back to tell Wei Yang.Wei Yang unconsciously smiled and said, "I have already felt the Lord's pulse."

Jing Jian asked, "What did you say?" Wei Yang said: "Hegemony. You don't know that the way of emperors and kings is a strategy for long-term peace and stability. However, it takes time and you should not rush for success. Hegemony is like a strong medicine. The medicine is strong and has quick results, but if you are eager for quick success, you may cause future troubles. The lord is a person with a quick temper, this time I gave him some strong medicine, and I will increase it next time, just tell him the way to strengthen the country, and great things will happen."

A few days later, Wei Yang had a long talk with Qin Xiaogong.According to the records of "Historical Records", this time, Qin Xiaogong was completely attracted by Wei Yang. He was so fascinated by the sound that he habitually wanted to support the small square table in front of the banquet with his elbows, but he was empty and fell on the ground. In front of Wei Yang. The medicine that Wei Yang disclosed to Qin Xiao is actually an upgraded version of the Li Kui Reform of Wei State and the Wu Qi Reform of Chu State. Generally speaking, there are four contents: 1. Emphasis on farming and economic development;

2. Reward military merit and enhance the combat effectiveness of the army; 3. Deprive the nobles of their privileges and strengthen the centralization of power; Fourth, abolish the rule of man and promote the rule of law. However, just persuading Qin Xiaogong is not enough.For a long time, the political control of the Qin State was in the hands of the nobles and veterans, and they had the final say on state affairs, even including the abolition and establishment of the monarch.For example, Qin Huaigong was originally a son in exile, but he was welcomed back from Jin by the nobles to become the king, and was later abandoned by them, besieged and committed suicide.Duke Jian of Qin also came from the state of Jin.

Qin Xiaogong's father, Qin Xiangong, was originally in exile in Wei State for more than 20 years, and witnessed the reform and strength of Wei State.Later, he was welcomed as the king by the nobles of the state of Qin, and then the political philosophy of the state of Wei was introduced into the state of Qin, and a series of reforms were implemented. It is conceivable that in 359 BC, Qin Xiaogong was going to appoint Wei Yang to reform the law, and he had to go through the domestic nobles and elders first. Depriving them of their privileges is undoubtedly strongly opposed. The confrontation started directly in the court.

Qin Xiaogong made an opening remark, which roughly means that the responsibility of the monarch is to protect the country, and the responsibility of the ministers is to protect the monarch.I came to you today to tell you that if Qin is to be strong, reforms must be made, but reforms are a major event, and I am afraid that people in the world will discuss them, so I want to hear your opinions. Wei Yang immediately said, I am afraid of this and that, I can't do anything, since the Lord is determined to reform, don't care what people in the world talk about.Moreover, it is easy to be criticized by the world when a superior person acts; those who have true knowledge will definitely be ridiculed.A fool can't figure out why things happen after they happen, but a wise man can foresee what's going to happen.This is why you can't plan new things with the common people, but can only share the joy of success with them.Therefore, as long as the sage can make the country strong, he does not need to follow the old established laws; as long as he can benefit the people, he doesn't need to follow the old etiquette.Say a thousand words and ten thousand words, my lord, you still go your own way, let others say it! Qin Xiaogong nodded his head pretending to be reserved, and just said "yes", the senior doctor Qian Long said: "This matter must be cautious!" Many, can be regarded as the reformers of the year.However, he still felt overwhelmed by Wei Yang's radical reform.Qian Long said to Qin Xiaogong that since ancient times, sages have not educated the people by changing customs and customs, and wise men have governed the country without changing established laws and regulations. The common people can maintain stability, and the officials can easily accept it. "What you said is the view of the world." Wei Yang's words were sharp, "Ordinary people are naturally content with the old customs, while scholars stick to the knowledge in books. For these two kinds of people, it is okay to let them abide by the law. But you can’t talk to them about reform and strengthening, because they don’t understand at all!” Qianlong was furious, and he put his hand on the sword, trying to get up.Wei Yang looked as usual, and continued to talk: "Dare to ask the doctor, are the rituals of the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties the same? Of course they are different, and there are big differences, but why can they all rule the world? The Spring and Autumn Five Hegemons Is the legal system the same? They are different, and each has its own characteristics, but why can they all dominate one side? Have any of you doctors here thought about these issues? Since ancient times, wise people make laws, and stupid people stick to established laws "The virtuous person changes the ritual system, and the mediocre person is restrained by the ritual system, isn't it?" Qian Long listened, and unconsciously let go of the hand holding the sword, and remained silent for a while.Seeing this, Du Zhi, another senior official, said loudly: "If you don't have a hundred times the benefits, you won't talk about reform; if you don't have ten times the credit, you can't easily replace the old system. Follow the past laws and make mistakes!" "What do you think is not to make mistakes?" Wei Yang showed a mocking smile on his face, "Indeed, everything remains the same, and it is the least likely to make mistakes. But you think, Xia Jie and Shang Zhou, they follow the old system, and they are also subjugated Is it? Shang Tang and Zhou Wu, they actively reformed, and they won the world in the end? Please open your eyes and see how cruel the competition is in this world! Wei Guo became powerful through reforms and captured Hexi of Qin State. Did not return. If you are still stuck in the understanding of not making mistakes, then the Wei people will continue to eat away at Qin's land until you have nowhere to go!" Du Zhi was also speechless. Qian Long and Du Zhi were highly respected in the state of Qin. Their persuasion (at least superficially) meant that the main obstacle to Wei Yang's reform had been swept away. The next thing to do is to test Wei Yang's true talent and learning.But before implementing the reform, he still has one important thing to do. He was looking for someone, someone who could move logs.