Shang Yang

Shang Yang, also known as Wei Yang and originally surnamed Gongsun, was a chancellor and reformer of the State of Qin during the Warring States period. Born in the Zhou vassal state of Wey, he migrated to Wei and ultimately found 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*. He was executed by dismemberment by being fastened to five chariots in 338 BC.